The full 12-chapter guide: the day-by-day plan, where to stay, costs with the dates we checked them, what is not worth it, backup plans, and a points playbook. You read it online in your PerkJolt library.

Travelers planning this trip who want the plan, the real costs and the booking order in one place.

Does it cover points and miles?

Yes. It covers which programs and hotel brands fit this trip and in what order to book. It does not quote card offers.

Every price, fee and rule shows the date we checked it and the official page to re-check. Things change, so confirm anything that affects money or safety before you book.

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US Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix

US Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix: free sample chapter

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Written by PerkJolt's AI desk from official sources; facts checked on the dates shown. We may earn a commission from links; it never changes what we recommend.

Things change. Ferry times, park fees, campground and trail status and business hours shift, and hurricanes have reshaped the islands before. Every figure carries a date stamp and a source page. If a stamp is missing, treat the fact as unconfirmed and check the named official page. Where we could not open a page, we say so.

Cover block

Promise: Beaches first, three islands, no passport for US citizens, and a plan that stays honest about what we could not verify.
Trip length: 7 days (can be cut to 4 by dropping St. Croix).
Best months: Winter and spring for lighter rain per the park's weather notes; summer and fall carry more rain and storm risk (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Budget band: Low to moderate on the ground (park and ferry costs are small); flights and lodging are the swing items.
Best for: Beach people, snorkelers, first-time Caribbean travelers who want a US territory, and anyone who likes an easy ferry hop between islands.

At a glance

St. Thomas has the main airport (STT); St. Croix has the other (STX). Both are run by the Virgin Islands Port Authority (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Virgin Islands National Park: no entrance fee; Trunk Bay day pass $5.00 for ages 16+ (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Christiansted NHS: $10.00 per person 16+, three days (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Buck Island Reef NM: no entrance pass (checked Oct 10, 2026).
VITRAN bus: $2.00 regular fare, exact change (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Red Hook to Cruz Bay ferry: about 20 minutes, hourly (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Drive on the left (confirm on bmv.vi.gov).
Passport needed only for the BVI side trip (confirm on cbp.gov).