With white sand beaches and impossibly blue waters, the Caribbean is one of the most desirable vacation destinations in the world.
And one destination in particular is exploding in popularity.
Visitor numbers to the U.S. Virgin Islands are soaring.
In the first 3 months of the year, visitor numbers are up by 21% compared to 2023 according to CaribJournal, and this pattern is expected to continue into the rest of the year.
Here’s why this Caribbean paradise is soaring in popularity with Americans:
An Easy Vacation Experience
The first and most obvious reason why American travelers love visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands is because it’s so easy.
If you don’t want the hassle of traveling with your passport, or if you don’t want to wait for months for a new passport to arrive, then visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands is incredibly appealing.
You get all the fun of an overseas adventure in a Caribbean island paradise, but no passport is required!
If you don’t have a passport, you just need to show evidence of U.S. citizenship upon leaving the territory (such as a government-issued photo ID).
Diverse Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands isn’t just a single destination.
Instead, the islands are made up of 4 main islands (St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island) and an additional 50 smaller islets and cays.
This leaves travelers with plenty of options for places to go and things to see, and each island has its own unique vibe and identity.
St. Thomas is best known for being the most luxurious of the islands, so if you want to be pampered or relax off the shore on a yacht for the day, then this is the place to be.
If you’re hoping to immerse yourself in incredible nature and want to spend time outdoors hiking or cycling, then the more than 7,000 acres of dedicated parkland offered by St. John is likely to be appealing.
St. Croix has preserved the most of its colonial heritage, making this the perfect spot for history buffs.
The island is also home to the famous Cruzan Rum Distillery, so there’s nowhere better to stop for a tipple.
Each island boasts miles of beautiful beaches, so if relaxing on the sand while listening to the gently lapping waves is your idea of heaven, then you really will be spoilt for choice.
The Best Time To Visit
Right now is the best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Any time between April and June is considered optimal, thanks to the mild weather and very little rainfall.
This time of year is perfect for spending whole days outside and enjoying the laid-back vacation feel.
If you love to feel the heat on your skin and in your bones, then you might find the sizzling temperatures of December to March appealing.
This is the island’s peak season in terms of both crowd levels and prices.
We do recommend that you avoid visiting between July to October.
This is hurricane season in the region. The U.S. Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean’s hurricane belt and are best avoided at this time of year.
But no matter when you travel, you can be assured of a warm welcome. The friendly and welcoming people of the islands are considered one of their biggest assets!
A Safe Travel Destination
Some parts of the Caribbean have had a bad reputation in recent months, as the U.S. State Department has advised its citizens to reconsider traveling to popular spots such as Jamaica and the Bahamas due to crime and safety concerns.
However, the U.S. Virgin Islands are considered a very safe destination for U.S. travelers.
Tourists should be aware of the risk of petty crime, such as pickpocketing. They are also advised to avoid obvious displays of wealth as they explore the region. But this is true of any vacation destination, and otherwise, travelers should have very few safety concerns.
As the U.S. Virgin Islands are a U.S. territory, there is no official travel advisory rating for the destination from the U.S. State Department.
But it has been deemed a safe destination with a level 1 advisory from other reputable sources, such as the Canadian and British authorities.
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