I visited St. Thomas last year and I was lucky to make it in time for Carnival. Yes, it's pricey, considering who owns the majority of hotels and restaurants as well as having to ship in food. I had such an amazing time that I decided to return this year again - simply because of the warm and welcoming people. Everyone was so kind and generous to help navigate the island or take me to get some good authentic food and visit the most beautiful beaches. The taxi drivers always looked out for me and the hotel I stayed at was so hospitable with the kindest staff stopping by with fresh mangos. I also ate well - fresh fish platters at the Carnival village (and the village itself was incredible with live music on stage) and then delicious smoothies from local shops and vendors. I even went to St. John and ate well at a local restaurant. The unfortunate part is going to a Caribbean island and seeing more lets say 'non-local' food and hotels more so than those that have generations of rich history of being native to the island. With that, I always find it worth it to always seek out and patronize local authentic food and vendors.
Yes, it’s a great island to visit. How lucky that you got to be there for carnival! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Please subscribe if you can to help our little channel, cheers, Marlene.
@@Mr.CandyCb Hi, sure, absolutely! Keep in mind, I went during Carnival, so I often ate meals down at the 'Village' where all the food vendors were for the festival, but I did try surrounding places as well. In the downtown area, check out Gladys' Café in Charlotte Amalie. Also, within walking distance head towards the Emancipation Garden - across from the park are vendors. There's an awesome fresh fruit smoothie vendor - I think the name is Kween Vee Smoothies. My favorite dinner spot in St. Thomas is the Caribbean Fish Market. Had several apps, main dishes and deserts and this place hits home! If you like seafood, the Seafood Hot Pot and Stuffed Lobster is amazing! They also have Sunday Brunch as well. The beaches are stunning - Megans Bay and Coki Point are great for snorkeling - go early - Coki can get crowded. Plan a day or 2 to head over to St. Johns - it's worth it to take the short ferry over early to get to Trunk Bay, a gorgeous beach with a water snorkel trail. Cinnamon Bay is just as beautiful and Maho Bay has plenty of sea turtles to see! While at St. John check out The Roti King (near the ferry). But I must say, the surprise of all spots to eat was definitely Lime Out, a floating taco bar in the middle of the ocean. Best tacos ever. To get there, you can book a snorkel tour that stops there for lunch (like Stormy Pirates) or charter a boat (note, you will need to swim to the floating lily pads from your boat). There's also Pizza Pi, a boat that serves pizza in Christmas Cove - can only reach there by boat or snorkel tour (I know, pizza isnt a local dish, but its fun, lol). Back over on St Thomas be sure to check out the views from The Mountain Top and sip the world Famous Banana Daiquiri (you can get other flavors and get it virgin as well). Check out Water Island and kayak the beautiful mangroves on an eco tour. If you're up for nightlife, Red Hook has plenty of bars and hang out spots - though, I never got to hang out there at night. Had one too many Cruzan Confusions during Carnival earlier in the week that I gave up cocktailing for the rest of the trip. Anything with Cruzan in it is tricky! They're sweet and tasty and will definitely sneak up on you. Hope this helps and hope you enjoy your time in St. Thomas!
We book Jamaica through Expedia. They always give the best flight and hotel combination deals. I recommend Seven Mile Beach only. One of the best beaches in the world! See my Jamaica vlog. Thanks for watching and please subscribe if you can, it helps our little channel. Cheers, Marlene
I just came back from St Thomas 4 days ago. I was there for 6 days. My roundtrip flight from LAX to St Thomas was $193 :) I scored it big time. And yes, it's expensive there. Grocery prices were ridiculous and local food was disappointing and expensive. I was looking forward to seafood and fruits but end up being super disappointed. Barely any tropical fruits other than $5 coconuts. We tried numerous places and can't find fresh seafood. The beaches are breathtaking though
I found a cool little local store called Biso Mart to get food at. The owner was so used to me he turned me on to some fab local hot sauce, and some huge avocados. The whole trip was maybe $2K.
I was kinda interested in USVI since I love National Parks and wanted to check this one out. However, after watching some videos, like this one, kinda leaning against it. Seems like many other preferable (read more affordable) Caribbean options.
Thanks so much for watching, yes, I agree there are many more affordable options for the Caribbean. st. Thomas is really nice but it’s so crowded all the time with tourists . They get up to 8 cruise ships a day sometimes. Let us know where you go. Next please subscribe if you can to help our little channel. Cheers, Marlene.
I want to move there next year in September looking for a one-bedroom apartment do you have any numbers you recommend I am from Boston Massachusetts I can afford 30,000 jmd a month.
Thanks for watching! I don't know anyone who handles rentals. You can search real estate companies and they offer rentals on the sites. I hope this helps. Please subscribe!! Maybe we'll see you there!!
Thanks for watching!! Please subscribe if you haven’t already. Every little bit helps our channel. We use Expedia. Go with the rental car company that is on the grounds of the airport. Go with the well known rental companies like Hertz, Avis, etc,. The off grounds companies are a bit cheaper but the cars and service are horrible in my experience. We learned the hard way, bald tires, mirrors falling off, the fender even fell off once because the rental company previously duck taped it on. Hope that helps! Thanks again!
I like your video omg you are so right miss I’m Jamaican 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲 By birth living in the states I’m happy to hear you mention my native 🇯🇲🇯🇲 How I come across your video is because I’m visiting us virgins island and the hotels online are crazy expensive so was the airfare
I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! Please subscribe if you can. Yes, I was just checking on hotels there and they are so expensive!! My husband just said, “why don’t we go to Jamaica?” Lol thanks again for your compliment on my video!!
Well, I don't think so. The food is about the same on both islands, but there are no discount stores. Most people buy in St Thomas and bring it to St John. Thanks for watching! Please subscribe to our little channel, it would really help us. Cheers, Marlene
I’m not sure anymore to be honest. I would hate to give you the wrong advice. Maybe try finding Facebook groups related to St Thomas and ask there. Good luck! Thanks for watching and please subscribe to help our little channel. Cheers, Marlene
I used to live on St. Thomas. People didn’t believe me when I told them I would go to NYC once a month for fun and to get away from the boredom. I would load my suitcase with tuna fish and oatmeal and other things which were obscenely expensive on the island. Milk was more than rum, for sure!
I hear you!! Not my dream place anymore. Do you still go there to visit? Thanks so much for watching and please subscribe to help our little channel. Cheers, Marlene
@@passportstravelvloggers2580 I haven’t been back since Covid, but I was watching a video recently of someone driving around the island and noticed that not much has changed. I was a professor at the University of the Virgin Islands and loved my job. But it’s a limited place to live after living in Manhattan for 15 years. I’m in California now, and love it.
It was nice. I loved airport beach! It was commercial, lots of tourists some great beaches. Here’s the video I made so you can decide for yourself. th-cam.com/video/2ZnDFpYWcSY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=DkDVVV0OR10SpyZj Thanks for watching! Please subscribe to help our channel! Cheers, Marlene
I went to St Thomas 3 years ago , had not been there for almost 15 years and the place was unrecognizable, you used to be able to walk tight into town from the ship, now its miles away. . Its always had that seedy Cancun vibe but its truly ruined now. Its so commercialized , if you go get out of town fast , find a beach , coki never disappoints and shop for an hour on the way back . Whoever the planners are who allowed the place to be laid out the way it is should be forced to walk the plank. All the cool things , Blackberds Castle, Drakes Seat are still worth seeing but by and large save your money .
I agree, it’s not what it used to be. But you’re right still worth the trip, especially if you get a good airfare. Fares as low as $186.00 right now from LAX. Thanks so much for watching my channel!! Please subscribe if you have a minute! Every little bit helps my channel. Cheers, Marlene!!
People always saying that it’s so expensive because everything needs to be imported. That cannot be the only excuse since everything needs to be important in jamaica Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico as well and it’s nowhere near as expensive.
Well, i recommend that you buy property in Jamaica if you find it soooo cheap. what's the problem??? You made your comparison. American St.thomas with U.S. dollar compared to Jamaica where the people make little money 💰 and an exchange rate is very. high you got it made.
What do you expect when people in Jamaica is paid pittance in comparison to St thomas that totally have an American system. I guess you love that the people of Jamaica are not paid well in order for you to go there and have a cheap vacation at the expense of the Jamaica people who are hardly making it. Then you can leave and return to your comfortable life in the U.S.
Prices in St. Thomas are more expensive than anywhere in the States, you know this, so it has nothing to do with the “US dollar”. The mediocre food is very overpriced for what you get - and I live in one the largest cities in the US. Sorry, the criticism is why the USVI gets such little business. It’s exorbitant.
@@yslgyal4873 and your point is when 95% of the products are shipped in from the U.S. Are you expecting people to sell the stuff for the same price as it was bought for in the states?? People in Jamaica is paid pittance and live in horrible conditions and you are trying to compare that to St thomas. Keep living in your large city and be happy with that. I am sure your quality of life is sub-par in comparison to other places in the U.S. and you are most definitely problem getting the quality for what you are paying to live in that large city. Having the U.S. dollar has everything to with it when people have to be paid U.S. wages. You just want people to be kissing your ass and that's not happening in St thomas because the site of the U.S. dollar don't frighten us like some of those places you all travel to. Bye and dont come back. You wouldn't be missed one bit i can assure you that much.
@@yslgyal4873 i am quite sure you have never heard of economy of scale. The larger the population the more competitive prices will be along with more business offerings products. And you are trying to compare St. Thomas to the states. Please. Have you ever been to Hawaii and check those prices 🤔
@@bandit4true been to Hawaii and I’ve definitely heard of economies of scale - my point stands. Again, the USVI is definitely more expensive than the states and nearby fellow territory, PR, so your initial statement is still wrong. Get over it. People can disagree with you, you’ll live, love. Enjoy your Sunday!
@@yslgyal4873 again Puerto Rico is 100× bigger than the USVI. Economy of scale. The more people the better the prices are along with the more competition. If you are broke stay home and stop complaining.
No more expensive than Philly.
I visited St. Thomas last year and I was lucky to make it in time for Carnival. Yes, it's pricey, considering who owns the majority of hotels and restaurants as well as having to ship in food. I had such an amazing time that I decided to return this year again - simply because of the warm and welcoming people. Everyone was so kind and generous to help navigate the island or take me to get some good authentic food and visit the most beautiful beaches. The taxi drivers always looked out for me and the hotel I stayed at was so hospitable with the kindest staff stopping by with fresh mangos. I also ate well - fresh fish platters at the Carnival village (and the village itself was incredible with live music on stage) and then delicious smoothies from local shops and vendors. I even went to St. John and ate well at a local restaurant. The unfortunate part is going to a Caribbean island and seeing more lets say 'non-local' food and hotels more so than those that have generations of rich history of being native to the island. With that, I always find it worth it to always seek out and patronize local authentic food and vendors.
Yes, it’s a great island to visit. How lucky that you got to be there for carnival! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Please subscribe if you can to help our little channel, cheers, Marlene.
You have any recommendations for any local spots to eat and see? I’m going in a month and want to move and see and eat like a local :) cheers mate
@@Mr.CandyCb Hi, sure, absolutely! Keep in mind, I went during Carnival, so I often ate meals down at the 'Village' where all the food vendors were for the festival, but I did try surrounding places as well. In the downtown area, check out Gladys' Café in Charlotte Amalie. Also, within walking distance head towards the Emancipation Garden - across from the park are vendors. There's an awesome fresh fruit smoothie vendor - I think the name is Kween Vee Smoothies. My favorite dinner spot in St. Thomas is the Caribbean Fish Market. Had several apps, main dishes and deserts and this place hits home! If you like seafood, the Seafood Hot Pot and Stuffed Lobster is amazing! They also have Sunday Brunch as well. The beaches are stunning - Megans Bay and Coki Point are great for snorkeling - go early - Coki can get crowded. Plan a day or 2 to head over to St. Johns - it's worth it to take the short ferry over early to get to Trunk Bay, a gorgeous beach with a water snorkel trail. Cinnamon Bay is just as beautiful and Maho Bay has plenty of sea turtles to see! While at St. John check out The Roti King (near the ferry). But I must say, the surprise of all spots to eat was definitely Lime Out, a floating taco bar in the middle of the ocean. Best tacos ever. To get there, you can book a snorkel tour that stops there for lunch (like Stormy Pirates) or charter a boat (note, you will need to swim to the floating lily pads from your boat). There's also Pizza Pi, a boat that serves pizza in Christmas Cove - can only reach there by boat or snorkel tour (I know, pizza isnt a local dish, but its fun, lol). Back over on St Thomas be sure to check out the views from The Mountain Top and sip the world Famous Banana Daiquiri (you can get other flavors and get it virgin as well). Check out Water Island and kayak the beautiful mangroves on an eco tour. If you're up for nightlife, Red Hook has plenty of bars and hang out spots - though, I never got to hang out there at night. Had one too many Cruzan Confusions during Carnival earlier in the week that I gave up cocktailing for the rest of the trip. Anything with Cruzan in it is tricky! They're sweet and tasty and will definitely sneak up on you. Hope this helps and hope you enjoy your time in St. Thomas!
How or where do you book your Jamaica trips
We book Jamaica through Expedia. They always give the best flight and hotel combination deals. I recommend Seven Mile Beach only. One of the best beaches in the world! See my Jamaica vlog. Thanks for watching and please subscribe if you can, it helps our little channel. Cheers, Marlene
I just came back from St Thomas 4 days ago. I was there for 6 days. My roundtrip flight from LAX to St Thomas was $193 :) I scored it big time. And yes, it's expensive there. Grocery prices were ridiculous and local food was disappointing and expensive. I was looking forward to seafood and fruits but end up being super disappointed. Barely any tropical fruits other than $5 coconuts. We tried numerous places and can't find fresh seafood. The beaches are breathtaking though
OMG!!! That's a great price!!!! Glad you found it. What airline was it? Thanks for watching! Please subscribe if you can, every little bit helps.
Yes, we just came back and I did a vlog on looking for property. Def not the time to buy.
Don’t come back
@@Cjmosthatedd lol amen
I found a cool little local store called Biso Mart to get food at.
The owner was so used to me he turned me on to some fab local hot sauce, and some huge avocados.
The whole trip was maybe $2K.
I was kinda interested in USVI since I love National Parks and wanted to check this one out. However, after watching some videos, like this one, kinda leaning against it. Seems like many other preferable (read more affordable) Caribbean options.
Thanks so much for watching, yes, I agree there are many more affordable options for the Caribbean. st. Thomas is really nice but it’s so crowded all the time with tourists . They get up to 8 cruise ships a day sometimes. Let us know where you go. Next please subscribe if you can to help our little channel. Cheers, Marlene.
I want to move there next year in September looking for a one-bedroom apartment do you have any numbers you recommend I am from Boston Massachusetts I can afford 30,000 jmd a month.
Thanks for watching! I don't know anyone who handles rentals. You can search real estate companies and they offer rentals on the sites. I hope this helps. Please subscribe!! Maybe we'll see you there!!
what's the best way to go about renting a car
Thanks for watching!! Please subscribe if you haven’t already. Every little bit helps our channel. We use Expedia. Go with the rental car company that is on the grounds of the airport. Go with the well known rental companies like Hertz, Avis, etc,. The off grounds companies are a bit cheaper but the cars and service are horrible in my experience. We learned the hard way, bald tires, mirrors falling off, the fender even fell off once because the rental company previously duck taped it on. Hope that helps! Thanks again!
@@passportstravelvloggers2580 🤣🤣🤣 that’s why I used Avis. Had an amazing experience no issues
@@uniqueorganicshaircare9880 Yes, you were right and you knew what you were doing! Thanks for watching and please subscribe if you can!
It's 2022 May now! Update time!
I like your video omg you are so right miss I’m Jamaican 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲 By birth living in the states I’m happy to hear you mention my native 🇯🇲🇯🇲 How I come across your video is because I’m visiting us virgins island and the hotels online are crazy expensive so was the airfare
I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! Please subscribe if you can. Yes, I was just checking on hotels there and they are so expensive!! My husband just said, “why don’t we go to Jamaica?” Lol thanks again for your compliment on my video!!
Is this true if St. John too?
Well, I don't think so. The food is about the same on both islands, but there are no discount stores. Most people buy in St Thomas and bring it to St John. Thanks for watching! Please subscribe to our little channel, it would really help us. Cheers, Marlene
Is it possible to move here and find employment? Some apartments say 1000 a month? Is that legit?
I’m not sure anymore to be honest. I would hate to give you the wrong advice. Maybe try finding Facebook groups related to St Thomas and ask there. Good luck! Thanks for watching and please subscribe to help our little channel. Cheers, Marlene
I used to live on St. Thomas. People didn’t believe me when I told them I would go to NYC once a month for fun and to get away from the boredom. I would load my suitcase with tuna fish and oatmeal and other things which were obscenely expensive on the island. Milk was more than rum, for sure!
I hear you!! Not my dream place anymore. Do you still go there to visit? Thanks so much for watching and please subscribe to help our little channel. Cheers, Marlene
@@passportstravelvloggers2580 I haven’t been back since Covid, but I was watching a video recently of someone driving around the island and noticed that not much has changed. I was a professor at the University of the Virgin Islands and loved my job. But it’s a limited place to live after living in Manhattan for 15 years. I’m in California now, and love it.
Have you been to Saint Martin yet? I'm looking for honest reviews about the island
It was nice. I loved airport beach! It was commercial, lots of tourists some great beaches. Here’s the video I made so you can decide for yourself.
th-cam.com/video/2ZnDFpYWcSY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=DkDVVV0OR10SpyZj
Thanks for watching! Please subscribe to help our channel! Cheers, Marlene
Thank you so much for the link!
@@passportstravelvloggers2580 and yes, I am subscribed to your channel, cheers.
I went to St Thomas 3 years ago , had not been there for almost 15 years and the place was unrecognizable, you used to be able to walk tight into town from the ship, now its miles away. . Its always had that seedy Cancun vibe but its truly ruined now. Its so commercialized , if you go get out of town fast , find a beach , coki never disappoints and shop for an hour on the way back . Whoever the planners are who allowed the place to be laid out the way it is should be forced to walk the plank. All the cool things , Blackberds Castle, Drakes Seat are still worth seeing but by and large save your money .
I agree, it’s not what it used to be. But you’re right still worth the trip, especially if you get a good airfare. Fares as low as $186.00 right now from LAX. Thanks so much for watching my channel!! Please subscribe if you have a minute! Every little bit helps my channel. Cheers, Marlene!!
Wow. July 22 a flight from mci to stt is 1000 not including bags.
Look at the type of people moving here of course it’s not the same
Thank you try to get a ldera of the cost
I'm glad we could help! Please subscribe if you can to help our little channel. Cheers, Marlene
When we went we at mc donalds and wendys,it was cheap lol
Thanks for watching!! Yes, you can’t beat the dollar menu!! Pleas subscribe if you can, it helps my little channel grow.
@Richard S never really had a problem when we were there, I did notice a bit of trash everywhere. Next time we will have to go to St John
@@williamwalters9403 we have actually found usvi to be very clean….we certainly pick up anything we see on our island.
I rented a car in Colombia for $150 for a month. In St. Thomas to rent a car it is going to be almost $700 for a WEEK! Total rip off.
I know, St Thomas is expensive!! Thanks so much for watching! Please subscribe if you can, every little bit helps! Take care, Marlene
I might as well visite colombia its sound resonable there
$700 for a car for a week isn't bad, you honestly don't need one.
People always saying that it’s so expensive because everything needs to be imported. That cannot be the only excuse since everything needs to be important in jamaica Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico as well and it’s nowhere near as expensive.
That is completely true! I agree with you a good point. Thanks for watching and please subscribe to help our little channel. Cheers Marlene.
The government extorts the whole island, especially transportation
Well, i recommend that you buy property in Jamaica if you find it soooo cheap. what's the problem??? You made your comparison. American St.thomas with U.S. dollar compared to Jamaica where the people make little money 💰 and an exchange rate is very. high you got it made.
Because of the new make up of the island and tourist
Yes, nothing stays the same! Thanks for watching...please subscribe if you can! Thanks, Marlene
What do you expect when people in Jamaica is paid pittance in comparison to St thomas that totally have an American system. I guess you love that the people of Jamaica are not paid well in order for you to go there and have a cheap vacation at the expense of the Jamaica people who are hardly making it. Then you can leave and return to your comfortable life in the U.S.
Prices in St. Thomas are more expensive than anywhere in the States, you know this, so it has nothing to do with the “US dollar”. The mediocre food is very overpriced for what you get - and I live in one the largest cities in the US. Sorry, the criticism is why the USVI gets such little business. It’s exorbitant.
@@yslgyal4873 and your point is when 95% of the products are shipped in from the U.S. Are you expecting people to sell the stuff for the same price as it was bought for in the states?? People in Jamaica is paid pittance and live in horrible conditions and you are trying to compare that to St thomas. Keep living in your large city and be happy with that. I am sure your quality of life is sub-par in comparison to other places in the U.S. and you are most definitely problem getting the quality for what you are paying to live in that large city. Having the U.S. dollar has everything to with it when people have to be paid U.S. wages. You just want people to be kissing your ass and that's not happening in St thomas because the site of the U.S. dollar don't frighten us like some of those places you all travel to. Bye and dont come back. You wouldn't be missed one bit i can assure you that much.
@@yslgyal4873 i am quite sure you have never heard of economy of scale. The larger the population the more competitive prices will be along with more business offerings products. And you are trying to compare St. Thomas to the states. Please. Have you ever been to Hawaii and check those prices 🤔
@@bandit4true been to Hawaii and I’ve definitely heard of economies of scale - my point stands. Again, the USVI is definitely more expensive than the states and nearby fellow territory, PR, so your initial statement is still wrong. Get over it.
People can disagree with you, you’ll live, love. Enjoy your Sunday!
@@yslgyal4873 again Puerto Rico is 100× bigger than the USVI. Economy of scale. The more people the better the prices are along with the more competition. If you are broke stay home and stop complaining.
Done ..i subscribe u ..