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Destination Guide: U.S. Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay Beach in St. John
Allianz - Trunk Bay Beach in St. John

Searching for tropical perfection, close to home? The U.S. Virgin Islands are beckoning with soft white sand, aquamarine seas and lazily swaying palms. These beautiful islands are once again welcoming tourists after the devastating impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

St. John is ideal for nature lovers; because most of the island is a national park, development is minimal. St. Thomas, a major cruise port, has the most attractions and upscale shopping. Less-touristy St. Croix offers tours of historic sugar plantations and rum distilleries. Because the Virgin Islands are part of the United States, you don’t technically need your passport; but you should bring it anyway, because you’ll need to prove your U.S. citizenship when departing.1

Ready to go? Remember to pack reef-safe sunscreen, good walking shoes, and the free Allyz® TravelSmart app from Allianz Global Assistance. The Allyz TravelSmart app lets you access your plan and 24-hour assistance from your phone, anytime.

3 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance for the U.S. Virgin Islands

We often hear people ask, “Do I need travel insurance for the USVI?” After all, you’re in the United States, so you can be covered by your U.S. health insurance plan (including Medicare). However, travel insurance is still a must, because…

1. You need to protect your vacation investment.

Depending on when you go and where you stay, a week-long USVI vacation package can cost anywhere from $1,100 to over $3,500 per person.2 Don’t risk losing your vacation investment because of a last-minute cancellation! Insurance with trip cancellation benefits can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason.

2. Emergency medical transportation benefits are crucial.

If you fall ill or get hurt while visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands, your health insurance may cover your care. But if you need special medical transportation to a hospital or back to your home (repatriation), you may be out of luck. “In the U.S., medical-emergency helicopters are often out of network and not fully covered by insurance,” says Consumer Reports.3 Also, most U.S. insurance companies don’t cover repatriation.4 Travel insurance with emergency medical transportation benefits can pay the full cost of a medically necessary, approved evacuation or repatriation following a covered illness or injury.

3. The Virgin Islands are vulnerable to hurricanes.

Travel insurance for the Caribbean is especially important if you’re traveling between June 1 and Nov. 30, when most hurricanes strike. Insurance with trip cancellation/interruption benefits can help if severe weather derails your vacation.

What’s the best travel insurance plan for the Caribbean? We recommend the popular OneTrip Prime Plan, which includes key benefits and also covers kids 17 and under for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents). To find the best plan for you, get a quote! And don’t forget to get the Allyz TravelSmart app for mobile plan access.

3 of the Best Things to Do in the U.S. Virgin Islands 

1. Explore Buck Island.

Buck Island Reef National Monument consists of a small island traced by trails and encircled by elkhorn coral. Take a boat to get there (it’s just 1.5 miles from St. Croix), snorkel the underwater trails, hike through the forest and relax on the beach.

2. Experience Trunk Bay.

A stretch of sand that some consider the most beautiful beach in the world, Trunk Bay is located in Virgin Islands National Park, which covers two-thirds of the island of St. John. Too crowded? Try Secret Harbour Beach on St. Thomas or Rainbow Beach on St. Croix.

3. Spend an afternoon in Charlotte Amalie.

The USVI capital offers plenty to do: stroll past historic buildings, gawk at the mega-yachts docked at Yacht Haven Grande, or buy some bling at the many jewelry boutiques on Main Street.

3 of the Best Resorts in the U.S. Virgin Islands

1.Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas is a rare find: a, family-owned, all-inclusive USVI resort that’s known for its warm service, great food (no buffets) and sense of fun. Every week, the resort organizes a “snorkel booze hunt”: strap on your mask and fins and search for the underwater bottle of rum.

2. The Buccaneer St. Croix 

The Buccaneer St. Croix offers impeccable luxury and a long history that stretches back to 1653. Golf, play tennis, or lounge on one of the resort’s three beaches. A full breakfast is included in the room rate, as is a two-hour SCUBA class that culminates with a complimentary shallow-water dive.

3. Virgin Islands Campground

If you’re willing to stay in rustic accommodations surrounded by stunning scenery, check out the Virgin Islands Campground. Located on Water Island, a 7-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas, the campground consists of eco-cottages with a shared kitchen pavilion and bathhouse. Rates start around $150 per night.

3 of the Best Restaurants in USVI

1. Dinghy's Beach Bar and Grill

Let’s start with the essential question: What’s the best beach bar in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Most folks agree it’s  Dinghy’s Beach Bar and Grill on Honeymoon Beach, Water Island. The highlights: live music, powerful cocktails, great food (try the snapper and conch fritters) and stunning sunsets.

2. Old Stone Farmhouse

For fine dining, one of the best restaurants in St. Thomas is the Old Stone Farmhouse, known for deft service and killer cocktails. This is the place to go for a traditional, romantic meal with big steaks, fresh seafood and fancy desserts.

3. Harvey's Restaurant

If you’re more in the mood for island fare, then try Harvey’s Restaurant in Christiansted, St. Croix. This humble spot excels in Cruzan classics like fried parrotfish, conch, oxtail and curried goat. Don’t wait too long to grab a table ­— Harvey’s often sells out of popular dishes.

Dreaming of a tropical adventure? Protect that dream with travel insurance. See affordable plan options for your next vacation .

 

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Nov 25, 2019