It's unfortunate most Americans never get to the U.S. Virgin Islands. This U.S. territory offers some of the most beautiful land under the stars and stripes. Prices tend to be high for transportation, dining and accommodations. But there are some wonderful experiences to be enjoyed here for budget travelers who know what they want to do and have done their homework. Visit this gem in the Eastern Caribbean without spending a fortune.

St. John Escape

The island of St. Thomas is vibrant and bustling with tourism. Nearby St. John is largely a national park with miles of forest and unspoiled beach. Most visitors arrive on St. Thomas and never make it to the island's less populated neighbor. That's a shame. Getting to St. John takes time, effort and money, so it's a bit of a budget travel splurge ($44 USD round trip from Charlotte Amalie). But if you love quiet beauty, it is an investment in a perfect day you're unlikely to forget. From the tiny and picturesque port of Cruz Bay, drivers will take you to hiking points or the famous white beaches. Trunk Bay is a popular choice. It offers a marked snorkeling trail that is a bit worn but beautiful nonetheless.

Beaches

Because of their volcanic origins, many parts of the Caribbean feature black or dark gray sand. The U.S. Virgin Islands are famous for beaches with picture-postcard white sand and strikingly blue waters. On St. Thomas, Magens Bay is well-known, but you can find other places that are equally beautiful and perhaps less crowded. Coki and Lindbergh Beaches also get rave reviews. Pick the one that appeals to your interests, negotiate a cab ride with the nearest driver, and go. You'll be enjoying the best that these islands have to offer.

Day Sailing

At first glance, day sailing is quite expensive: between $85-$125 USD/person. It's not for anyone on a tight budget, but consider the activities that can be enjoyed with this initial investment before you dismiss the idea. Most trips include a nice lunch, beverages, snorkeling/scuba, jet skiing, trips to secluded beaches most tourists never reach, and sometimes even a little fishing. Given the high cost, it's important to negotiate the best trip that appeals to your interests and needs. A good place to start shopping is VINOW, an online guide with links to several operators. If you don't find something you like, hotel concierges and cruise directors usually have updated information on available trips.

Shopping

The U.S. Virgin Islands, especially the St. Thomas port of Charlotte Amalie, have a reputation for attracting bargain hunters. For many years, you could find great deals on electronics, diamonds, and crystal. That has changed a bit in recent years, as discount houses on the U.S. mainland are far more common these days. But keep in mind that everything in the U.S. Virgin Islands is duty-free. That does not mean that everything is an automatic bargain. If you're determined to do some shopping here, be sure you have a general idea what your target items would cost at home.

Scenic Tours

The views across these islands are spectacular, but the driving is an adventure. Although a territory of the United States, driving on the left is the rule. Many roads are narrow and winding. In short, renting a car here could be a bit unnerving. I took a taxi from Charlotte Amalie to Red Hook, and I know I would not want to drive that stretch of eight bending miles! If you take a taxi, remember that rates are set by the local government and tend to be high. But you can negotiate with a driver for a two-hour tour that takes you to attractions of your choosing. These start at about $35 USD for two people. Taxis are plentiful near larger hotels and at the entrance to the Charlotte Amalie port.

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