US Virgin Islands Country

Introduction
Despite tourists modelling cruise wear, these shimmering islands are paradise. If people are going to persist with an American dream, they may as well wake up to some of this. Though the US flag and Postal trucks prevail, the commonalities pretty much stop there. The laid-back vibe and some of the most magnificent coast on earth provide a taste of paradise and a bit of light relief to millions each year.
Destination Facts
Capital: Charlotte Amalie
Governor: John de Jongh
President: Barack Obama
Government: unincorporated territory of the US
Time zone: GMT -3
Area: 135
Population: 119827
Languages: Baptist (42%), Catholic (34%), Episcopalian (17%)
Currency: US Dollar (US$)
Weight System: Imperial
Country Dialing Code: 1340

Getting There
The peak tourist season is December to May, but this has more to do with the weather in North America and Europe than it does with the reliably balmy Virgin Islands' weather. It's therefore best to visit outside this period, when you can expect room rates to be two thirds of those charged during the busier months. An additional draw is that the calmer weather between April and August tends to keep the waters clearer for diving.

Getting there and away
There are international airports on both St Thomas and St Croix. From the US, American Airlines, Continental, Delta, United Airlines and US Airways have direct flights from several US destinations. Often these flights land in St Thomas first, then go on to St Croix. Most flights from Europe connect via Miami or San Juan in Puerto Rico. American Eagle, Seaborne Airlines, Cape Air, Clair Aero and Air Sunshine offer services between the US and British Virgin Islands. St Thomas' Cyril E King Airport is located on the southern coast, 3mi (5km) west of Charlotte Amalie. Henry E Rohlsen Airport is on the southern shore of St Croix, 7mi (11km) southwest of Christiansted. Buses and taxis ferry new arrivals to the islands' towns and resorts. A Saturday high-speed ferry does the two-hour dash between St Thomas' Charlotte Amalie and Fajardo in Puerto Rico. Tons of cruise ships dock in the US Virgin Islands, most at Charlotte Amalie, one of the Caribbean's most popular cruise destinations. Plenty of ships also call at Frederiksted on St Croix, disgorging hundreds of cruise shippers who head straight for the shops.

Getting around
The best way to travel between the islands is by boat. Frequent ferries depart from Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook on St Thomas for the short jaunt to St John, including a car ferry that plies its route several times a day (www.lovecitycarferries.com). Frequent, inexpensive ferries also travel between St Thomas and St John to Tortola and on to the other British Virgin Islands (be sure to carry a passport on these trips; you will go through Customs). Dozens of yacht charter companies provide visitors with the opportunity to sail from island to island at their own pace. To travel between St Thomas and St Croix, most passengers opt to take a seaplane (several times a day, 20 minutes). From November to May, the Salacia, otherwise known as the 'fast ferry,' shuttles passengers between St Thomas and St Croix. This 75-minute ferry is a good option if you're prone to overpacking; the seaplanes have weight restrictions (30lbs max), but the ferry does not. Hiring a car or jeep is a good way to get around the islands, though finding a parking space in Charlotte Amalie can be troublesome. Scooters and motorbikes can also be hired, but are not recommended, as the roads are steep, windy and often populated with chickens and mangy dogs. Signage around the islands is usually restricted to route numbers - the free tourist maps include these. Keep in mind: you drive on the left-hand side of the road (a la Britain), but the steering column is also on the left (a la the US), making it confusing as hell. Signs saying 'keep your shoulder to the shoulder' help you avoid head-on collisions. There are decent, if slow, bus services on St Thomas and St Croix, and a fledgling service on St John that runs between Cruz Bay and Salt Pond. Taxis are abundant on all islands, especially the open-air variety that carry 12 or so passengers at a time. They charge a set rate based on the destination and how many passengers are onboard.

Visa:
No visas or passports are required for citizens of the US and Canada, though you'll have to prove citizenship by way of a birth certificate, voter's registration card or valid passport. This will change as of December 31 2006, however, when the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative mandates that all travellers reentering the US will be required to carry a passport. Most other nationalities don't need a visa either (although it is always wise to check with your embassy beforehand), but will need a passport for a stay of less than 90 days. Proof of onward transportation is required upon entry.

Weather
Reliably Caribbean, the weather is balmy, with daily highs between a cosy 77 ° F (25 ° C) in winter and 82 ° F (28 ° C) in summer. Perhaps the most pleasant climatic aspect of these islands is the combination of the trade winds that keep humidity low, and the Caribbean currents that keep waters warm. During the wettest months, July through October, rainfall comes in short powerful bursts that are more likely to cool you off than dampen your visit.