Tropical Timeshare Destination: No Passport Required at St. Thomas
May 2, 2008
Filed under Destinations
No passport? No worries! You can still enjoy a tropical vacation in the Caribbean. The U.S. Virgin Islands, also
known as “America’s Caribbean,” does not require American citizens to have a passport for entry.
A cultural melting pot, the U.S. Virgin Islands are home to residents who can trace their roots to a number of countries, including Africa, England, Holland, Denmark, Spain, France, India and the United States. The three main islands here are St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas-and if you enjoy shopping, then St. Thomas is the island to visit! After all, the island is known as the shopping capital of the Caribbean. Visitors flock to the duty-free shops in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Combine a shopping trip with some amazing scenery on a safari bus ride more than 1,000 feet in elevation to Mountain Top, a festive shopping complex. You can see neighboring islands from its “high altitude” location. Shop duty free here or sample its renowned banana daiquiris.
You can also take the tram car up 700 feet above sea level to “Paradise Point” for dramatic views of the Charlotte Amalie harbor. St. Thomas is an extremely scenic island, just 32 square miles, with many emerald hills rising from the turquoise ocean. Simply renting a car and enjoy the landscape is a popular way to wile away an afternoon.
Another great way to take in pretty St. Thomas is by boat. Take a snorkeling cruise, rent a catamaran or paddle a kayak in and out of the island’s many inlets and coves. Or head out into the deep blue sea on a fishing trip or scuba-diving adventure. Other activities include touring historical sites, playing 18 holes of golf and enjoying the fine dining restaurants featuring international cuisine. More than a dozen distinct beaches range from bustling centers for water sports to secluded locations for romantic strolls on the beach.
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