Want to have an amazing St. Thomas vacation on a budget…without sacrificing fun and luxury? It’s definitely possible, if you know a few tips! We’ve listed our favorite ways to make your dollar stretch a little further in St. Thomas. Give them a read and let us know what’s worked for you!
Choose the Right Time to Visit
Timing is everything when it comes to budget-friendly travel. Consider planning your trip during the off-peak season, typically from mid-April after spring break travel has wrapped up to late fall before the holiday rush. During this time, you can take advantage of lower travel and accommodation prices. You might even have one of our beautiful beaches all to yourself. Check out our full guide on the best time of year to visit the Virgin Islands here!
Gorgeous Lindquist Beach
Find a Home Away From Home:
Little things like coffee shop pastries and evening drinks can add up quickly when you’re on vacation. When booking your accommodations, consider staying at a condo or villa that has a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals and snacks. If you’re staying for more than a few days, you may also want to book a vacation home or condo that has a washer and dryer available for use onsite. Finally, consider the location. You can save big on taxis or gas by booking accommodations within walking distance of beaches, dining and entertaining.
Consider a beachfront property like Sapphire Dreams, which has a full kitchen, its own washer and dryer and several restaurants just steps away.
Eat Like a Local:
Some of the best food on the island can be found at food trucks, open-air markets and roadside eateries. When in doubt, ask a local where they like to grab lunch or dinner. You can also ask our complimentary concierge service for a recommendation! We love Brooks Bar & Restaurant and Sibs on the Mountain for island dining that’s big on flavor and small (under $30-ish per person) on price.
Bring cash! Many smaller spots like Brooks Bar don’t accept credit cards.
Embrace the Outdoors:
What brought you to St. Thomas? The beaches, of course! We have some of the best in the world, and many are completely free. Others, like Magens Bay and Smith Bay, have a small entrance fee of $5 per person. You can rent snorkeling gear for the day or bring your own and see amazing sea life just a few feet from the shore.
Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to the beach. The following are some of our favorite things to do on St. Thomas, and most of them are completely free!
Take a hike! We’ve listed our favorite trails here.
Climb the 99 Steps.
Stroll historic Charlotte Amalie.
Find a place to enjoy the sunset. Our favorite sunset spot is Brewers Bay.
Take the ferry to St. John, $6 each way
Capturing a beautiful sunset over Brewers Bay? Priceless!
Tell us How These Budget-Friendly Travel Tips Work for You!
Traveling to St. Thomas on a budget is not only possible but can lead to an unforgettable trip! Pack your bags, enjoy your vacation and don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know if you visited any of the spots we mentioned here or tried our tips during your stay!