Preparing for Fall & Winter - You compared to St. John

How do you want to prepare for Fall and Winter?

snowblowers and rakes

or 

paddle boards and pool floats

What's your choice?

Fall has officially arrived and sweaters are at the ready. We have noticed that Christmas decorations are already for sale at the stores so the winter's snow cannot be far behind! Fear not, there is relief available -- plan your next trip to St John. Just having a reservation 'in your pocket' will warm your hearts and help get you through those long, cold nights. Contact ustoday to find out about availability at Great Expectations, rated the #1 villa on St John. We only have 3 weeks available this Winter and 4 weeks available next Summer. If you are planning to come with a large group you might also want to schedule time now for 2017! It is never too early to reserve time at Great Expectations.

October St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• The federal government is making flying out of the St Thomas (STT) airport a tad bit easier. We understand that passengers are no longer required to fill out Custom Forms when going through US Customs. Mind you, passengers still have to go through Customs and the Customs official will ask you the same questions that are on the form. We guess the Government just wants to save a few trees in the process.

• Having saved a moment or two by not filling out a form, American Airlines is taking it from us! We understand from the same source (On-StJohn) that if you are flying American Airlines and are to check a bag departing the St Thomas airport, American Airlines is advising all their passengers to arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to departure. Starting this month their ticket counter will reportedly close 90 minutes prior to the flight departure time! Bring that good beach book with you so you can occupy your time waiting for your plane to depart and try some of the great local dishes available at the restaurant in the airport waiting room or do some last minute duty-free shopping for liquor, perfume, or jewelry in the waiting area shops.

• Speaking of great eating and shopping, News of St John reports that two new restaurants and a new store have opened in Cruz Bay on St John. They are:

  • The Dock - Located at the former Cafe Livin' and will be operated by the popular High Tide Restaurant

  • Extra Virgin - Located at the location of the former Fatty Crab Restaurant. Extra Virgin will offer small plates, salads and entrees ranging from $32 - $38. They will also emphasize fresh herbs and ingredients.

  • Just Beach - Located in Mongoose Junction Just Beach has all your 'go to' beach items including snorkel gear (to purchase or rent), sunscreen, sunglasses and, of course, practical beachwear. The owner is a long time St John resident who also owns and manages several other successful retail outlets including Island Fancy and Bougainvillea Shop.

Jet Blue TSA Pre-Check Now Available at St Thomas (STT) Airport

TSA pre-check is a wonderful process. At most US airports that have it if you are TSA Pre-Check certified you get to:

1. go in a dedicated line which is usually much, much shorter than the regular line or often even the first-class line.

2. not have to take off your jacket

3. not have to take off your belt

4. not have to take out your computer(s)

5. not have to take off your shoes

Well, the good news is that the St Thomas airport now has Pre-Check (they have had it for a while now) AND Jet Blue finally also signed on to Pre-Check which is now available at the St Thomas airport.

That is the good news. The bad news is that because there is only one line (no first class, no Pre-Check) everyone gets to go in the one line and since there is not a separate screening line for the x-ray of bags the first four benefits (above) do not exist. The good news is that you do not have to take off your shoes or sandals.  And, if you are at the St Thomas airport, you have just spent time in the US Virgin Islands (and, hopefully, on St John) so what is there to complain about except you are going home!