Are you ready to escape the hustle and bustle of life while on vacation? So why not try the British Virgin Islands? They are located in the Caribbean Sea with around 60 islands, although most of them are not inhabited. A vacation in the British Virgin Islands will be hard to forget. There are four main islands called Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, and Tortola. The terrain is very different from island to island, so you will get some fabulous scenery if you travel. The island of Tortola is mountainous and Anegada is only 27 feet. above sea level. They have not ruined the islands too much with tourism. It is well balanced with modern conveniences while maintaining a true island feel.
The climate is always warm and tropical. This is how the locals tend to like it. Tourism is very important to these places, so there are many places to find good hotel accommodations and it is very easy to make travel reservations online. If you choose an all-inclusive resort, you will generally find the ultimate in luxury. There are many resorts to choose from in the Virgin Islands. Each of them offers a peaceful environment with the maximum relaxation available. So book your hotel accommodations early because the sooner you do, the sooner you can enjoy the spas, restaurants, and entertainment these resorts provide. But which island should you visit?
Virgin Gorda Island is a good place to rest and relax. Try los Baños, a unique beach that you will find there. There are huge rocks on the beaches that make up the pools for swimmers to discover. There are also many places to dive through the rooms and caves that form the rocks.
The smallest of the islands is Jost Van Dyke. It has a population of around 200 inhabitants. It is very small, but offers a fun trip to Diamond Cay National Park. This is a bird sanctuary that has thousands of types of birds. Here there are also reefs for snorkeling and trails for walking.
The largest island is Tortola. This has the most tourism and adventure to experience than any other of the islands. The Long Bay Resort occupies a total of 52 acres of the island. In addition to all the shops, restaurants, and gyms the resort has to offer, there are some great historical attractions to visit. Try Burt’s Historic Forts or Callwood Rum Distillery.
You will not find commercialism on the island of Anegada. It is a small island that is a true flat tropical paradise. While there are no resorts, there are plenty of locals to meet up with to get a real feel for the culture. The island is only 10 miles by 2 ½ miles wide.
Now that you know a little about each of the main islands, when is the best time to go to the British Virgin Islands? The most popular times to go are the winter months, for those who are sick of the snow and long for the tropical climate. But, that’s when all the other tourists leave, so there will be more people and hotel accommodation will be more expensive. However, always make sure to book your hotel accommodation in advance! Otherwise, you may not have a place to stay. During the low season (Easter to December), hotels will cost up to 1/3 less, so they will be much cheaper. And you may want to avoid hurricane season, which runs from mid-summer to early November. People are still on vacation during this time, but only prepare in case they need to leave quickly.
If you are not sure what the local currency is, it is a good idea to accept US dollars. So there is no confusing currency exchange when you get there. Their tipping policy is no different than here. It is 10 to 15 percent. However, some resorts will automatically charge for the service at the initial price you pay to stay there. Therefore, you will not need to tip if there is a service charge. However, it is always a good idea to tip dive instructors or anyone like that.
The best way to really see the sites in the Virgin Islands is to either get a rental car for the day or find a driver you can hire. Rental cars are usually expensive and there is the added cost of buying a “driver’s license” called the BVI, which is $ 10. But you have the freedom to go where you want and not be tied down by a tour. One thing to watch out for is that they drive on the left side of the road. This is a British island. However, there is not much traffic to worry about as you get used to driving on the left side. Sailing around the islands is a popular way to see the best of the islands.
If you plan to do a lot of snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands, you will probably want to bring your own mask. This way, if you buy yours, you will have one that really suits your face instead of using the ones the resort offers. Also, fins are not necessary, but some like to have them. Just don’t waste space in your luggage by taking them with you. Rent them if possible while you’re there. And a snorkel suit would also be helpful. Some only swim in a bathing suit or a T-shirt, but that won’t protect their body from the sharp coral. You don’t need an expensive suit, just one that covers your body. The water is warm, reaching 86 degrees in August and September. You’ll want to use plenty of tanning lotion when you go. The Caribbean sun is very HOT! Be sure to bring hats and lotion. Don’t forget to actually use them! You don’t want to ruin your trip and burn yourself on the first day.
So check out the British Virgin Islands for a true island experience, but don’t forget to book your hotel accommodation in advance!