Travel Guides

Mere miles separate the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) from the British Virgin Islands (BVI). While the primary economy of both island chains is directly linked to tourism, each of these Caribbean sanctuaries has a distinct atmosphere to offer those who visit their shores. While the USVI is the "belle of the ball," beautiful beyond compare, with activity swirling around her, the BVI is the quite "wallflower," gorgeous in her own right, with peace and tranquility radiating from her core.

U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)

Known as "America's Paradise," the USVI boasts St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, and the increasingly popular Water Island among its more than five dozen islets. With more than two million visitors per year, many that spend the day as part of a cruise-ship vacation package, the USVI truly does offer something for every activity level.

St. Thomas

Looking for a high-energy atmosphere with daytime duty-free shopping and an exhilarating nightlife? Hop on over to St. Thomas.

St. John

Where to stay |

In need of quiet contemplation with a walk along a tropical forest path or unimaginable white sand beaches with turquoise-blue ocean waters? Bask in the unspoiled treasures found amongst St. John's vast National Park land.

St. Croix

Hoping to find a balance between action-packed adventure and peaceful paradise moments? St. Croix might be the perfect destination for you.

British Virgin Islands (BVI)

Travel a few miles east and picture a haven that has no direct airline flights from the mainland United States, Canada, Europe, or South America, no traffic lights, no fast food restaurants, and no buildings taller than the local palm trees. Imagine being catered to by a local hospitality that elevates the word "laid-back" to an all-time new high. Deemed "Nature's Little Secret" by the Tourist Board, the BVI is perhaps better suited for those travelers who are seeking to escape the hurried-pace and high-end commercialism of everyday life and many vacation destinations.

Even the total number of landmasses located within the BVI is casually referred to as "somewhere between forty and sixty." Many are uninhabited, some are privately owned, some can be rented in their entirety, and some feature only a single source of lodging. However, there are a handful of islands accessible to Jane and John Doe Tourist. Within an area equivalent to the size of Nantucket, Massachusetts and a population of less than 20,000 people, it's easy to feel as is you're the only one on the island of your choice.

Tortola

Tortola, the "Dove of Peace" and the largest of the BVI, boosts the highest population and a matching level of tourist accommodations and activities.

Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda, otherwise known as the laid-back "Fat Virgin," is next in size with fewer hotel/restaurant/etc offerings but even more opportunity to become lost in your own paradise.

Jost Van Dyke

While all of the BVI caters mostly to those who arrive with sturdy sea legs, the island of Jost Van Dyke is a favorite resting place for leery-landlubbers who prefer to fall asleep to the cradling waves beneath their boats.

Anegada

Anegada, the only BVI that's non-volcanic in origin, offers a unique environment on a low-lying coral - and limestone based playground for day-trippers.

Regardless if you're craving a wild, fun-filled experience or you're desperately seeking a reprieve from the demands of the world around you, both the USVI and the BVI provide a foreign vacation feel with a home-away-from-home comfort level. With easy access available to both United States and Canadian citizens, a US dollar-based economy, and a familiar English speaking population with a refreshing "calypso rhythm" twist, you too can be a Virgin Islander, if but for a moment in time. It will likely be time that you'll cherish forever.