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Planning to visit the Unites States Virgin Islands? Here's some information for you which is extracted from the third edition of The Adventure Guide to the Virgin Islands by Harry S. Pariser. This text is copyright 1995, Harry S. Pariser. All rights reserved.Contact the author for reprint or other rights.

A revised version of these are coming, as is Explore the Virgin Islands, the definitive travel guide to the Virgin Islands and successor to Adventure Guide to the Virgin Islands. Expect to see it in the winter of 2002.

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Featuring spectacular beaches, panoramas, and climate, the U.S. Virgins have been part of the United States for over half a century, yet many Americans have never even heard of them. These islands (pop. 102,000)--with their largely black yet culturally and ethnically composite society--possess a distinct culture and history of their own.

Set in the Caribbean's NE corner right at the end of the Greater Antilles, the USVI comprise around 50 islands and cays. The three main islands--St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix--are easily accessible from neighboring Puerto Rico. Each has its distinct personality and resembles the others only in having beautiful white beaches and offlying coral reefs.

CLIMATE: Rarely does it rain on these islands. (Average rainfall is only 40-50 in. per year). When it does, it usually lasts only a few minutes. May, Sept., and Oct. are the wettest months. During the day, temperatures range in the 80s, dropping to the 70s in the evening.

WHEN TO COME: Anytime is the right time but holiday seasons tend to be crowded and the summer can be quite hot.

WHO SHOULD COME: The USVI are suitable for everyone from those seeking a stay in a luxury resort to those who appreciate smaller establishments. While not the best place for those on a budget, it is possible to get by here. Camping is available in the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John.

PLANNING EXPENSES: The USVI can be as expensive as you wish them to be. At a rock bottom, you should allow for US$100 pd. Restaurant meals are comparable to Europe or the US, although you can snack for considerably cheaper. Market food (except for bread) is higher priced than in the US mainland.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY: There is no list of must-see places, and places to go depend upon which island you stay on. Unless you really want to be a tourist and are mainly interested in staying in a resort and lying out in the sun, there's not much reason to stay on St. Thomas. St. John is much nicer. Visitors to St. Croix will want to visit Frederiksted and Christiansted as well as other attractions.

GETTING THERE: Continental, United, USAir, American, and TWA all fly.

Buck Island Reef National Monument-- Centered around a small island which is 6 mi. (10 km) off St. Croix, this reserve has a guided underwater snorkeling trail.

Charlotte Amalie--St. Thomas's only town. It is principally suited for shopping but does have a number of historic buildings.

Christiansted--St. Croix's main town which has many historic buildings.

Coral World--An underwater observation tower on St. Thomas. (Closed since Hurricane Marilyn)

Cruz Bay--St. John's laid back town. There's good nightlife here.

Frederiksted--St. Croix's second largest town. Be sure to visit the small aquarium here.

Hassel Island--An island off St. Thomas which is part of Virgin Islands National Park and has some hiking trails.

Reef Bay Trail--The most challenging of St. John's numerous hiking trails.

Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge--A fine three-mile stretch of sand on St. Croix which is the most important location in the US for regular nesting of the leatherback sea turtle.

St. George Botanical Garden--Located off Centerline Rd. about four miles W of Fredericksted, this garden was originally a 16-acre estate during the 18th-19th C, and it contains the ruins of a greathouse, rum factory, lime kiln, baker's and saddlemaker's shops, and a stone dam. Enter through the stone gates along a road flanked on either side by rows of royal palms, the trees grown by Hebraic kings in the Garden of Babylon. The flowers and foliage here are truly wonderful.

Trunk Bay--A beach on St. John whose underwater trail has been ruined by overuse. Nevertheless, the beach is lovely.

Virgin Islands National Park--A beautiful park which occupies much of St. John.

Whim Greathouse--Located two miles off Centerline Rd. near Fredericksted, St. Croix, this large sugar estate complex has been restored by the St. Croix Landmarks Society.