With new passport requirements causing much frustration among U.S. travelers, American Express Travel is suggesting the US Virgin Islands as an excellent tropical vacation alternative to Mexico or the other Caribbean islands. The US Virgin Islands can be visited by tour packages, luxury vacation packages or by luxury world cruises. Although this island chain is not the first place most travelers think of when planning their luxury travel vacation, The US Virgin Islands has much to offer making the destination just as attractive as other Islands of the Caribbean.

The Climate & High Season

When planning your luxury travel vacation to the US Virgin Islands, it's important to know the climate is very comfortable during all seasons of the year with moderate humidity and average annual temperatures of 80 degrees--making the the destination a great luxury travel destination any time of the year.

The busiest tourist season is from December to May, during the northern hemisphere winter. These months are more popular because the humidity doesn't increase until about June. Outside of these months, room prices tend to be less expensive, not to mention the islands are less crowded from June through November. The water is considered more beautiful between April and August. During these months, the waters are calmer and underwater visibility is best for diving and snorkeling. The islands have a rainy season, usually between the May and November, with most of the heavy rainfall between August and October. Similar to other Caribbean Islands, the US Virgin Islands has experienced hurricanes in past. Hurricane season runs from roughly, August through November, with the real threat generally being in September.

Amazing Water Activities

Most travelers who desire a luxury vacation in the Caribbean are looking for crystal clear water, breathtaking coral reefs, thousands of colorful tropical fish and the time to simply play in warm waters. For the snorkeling fan or diving enthusiast, there is plenty to entertain you. Buck Island Reef National Monument tops the list. This nationally protected site was established to preserve one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea. For a day combining land beauties with the mysteries of the deep, visit Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve. The preserve is home to some of the largest mango forests in the Virgin Islands, as well as coral reefs and a submarine canyon. It's not necessary to bring snorkel gear along; it can be rented just about anywhere and is often provided free for use by villa owners to guests.

American Express Tours says the U.S. Virgin Islands make a great luxury travel destination most any time of the year and more travelers are choosing the islands because they have so much to offer first time or seasoned vacationers. Discount luxury cruises, http://www.amtcruises.com/, seem to be becoming more and more popular as travelers uncover the beauty of the US Virgin Islands. For many visitors, the US Virgin Islands is considered "America's Paradise."

About the Author

Virginia Morgan writes tourism and travel articles for AMT American Express Travel, a premier Internet resource for American Express Vacations. Serving customers online since 1996.

So you have finally made the decision to take a trip to the Caribbean. But what part of the Caribbean do you want to vacation in? There are so many islands to choose from and so little time. Well if you are nervous about traveling to the Caribbean then why not start with a trip to the US Virgin Islands.

The US Virgin Islands gives you the security of being part of the US but is located south in the Caribbean. There are three islands to choose from. The first island is St Thomas. St Thomas is a bustling island with business, restaurants, attractions, hotels, St Thomas Condos, and more. It is a vacation for those that like a little fun and excitement at night with top quality dining.

St Thomas receives a lot of tourism especially from cruise ships. Cruise ships bring in a lot of traffic. They average between two and seven cruise ships per day. Think of the traffic that seven cruise ships would bring in. If every cruise ship averages three thousand people you could potentially have twenty one thousand people being dumped off into downtown per day. That is half of the islands population.

Accommodations in St Thomas are grand. You can choose from renting St Thomas Villas, Hotels, Timeshares, and more. You have to make the decision what works for you. Personally renting your own St Thomas luxury villa seems like a great way to go if you can afford the extra cost. You would get your own private pool, hot tub and many other great amenities.

Another great island to potentially go to is St John. St John is a beautiful island and a totally different vacation from St Thomas. On St John life is slow, very slow. The only worries of the day are which breathtaking beach to go to in their preserved park. There is really no comparison between St John and St Thomas. St John is really a relaxing, grab a book and go and relax vacation. St Thomas can be like that but offers much more in terms of nightlife and excitement.

St John is very cultural and actually larger than St Thomas. There are a few good restaurants on the island but nothing like St Thomas. The beaches are far superior though, offering some of the most picturesque settings you will ever gaze upon. Some of the favorite beaches are Hawks Nest, Trunk and Cinnamon Bays.

Accommodations in St John are similar to St Thomas but are definitely more costly. You could expect to spend fifteen to twenty percent more to stay on St John. But you could also have the chance to see some big time celebrities because they love St John.

Once you have made your selection now you have to get to the island of your choice. Many flights go to the Virgin Islands but none go direct to St John. You will have to fly to St Thomas first and then take a ferry over to St John. That can be a big hassle as you have to lug your luggage off the airline and then schlep everything to a taxi and then off to the ferry. It is a long day for sure but well worth the trip to see beautiful St John.

Now get ready to pack. You will need a lot of sun tan lotion and sunscreen. Make sure to bring a lot of casual clothes. The locals do not dress up so dressing casually is the way to go. Men can wear shorts and Hawaiian type shirts and women can wear sun dresses. Even the most elegant restaurants only require that type of attire. So relax you are in the Caribbean mon!

You'll want to bring medicines, especially allergy medicines just on case. Make sure to pack a lot of swim suits and tee shirts. Do not forget sunglasses as you will most definitely need them. You may want to bring an underwater camera just in case you do some snorkeling or diving. For sure you will want to bring your digital camera.

Which ever island you decide on you will have a great time. They both offer diverse activities and many options.

Remember to bring your passport. The laws are changing and soon you will be required to travel with your passport to the US Virgin Islands. So make sure to get your passport done as quickly as possible. Furthermore while you are in the Virgin Islands you may want to travel to the British Virgin Islands which are just a stones throw away.

About the Author

Scott White owns Villa Nicoletta and is luxury St Thomas Villas. If you're looking for St Thomas Condos for rent then this is the luxury villa for you.