Wednesday, 20 May 2015

How to Plan Your Yacht Charter


So you’ve either visited the Virgin Islands or have read enough about it where you feel confident enough to bring up the idea of chartering a boat there. But what you’re not confident about is actually planning that trip. Your head is filled with questions, but you can’t seem to even struggle past the first one; where do I begin? 

I’m here to help you with that seemingly daunting task of planning your trip for you and the others joining you. I’ll leave it up to you to gather your friends together, pick a date, and all those other personal details, but I can at least point you in the right direction. 

1. Know your Skills
     Although you might have watched movies and YouTube videos of people raising the sails and maneuvering the boat with precision and thought, “I can do that”, you may be biting off more than you can chew. Sailing a boat is more than just turning the wheel in the direction you need to go and calling it a day; there are a number of problems you can run into with no one for miles to help. I’m not trying to scare anyone away, just making sure everyone is ready for this great adventure your about to endure. Sailing lessons are also available for anyone trying to polish their rusty skills, or you can even hire a captain so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. 


2. Choose the Area
    The Caribbean is made up of a variety of islands that come in all shapes, sizes, and eco systems. Some areas might be easier to sail than others, so keep in mind where you want to go. Also, keep in mind that you if you sail outside of the USVI, you’ll have to educate yourself on the customs and immigration of that area. Need to do some research? Check out these links to read more:




3. Pick a Date
     Picking a date is more important than a decision you made on a whim because “you had some vacation days”; it’s all about weather patterns. The last thing you want is to have your vacation cut short because of a nasty summer storm rolling through. In the Caribbean, the summer might be cheaper, and that is because it’s hurricane season. Do you research on weather patterns to figure out when sunny skies and decent winds are rolling through. It might not be guaranteed, but at least it’s a guide line.




4. Find a Company
One of the many great things about the Virgin Islands is that they are not short of yacht charter
companies to work with. Many companies will help you plan your vacation and answer any
questions you may have along the way. 






5. Make a Game Plan
             A. Be Realistic
If you want to sail the boat yourself and you envision your trip to be you on the boat deck sipping rum punch and not having a care in the world, think again. There will be times to relax, but there will also be times you’ll have to work hard. Also, you might not have a warm shower your whole trip, and rocky waters might make you a little seasick. If you prepare yourself for these not-so-pretty details, you’ll end up having a better time.

B. Do You Want to Sail Yourself, or do You Want a Crew
Now, if you don’t want to give up the vision of you sipping rum punch on the boat deck all day, then you don’t have to! Get a captain, or for large boats with many people, get a crew. This will cost more, but it might be worth it for those of you who want to snorkel, drink, and not have a care in the world. (Cold showers may still be included)

     C. Can they Provision the Boat for You?
A lot of companies offer boat provisioning before your arrival. Make sure you talk to arrange that before hand. 

     D. Make Lodging Arrangements Before and After Your Charter
You should always give yourself an extra day before and after you charter to make traveling less stressful and just in case of delays.

     E. Make Flying Arrangements for You and Your Guests
If you’re traveling with a group of people, make sure everyone is on the same page. Make flight, hotel, and other travel arrangements together to ensure everyone arrives on time.

6. Pack Accordingly
    Many people make the mistake by over packing for their boat trip. They also make the mistake on not packing enough of the right things either. Check out a few of these links below to get the best packing list

          Packing List One

          Packing List Two

          Packing List Three



7. Don’t Stress
Remember that this is still a vacation, so have fun! Think back to when the idea first popped into
your head and appreciate that you were able to execute your plan and make your dream a reality. 

Hopefully after you were done reading this, the anxiety subsided and the adventurer in you got butterflies. No, chartering a boat isn’t for everyone, but for those of you who have the dream can surely accomplish it! 
Have fun!

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Tuesday, 5 May 2015

What to do During St. Thomas Carnival




It's that time of year again. That time where everyone gets dressed up, parades down the street and dance their you know what's off. That's right... Carnival time! Locals, tourists, kids, adults, pretty much everyone flocks to Charlotte Amalie to join in the celebration. 

If you are curious as to what there is to do during Carnival, check out the list I have put together!

1. The Pageants

The pageants are one of the first events during Carnival. They have two major pageants; Queen and Prince and Princess. The Queen Selection Show has contestants between ages 16-21 years old and is the most prestigious and highly competitive show. Once passed down the crown from the previous queen, they are officially representing St. Thomas and the Virgin Islands. The Princess Selection show features younger contestants, ages 6 to 12 years old, and is a little more laid back than the Queen Selection Show, but still is fun for the participates and viewers.

2. Live Music 

Having fun, dancing, and listening to great live music is what Carnival is all about. There are so many different bands and other live music you can catch all throughout the month of Carnival!


3. The Food 

There’s no question that Carnival has some of the best island food around. I can almost guarantee you’ll leave feeling stuffed! They offer food like fried fish, Johnnycakes, different kinds of pates, and much more! You’re just going to have to see for yourself. Make sure you check out the food fair too. It’s a daylong celebration of island food broken down into different booths.

4. The Village

The Village is the hub of the Carnival and is much anticipated by locals and tourists alike. This week long venue is kicked off by the ribbon cutting ceremony done by the Governor, the Carnival Queen, and sometimes the honoree. The Late Cleve "Grapo" Turnbull is 2015's honoree. He was chosen for his hard work and dedication to the previous carnivals and his amazing artistic ability. 

 The Village is never short of things to do. Dance to live music, eat and drink awesome local food, and enjoy classic carnival games and rides!

5. Parades

The parades during carnival are one of the most planned out events. There are number of parades, J’ouvert, the adults parade, and the children’s parade. J’ouvert is one of the most popular events during Carnival! Thousands show up in the early morning and dance down Main Street to their favorite music. 

The adult’s parade is another crowd favorite. This takes about a year in advance to plan and organize due to thinking up a theme, making elaborate costumes, and gathering trope members. There are small troupes, with as little as 10 members, and there are also very large troupes with hundreds of members. 

The Children’s parade is similar to the adult’s parade, but the participants ranging from toddlers to teens. They also dress up in fun, colorful costumes and dance their hearts out down Main Street. 

6. Fireworks 
Fireworks are a great ending to any event. This amazing display happens over St. Thomas Harbor and there are so many great spots on the island to get a great view.

There is just so much to do and see during Carnival. There are so many traditions carried on throughout the years, and some added on along the way. To read about the history of Carnival, click on the link below.

 History of St. Thomas Carnival

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Saturday, 11 April 2015

Destination Weddings: Part 3 "How to Plan a Destination Wedding"


 
Planning a wedding can be many things. It can be fun, exciting, joyful, and moving... but it can also be stressful, hectic, and a battle between you and your sanity. We get it, but this list we have made might help you enjoy the better parts.

Nine to Twelve Months

1.     Pick Your Location

This may the easiest step for some of you who’ve had a place in mind before you’ve even met your fiancé, or it maybe the hardest, because there’s a whole world out there and you want to pick the right place! Well don’t stress. Do your research and make sure you understand the marriage requirements and the logistics of having your wedding there.




2.     Create a Budget

The good thing about destination weddings is that they tend to be cheaper than a traditional wedding. Talk between yourselves to set a budget and stick to it. Remember there is airfare, lodging, food, and all the other little odds and ends of a wedding.

3.     Compile a Guest List

Making a guest list is very important. Make sure once you get together your guest list, you inform all your guests and see if it is feasible for them to make it. It is essentially a vacation for them too, so you have to make sure you give your guests enough time to get off work and save the date.

4.     Make a Trip Out to Your Destination (if Possible)

This may not be possible for everyone, but if you can, do it! Pictures on the Internet will only tell you so much abut a place. You will want to go in person and scope everything out. All the way from resorts to beaches, restaurants and activities, you’ll want to get a good idea of the things you and your wedding party will be doing.

5.     Pick the Location of the Wedding and Lodging

Whether you visit there or not, you have to choose a wedding venue and lodging. Make sure once you choose, block rooms for your guests; you can hash out the smaller details later. Many resorts offer wedding packages that can save you time, money, and create a much smoother experience by booking two in one.

Six to Nine Months

6.     Choose a Wedding Company 

You may think you can plan your entire wedding, but trust me when I say you’ll be much happier by getting a planner. They will take a lot off your shoulders and can make it a much better experience. Also many resorts have wedding coordinators on site, so everything is done in-house and runs smoothly.

7.    Have a Meeting with Your Wedding Coordinator and Share Your Vision

Share your vision with your wedding coordinator and don’t hold back. A few suggestions would be, make a Pinterest wedding board, send them pictures of what you want for your cake, and tell them how you want your decorations. Also, once you show them/tell them your vision, try not to make any changes. Places such as the Caribbean move on island time and this could slow down the process and create a more messy experience. 
 
8.  Plan Your Honeymoon


Planning your honeymoon is a sometimes put on the back burner when you’ve been planning a wedding. Don’t let this go unnoticed; planning your honeymoon can be fun! To save time and money, choose the destination that you’ll be getting married!

Four to Six Months

9.     Help Your Family Make Plans

Traveling can be hectic, but if everyone is on the same page, it can make things a little easier. Get together, send e-mails, and make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of arrival date, airfare, passports, rooms, etc.

Two to Four Months

10.   Additional Details and Planning Excursions 

Chances are, you chose an amazing destination where there is a lot to see. Destination weddings are so great because it’s more than just a wedding, but a whole experience. Have fun and plan some excursions throughout the week to have the most memorable wedding ever. 


11.  Formal Invites

Even though a destination wedding isn’t always formal, it’s nice to add a few traditional touches here and there. Sending our formal invites to a destination wedding can involve a few more details than a typical wedding. A popular thing to do is add traveling details, excursion itinerary, and any other little bits you may want to add. 

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Friday, 20 March 2015

Destination Weddings: Part 2 "Benefits of Having a Destination Wedding"


For those of you who are on the fence about having a destination wedding, I have put together a list of some benefits that might help you make a decision. Many couples believe it is out of the realm of possibilities, but with a little imagination and creativity, you can make you wedding dreams come true!

1. It’s An Adventure For Everyone
Have a little fun before the wedding
A destination wedding is an experience for all of your guests. Everyone is happy, in vacation mode, and on island time. Instead of making it a one-day event, many couples will take a few days to hang out at the beach, go on a day sail and explore the island before and/or after they tie the knot. You can involve everyone and plan everything to the T, or you can go with the flow and let everyone do his or her own thing.

2. More Intimate
With a destination wedding, you tend to have more time and a smaller guest list. This will give you more one-on-one time with each of your guests. Weddings these days have become so large that many couples don’t even have a chance to taste the food because they are so busy talking to all of their guests. During your destination reception, you’ll have time to talk to everyone AND eat that delicious plate of mahi-mahi and wedding cake.

3. Making a Memorable Experience
A destination wedding typically takes place at a beautiful location where there is a lot to do. There is a chance that not all of you guests (or even you) have been there before. Take advantage and have a ton of fun with everyone! Snorkel with your parents, kayak with your sister, or zipline with your cousins, no matter what you choose, it’ll leave a lasting impression on all of your guests.
How about take the whole family ziplining!
4. Not as Expensive as You Think
Weddings these days cost on average $25,200, and even put a lot of newly weds in debt. We know your wedding day is important, but it doesn’t have to put such a large dent in your wallet. A smaller guest list will shrink the cost of food and any other wedding expense significantly. You can be creative! Have fun with a few DIY projects and get the family involved! Also, invest in a wedding planner because they can help you get the best bang for your buck and keep everything on track.

5. Great Photos
You can't go wrong with this view
Most destination wedding locations are absolutely beautiful and a great example of this is right here on St. Thomas. The Virgin Islands is a photographers dream, surrounded by turquoise water, sunny skies, and lush tropical flora and fauna, making your wedding photos turn out spectacular (and make all your friends who couldn’t come jealous).

6. Honeymoon
Island hop as newly weds
Honeymoons can cost a pretty penny, but many couples that have a destination wedding will stay an extra week at their current spot, or near by their honeymoon location. Some couples will hop on a cruise ship, take a ferry or small aircraft to a neighboring island or just stay put and continue the fun as newly weds.

Be sure to catch our next blog post about different wedding planners right here in the US Virgin Islands! They can help you move forward with your wedding dreams and we wish all of you happy couples the best of luck. 

Click the link below to read more:
Part 1 of 3: "Is a Destination Wedding Right For You?"

Part 3 of 3: "How to Plan a Destination Wedding"

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Friday, 13 March 2015

Destination Weddings: Part 1 "Is a Destination Wedding Right For You?"


As society changes and evolves, so does our taste in weddings. Years ago, people had small, modest weddings with close friends and family that cost only a fraction of what we spend in modern times. You’ll notice in today’s society, the simple weddings of yesterday are in the past and customize weddings that fit the individuality of the couple are the future.  If you’re wondering if having a destination wedding is right for you, listen to some of these facts and decide for yourself.

1. Brings the whole family together

Destination weddings have grown in popularity over the years. How much you ask? About 350,000 weddings annually! The gain in popularity for destination weddings goes hand in hand with the fact people are no longer living where they grew up. A wedding in an entirely different location can be an easy way to bring family from all over the country together. So if you’re in one of those families that have members spread all across the country, why not make it a fun family reunion.

2. Smaller guest list

Because a destination wedding typically means traveling and about a three-night commitment, most of them are intimate with a guest list consisting of who matters to you most. With an average of 63 guests at a destination wedding compared to the average of 133-143 at a traditional wedding, you’ll have to really keep track of whom you invite.

3. Not as expensive as you think
Simply Beautiful
Most couples now-a-days will spend on average of $25,200 on their wedding. You may think a destination wedding will cost an arm and a leg, but that isn’t always the case. The average cost of a destination wedding is about $23,800 ($1,400 less than a traditional), but if you keep things minimal, it can be much less. Pay less on decorations with a beach wedding with turquoise blue waters as your backdrop, or walk down the sandy isle barefoot with an affordable yet elegant wedding dress perfect for the beach, and keep your guest list short so the cost of food will be significantly less. Another thing that could help is hiring a wedding planner. They can be your liaison for all your food, decorations, and any other odds and ends you will need for your big day (and taking away a lot of stress from your shoulders).

4. Keep your family in mind
Reception On the Beach
If family is important to you, it’s always good to ask their opinion. I know it is your big day, but if a majority of your family isn’t on board, you might ruffle some feathers. Chances are if you bring it up to them before hand, giving them a chance to think about it, they will be okay and will help you hash out the transportation details with the rest of the family.

5. Just because it’s a destination doesn’t mean it can’t be traditional

Lastly, if you think it’s impossible to have a destination AND traditional wedding at the same time, think again! For example, right here on St. Thomas, there are so many beautiful churches and a historic synagogue where you can be wed. Have your elegant traditional ceremony and then enjoy a tasteful reception on a beach, local restaurant, or resort afterwards.


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Saturday, 28 February 2015

What's New St. Thomas: Scoops & Brew

St. Thomas USVI is one of the premier vacation destinations in the Caribbean. With that being said, the island is constantly welcoming new business which makes it so much fun to visit the island again and again. With our new blog series, What's New St. Thomas, we will be introducing exciting new establishments that have caught our eye. Our thirty-two square miles are very popular and the newest trend is Frozen Treats!
Delicious!

We would like to welcome Scoops & Brew to the island! Located in the Blueflag Crown Bay Marina in what used to be the Westin Gazebo. Scoops & Brew offers the island an Italian flair, Gelato! Using only the finest ingredients, Scoops & Brew highly trained baristas offer you mouthwatering combinations from gelatos and sorbettos to espressos and affogatos.

The owners were inspired by their close friends who opened St. John Scoops and saw a similar need on the island of St. Thomas. Scoops & Brew is set apart from the competition by being committed to sustainability and making eco friendly choices. They are devoted to island visitors as well as their die-hard local clientele. The owner’s favorite menu item is their awesome Affogatos. That is where they take a scoop of your favorite gelato and drown it in espresso. You can even make an adult affogato by drowning your gelato in a shot of Baily's, Kahlua, or Amaretto.

Check out their Adult Flavors
Next time you get a chance to visit the island, make sure to take a stop by Scoops & Brew in Crown Bay Marina. You'll surely love it! 

Happy faces all around!

Check out more at their website:

Stay tuned for the next installment of What’s New St. Thomas.


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