July 21st, 2014

Becoming Iron Woman with St. Thomas Flyboarding

I seek adventures that scare me. Living life on the other side of my fears is the greatest reward

possible. While in St. Thomas, USVI, I had the opportunity to try flyboarding over the pristine

waters of Lindbergh Bay with St. Thomas Flyboarding. I was scared; heck, I was petrified. Flying

30 feet above the crystal blue waters, diving like a dolphin, or even trying a backflip or two all

sound intimidating enough but strapping a water jetpack board to my feet while doing it is just

plan insane. I’m not Ironman; these are things in movies and dreams about the future, right?

Nope! It’s the here and now and I did it; and let me tell you – it is absolutely exhilarating,

insane, and beyond awesome! My whole life I’ve actually been training to be Iron Woman

without realizing it and St. Thomas Flyboarding let me put my skills into action.

The board was attached to my feet while my instructor went over the basics with me. It was

connected by a long hose to a jet ski where water was forced to my boots with jet nozzles

underneath. I could fly up to 15 metres in the air or dive headlong though the water, but all of

that took skill and I wasn’t sure I would be successful at even standing up.

Once the boots were strapped on my feet, I laid in the water. The boots were turned on and I

was thrust through the water, pulling the jet ski behind me. My recent kiteboarding lesson

helped me feel more comfortable with being pulled or pushed quickly through the water. I

didn’t feel overwhelmed when I was splashed in the face a few times and I welcomed the

higher speeds. We went out about 50 feet before I started to fly. Even pulling the jet ski out

was an adventure. I felt like a dolphin as I glided quickly over the water.

I got into position, with the board under my feet and my legs straight, and the thrust was

turned up. Shakily, I rose up from the water. It was like combining surfing and snowboarding. I

didn’t get my balance the first try but I had a reference in my mind and it gave me the

confidence to stay focused. Sometimes when trying something extreme the first time, it’s so

nerve-racking that it’s impossible to process it all. With previous water sport experience, I

didn’t get over-whelmed.

Leaning forward proved more difficult than I anticipated and I fell back, hard, into the water a

few times. I was so full of adrenaline, though, that I didn’t even really notice or slow down.

Within the first three minutes, I was able to stand on the board while hovering about five feet

out of the water. I shifted my weight from left to right as I learned how to turn.

I would have been pleased with just doing that for a half hour but my instructor asked if I

wanted to try a dive. He explained the process and my heart began racing. I wasn’t sure if I was

ready, but I listened attentively.

Without over-thinking it, I found a focal spot in the water and dove! Screaming with delight, I

emerged from the water.

“Woohoo! That was ridiculous! Oh my God; I love it! I feel like a superhero.”

I didn’t manage to do any backflips, at least not intentionally or without in fact landing on my back, but

it was still the ultimate adventure.

My confidence in the water and my experience with several water adventures was definitely a

bonus in helping me overcome the fear of flyboarding. I didn’t get discouraged when I fell face

first, back first, or head first into the water. I didn’t give up when I couldn’t find my balance

right away, and I didn’t worry about what was swimming around me while I floated in the

water. Who knew that I was in training to be Iron Woman? Maybe I can land a role in the next

movie. (I may need a few, dozen, more lessons before adding that to my bucketlist.)

Drowning Fear Posted on July 18, 2014

I can’t breathe. I can’t get my breath. There’s too much air; its choking me. I can’t get back to the

surface. What do I do? The weights are too heavy. I’m going to drown… I’m sorry, Athena. Mommy can’t

come home to you. I’m not going to make it this time. I’ve failed.

I have fears. Great ones; debilitating. People always assume that I’m not afraid because I jumped out of

a few planes or I’ve tried some extreme adventures, but put me under the water with a regulator in my

mouth and I have a panic attack. It’s disappointing, disheartening. I try to look at fear like a challenge.

I’m capable of over-coming it but scuba diving has beaten me.

Every year, I create a bucket list of activities that I’d like to experience. I put a lot of thought into which

items should make the list and if it’s humanly possible to accomplish every item in one year. Readers,

friends, and family often think that I’m completely unrealistic about my goals, but I believe the more

unrealistic I am with my dreams and goals the more I’m able to achieve. Last year’s list included 50

items and I completed all but two of them – an African safari and using a regulator (scuba diving or

SNUBA) under water. Two weeks ago, I visited Namibia for an African safari and made my number one

bucket list item a reality. That only left using a regulator under water.

Yesterday, I visited Coral World in St. Thomas for a SNUBA experience. SNUBA is a form of diving that is

a mix between snorkeling and scuba diving. A diving regulator is used but instead of air coming from

tanks strapped to the diver’s back, it comes through a long hose from tanks on pontoon rafts on the

surface.

Todd, my instructor, was calming, encouraging, and supportive. Even the way he looked at me gave me

confidence. I was going to do it! I could do it.

We practiced on a platform first. There were three of us but I was the only one nervous. The other two

guests were a newly married couple who were comfortable using a regulator and had an introductory

scuba course and dive experience under their belts. I had an epic failure under mine. The last time I tried

SNUBA in Aruba in 2013, I couldn’t get over the fear and I let it take hold. I gave up and left defeated.

Exactly one year later, I found myself trying again here in St. Thomas.

The practice run encouraged me further. I was keeping my head in the water and I could breathe with

the regulator in my mouth. Then, we headed out further and I had to actually dive down. It all went

south from there.

The over-whelming sense of panic. The loss of rational thought processes. The fear… gripping me, taking

hold. Did I do it? Did I swim away, defeated… again.

I’ll let you know tonight when I return to my room. Now, I’m off to try fly boarding.

Stay tuned.

Exploring a Less Fearsome Coral World in St. Thomas Posted on July 18, 2014

I can’t breathe. I can’t get my breath. There’s too much air; it’s choking me. I can’t get back to the

surface. What do I do? The weights are too heavy. I’m going to drown… I’m sorry, Athena. Mommy can’t

come home to you. I’m not going to make it this time. I’ve failed.

I have fears. Great ones; debilitating. People always assume that I’m not afraid because I jumped out of

a few planes or I’ve tried some extreme adventures, but put me under the water with a regulator in my

mouth and I have a panic attack. It’s disappointing, disheartening. I try to look at fear like a challenge.

I’m capable of over-coming it but scuba diving has beaten me.

Every year, I create a bucket list of activities that I’d like to experience. I put a lot of thought into which

items should make the list and if it’s humanly possible to accomplish every item in one year. Readers,

friends, and family often think that I’m completely unrealistic about my goals, but I believe the more

unrealistic I am with my dreams and goals the more I’m able to achieve. Last year’s list included 50

items and I completed all but two of them – an African safari and using a regulator (scuba diving or

SNUBA) under water. Two weeks ago, I visited Namibia for an African safari and made my number one

bucket list item a reality. That only left using a regulator under water.

Yesterday, I visited Coral World in St. Thomas for a SNUBA experience. SNUBA is a form of diving that is

a mix between snorkeling and scuba diving. A diving regulator is used but instead of air coming from

tanks strapped to the diver’s back, it comes through a long hose from tanks on pontoon rafts on the

surface.

Todd, my instructor, was calming, encouraging, and supportive. Even the way he looked at me gave me

confidence. I was going to do it! I could do it.

We practiced on a platform first. There were three of us but I was the only one nervous. The other two

guests were a newly married couple who were comfortable using a regulator and had an introductory

scuba course and dive experience under their belts. I had an epic failure under mine. The last time I tried

SNUBA in Aruba in 2013, I couldn’t get over the fear and I let it take hold. I gave up and left defeated.

Exactly one year later, I found myself trying again here in St. Thomas.

The practice run encouraged me further. I was keeping my head in the water and I could breathe with

the regulator in my mouth. Then, we headed out further and I had to actually dive down. It all went

south from there.

The over-whelming sense of panic. The loss of rational thought processes. The fear… gripping me, taking

hold. Did I do it? Did I swim away, defeated… again?

NO! Not this time! I kept trying and so did Todd. He encouraged me to take the belt off for a while until I

felt more comfortable. He talked me to in a calming, reassuring tone. He believed in me. He even tied a

line to the ocean floor so I could pull myself down that way. He set me up for success.

After only a few minutes without the belt on, I decided to try going under once again. Todd distracted

me at the bottom by letting me feed the fish with some food he had in a bottle. It gave me something

else to focus on and my body naturally responded rather than me over-thinking it.

He must have seen the panic creep up on me after feeding the fish and he reached for my hand. We

held hands and explored the ocean floor together, pointing out coral and other interesting sights. I

found a place outside of my comfort zone and something changed. It just happened. I could breathe. I

noticed that the exhale was much longer than the inhale but it wasn’t a problem anymore. It was

happening naturally. The bubbles floated by my face and I could hear my “Darth Vadar” breaths but it

wasn’t scary; it was beautiful.

I wasn’t on top of the water looking down on another world. I was immersed in it. And I realized that

that’s the beauty of travel. This is the experience that I crave, that is addictive, and that makes long

flights, delays, and jetlag all worthwhile.

You may say it doesn’t matter if I succeeded or not as long as I tried, but I don’t believe that. I want

more for myself. I have fears and they can be intense and intimidating, but I won’t let them become

crippling. This time, it was the encouragement and support from Todd that helped me get through one

of the most frightening experiences, but I still did it. I found a way and I will continue to push my limits

and fight for a world less fearsome. I will not die an unlived life. I love fear and the feeling of overcoming

it. Success. We are all capable of it.

Posted on July 10th

, 2014

Next Up – The US Virgin Islands

This time next week I’ll be in the US Virgin Islands on an epic adventure that includes night kayaking,

SNUBA, Magic Ice, fly boarding, horseback riding, snorkeling, and a whole lot of pool fun.

I haven’t been to the US Virgin Islands before. Though they are full of energy and adventure, I’ve heard

about their sublime natural splendors as well. I look forward to experiencing the contract between

extreme adventure and extreme relaxation.

Best Views in the US Virgin Islands Posted on July 26, 2014

Every view in every direction was stunning. From lush mountain ranges to turquoise waters, the US Virgin Islands are picture

perfect. Each of the three major islands has a unique character all its own. Fortunately, I was able to explore both St. Thomas

and St. John during my 5 day vacation. I’ll have to make another trip back to experience St. Croix but the vistas on St. Thomas

and St. John left me awe-struck and wanting more. Here are my favorite USVI views.

Turquoise waters and soft white sand made picturesque Trunk Bay one of the most beautiful beaches on St. John.

Whether from the beach or the mountain, their is no question that Trunk Bay is stunning.

Old forts might not sound like the best views on a tropical island but from the right angle, I peered into the heart of St. John’s

natural beauty.

I didn’t even have to leave my hotel room to take in the turquoise waters or vibrant green mountains of the USVI. Bluebeard’s

Castle Resort was the ideal perch for enjoying St. Thomas and Estate Lindholm in St. John provided similar viewing pleasure.

Below the water, I was even more impressed. As I experienced SNUBA with Coral World, hundreds of colorful fish swam around

me as if I belonged under water with them.

I wasn’t surprised that every resort had a view, but every restaurant had one as well. It just goes to show the true beauty of the

islands; there is no bad view. While I ate dinner at Fat Turtle, I watched the cruise ships leaving the port for the evening and the

sailboats resting peacefully in their slips.

Located on the highest point of St. Thomas, Mountain Top has stunning panoramic views of Magens Bay, St. John, and the

British Virgin Islands from its expansive observation deck.

I was lost in a moment in time as I marveled at that view. The beauties of the world await us. We just need to open our eyes

and explore.

Heading to the U.S. Virgin Islands Very Soon!

TINA on July 2, 2014 at 8:24 PM

I found out great news today that I am confirmed for their 5-day press trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands that

is part of the #USVINICE summer travel promotion! A few activities (I’ll let you find out the others via my

Instagram) that I will be participating are night kayaking, zip line, horseback riding, and hike Reef Bay

Trail. Obviously, the gorgeous white sand beaches are calling my name to linger and sunbathe like a lazy

cat. (Don’t be surprised if I’m posting a bunch of photos or videos when I’m there.)

Many thanks to the United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism (USVI) to have me as one of the

few selected digital storytellers of the familiarization to St. John and St. Thomas islands. It will be a blast!

Photo credit: U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism (USVI)

GIRLFRIENDS GETAWAY: FOCUS ON ACTIVITIES IN ST.

THOMAS, USVI 07/30/2014 Comments

On the Zipline with Tree Limin' Extreme in St. Thomas, USVI

A girl's gotta have fun when she travels, right? I think that the absolute best way to have the

most fun possible is to take part in activities that you might not otherwise participate in when

you're back at home living your ordinary life. St. Thomas, USVI has many activities for the

adventure lover, be it thrilling sports adventures like fly boarding or sky diving to "soft"

adventure opportunities like kayaking or zip lining. When you travel with your friends on a

girlfriends getaway, you absolutely have to include a few adventurous activities to even out

your days of sun worshipping at the beach or it just wouldn't be right.

How about a night kayak tour? Night Kayak at Adventure Center at the Marriott Frenchman's

Reef Resort & Cove has glass bottom kayaks that are like nothing else you've ever seen. Clear

bottoms and lit from underneath with powerful LED lights, each kayak accommodates two

people with the person in front as the power rower and the person in back steering. This may

seem obvious to you, but as someone who has been in a kayak only a handful of times in her

entire life, I was a little concerned about the entire process. But Dave Tracy and his team from

Night Kayak went out of their way to provide us with safety information and guidance, but in an

extremely entertaining way. During the kayak tour we were given information on the area in

Frenchman's Reef and we had the chance to see a variety of marine life including fish and sea

turtles. The night kayak tours are 90 minutes in duration for only $49 per person and are

available seven days a week. Choose from the 7pm or 9pm excursion and be ready to get wet

and have fun! I only had my iPhone with me, which I left on shore as I didn't want to ruin it, so

here is a quick Vimeo video from Mark McKellar that will give you a better idea of how great

this experience truly is.

TSG Tip: I had read online that some people were getting motion sick from being in the kayak

and also looking down into the water from the kayak. As someone who often gets motion sick,

I can tell you that for me this was never a problem. However, should it be, you're close enough

to turn around and get out without issue. Don't forget to bring your waterproof camera and

tips for the staff.

Night Kayak with LED Lights

Adventure Center

PO Box 11480, St. Thomas, VI 00801

Phone: 340-774-2992

www.adventurecenters.net

I don't know about you, but some time during my vacation I probably want to hit the spa. Be it

for a workout or a massage or both, you're definitely going to find me there. During my stay in

St. Thomas, I had the opportunity to visit Sugar Bay Beach Resort where I not only took a yoga

class, but also had a mini massage compliments of the resort.

When you arrive at the resort and enter the main reception area, the bright Caribbean blue and

white decor is at the same striking and relaxing. To go down to the spa, you take a shuttle to

the spa building, which is a mere minutes away from the main building. After checking in, we

were quickly given a tour of the spa, which included all of the spa facilities on the main floor as

well as the gym on the second level. At 10 am I was treated to the most enjoyable yoga class by

Sharon Treinkman of StellarTimes Yoga. Sharon was positive, supportive, and really

encouraged each person in the class to push themselves farther than they would have on their

own, me included. I've taken yoga classes in the past, but haven't in a very long time, especially

after losing weight. I was so impressed with how I was able to move and stretch in ways that I

didn't know I could and it really made me want to take yoga classes back home. See how trying

something new can open you up to new possibilities? I highly recommend taking a class and

staying for any of the services at Journey's Spa, including a facial or a massage. After my 30-

minute mini massage, I was off again although I was unbelievably more relaxed than I as at the

start of the day.

TSG Tip: Don't forget to pack a change of clothes and sandals for the showers if you're not

staying at Sugar Bay Beach Resort.

Sugar Bay Beach Resort

6500 Estate Smith Bay, St. Thomas, VI 00802

Phone: 877-894-4461

www.sugarbayresortandspa.com

Sharon Treinkman, E-RYT200

StellarTimes Yoga

6501 Red Hook Plaza - Suite 201, St. Thomas, VI 00802

Studio Phone: 340-777-3154

www.stellartimes.com

With a name like Travel Shop Girl, one would expect me to go out and shop during a trip and of

course, I did. Whether shopping at an open air market like Vendors Market, high end shopping

at Yacht Haven Grande, or checking out the small shops and boutiques selling one of a kind

items, there's more than enough of an opportunity to find something special during your trip to

St. Thomas. Don't forget US residents are allowed up to $1600 worth of duty free goods

purchased in the USVI so shop til you drop!

As for me, I was hunting for a battery charger for my Nikon. I knew if I searched Main Street in

Charlotte Amalie I would find one and sure enough I located Boolchand's at 31 Main St. I was

able to buy my charger and continue shopping. You'll find an abundance of the much expected

jewelry, liquor, and souvenir stores on this street but keep looking and you'll also find more

unexpected items such as local art, antiques, or custom jewelry, clothing, or sandals.

Looking for a unique gift for yourself? Of course you are! How about one of a kind sandals from

Zora of St. Thomas? Zora, the owner, first opened her shop in 1962 and still works in it today.

Each handmade sandal is made from the finest full grain leather and all soles are made of

durable leather. Go in and have Zora take your individual foot measurements and construct a

sandal that's perfect for your feet. Whether you have high arches, flat feet, or anything in

between, Zora can make a sandal that works for you. While you're there, check out their

canvas bags, backpacks, waist packs, travel bags, jewelry, and other items. This place is so

popular that people who have had sandals made in the past will come back time and time again

for new sandals and other items from Zora.

After walking around and shopping and before heading back to the hotel I stopped for a quick

drink at Big Kahuna Rum Shack. If you're looking for free Wifi, you can also find that here. I

ordered a Grand Margarita Crush during their half price happy hour that looked great, but was

so incredibly strong. If for nothing else, it's a great place to sit and have a drink and people

watch after an afternoon of shopping.

Zora of St. Thomas

5040 Norre Gade Ste 2, St. Thomas, VI 00802

Phone: 340-774-2559

www.zoraofsthomas.com

Big Kahuna Rum Shack

5130 Dronningens Gade, Royal Dane Mall, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802

Phone: 340-775-9289

What happens when you put a big block of ice in the middle of the Caribbean? Well, one might

think it would melt, but that's just not so. At Magic Ice you'll view world class ice art created

from 16 artists from different parts of the world that emphasizes the rich history of the

Caribbean. Located in a 10,000 square foot warehouse, all of the walls and sculptures are made

of ice and yes, there's even an ice slide you can slide down until someone tells you to get off.

The sculptures are from the "Golden Age of Piracy," although I'm still unsure how the adorable

ice dog fit into that. After donning my parka/cape, I was so ridiculously hot I couldn't think

straight. I forgot to put the battery in my camera and once inside, I didn't want to take my

gloves off because it was so cold. But strangely enough, once you exit and return to the heat of

the island, you might be like me and wish you could venture back inside for a few more

minutes. Before you exit, make sure you stop at the bar and get your drink included in your

admission. I tried the Cruzan Coconut Rum and it was great!

Magic Ice opened in 2012 and is open year round 7 days a week: Monday-Thursday from 10 am

- 5 pm, Friday from 10 am -8 pm, and Saturday/Sunday from 11 am - 5pm. Admission includes

your entrance fee, a parka-like cape, gloves, and leg coverings if you're wearing shorts, a skirt,

or a dress; a drink served at the Ice Bar, and the glass in which your drink was served.

TSG Tip: Don't plan on this as an all day event. Plan on going to break up a day of shopping or

exploring and enjoy it for what it is. Germaphobes be warned! Garments are cleaned between

uses with Lysol spray. Just giving you a head's up on that one.

Magic Ice

21 Donningens Gade, St. Thomas, VI 00802

Phone: 340-422-6000

www.magicice.vi

Always up for an adventure, I certainly was pumped and ready to go on my last day in St.

Thomas as we headed over to Tree Limin' Extreme for a zipline adventure. Only constructed

two years ago, this is one of St. Thomas' latest adventure opportunities and it's a perfect

introduction to anyone interested in trying out a zipline course. In our group of four, I was the

only one who had tried zip lining before, but that didn't matter as our guides, Daniel and Leon,

took great care of us throughout our entire stay. My previous experiences with zip lining were

far different as in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico we had to hike up to begin; deep in the Amazon in

Colombia I had to climb over 100' up a rope to begin my zipline experience and finish it off by

not only rappelling down, but then kayaking back; and my last experience was in Jamaica, a

more tame experience than my prior two experiences.

The course itself is an ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology) certified zipline

course situated high in the rainforest of St. Peter Mountain. On the course you'll see

spectacular views of Magen's Bay and Jost Van Dyke and Tortola (the BVI), and so much more.

When you check into Tree Limin' Extreme, it's a modern and high tech procedure. Complete

the waiver on an iPad, pay for your experience and any extras you might want such as a helmet

with a GoPro camera attached, lockers, or beverages. From there you move over to the area

where you are fitted into your two-point harness before being escorted up the stairs to the

nearby vehicle, a Pinzgauer, a Swiss army vehicle, which takes you to your first waiting area for

instruction. For some the ride up will be as thrilling as the zipline itself! Although the guides go

out of their way to be highly entertaining and funny, they do tell you everything you could

possibly want or need to know for a safe experience. The overall course takes between 2 1/2

and 3 1/2 hours to complete and you might have to wait on the platforms at times for groups

that are ahead of you. Lastly, you must be at least 8 years of age, no taller than 6 feet 6 inches

tall, no less than 70 lbs. and no more than 275 lbs.

Our guides, Daniel and Leon who are both from Haiti, also happen to be a few of the workers

that were hired to build the experience. Daniel, for example, was one of the workers who

installed the steps we walked up to before we got on the vehicle. They had to have seen

incredible drive and determination from these two men as they then hired them to work the zip

lines. Want to read more about the people who work at Tree Limin' Extreme? Read their bios

here. In case you're wondering what "Limin" means, it means to "hang out," which you'll do

quite a bit of on the six zip lines and two sky bridges on the only zipline canopy tour in the US

Virgin Islands. The rate per person is $109 for adults and at the end of your time at Tree Limin'

Extreme, you'll agree that it was worth every penny! I will have the video of my experience up

shortly on YouTube, but in the interim, make sure you check out my still pics from the video

above.

TSG Tip: Wear comfortable clothes (closed toe shoes, breathable fabric shirt, shorts/pants) and

bring tip money for your guides. This is an ideal course for anyone who hasn't tried zip lining

before, but is on the tame side for anyone looking for anything "extreme."

Tree Limin' Extreme

7406 Estate St. Peter, St. Thomas, VI 00802

Phone: 340-777-ZIPS (9477)

www.ziplinestthomas.com

No matter what activity you choose with your friends during your girlfriends getaway, you'll

absolutely find something to please everyone. If not, prop up your Debbie Downer friend in a

chair and have her sit and wait until you're done with your adventures. Eventually she'll get

tired of waiting and will want to join in on the fun.

Next time we're headed off to St. John so don't forget to come back and learn more about

everything you need for your next girlfriends getaway.

GIRLFRIENDS GETAWAY: TAKING THE FERRY TO ST. JOHN FROM ST.

THOMAS, USVI 08/01/20140 Comments

Taking the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John - 20 minutes of insanely great views!

Sometimes I can't believe I'm not 10 years old. What I mean by that is that I still possess childlike

enthusiasm for things that other adults might not find as exciting as do. Take for example, the ferry ride

from St. Thomas to St. John, USVI. On my recent trip to the US Virgin Islands, I was looking forward to

sitting on the upper deck of the ferry and taking in the view. While it's not a quiet catamaran ride with a

few friends on the open water, the views are nonetheless spectacular. Some might see it as

transportation, but I saw it as a chance to enjoy even more of the USVI. On your trip to USVI, grab your

friends and take the ferry over to St. John for the day or if you have the time, spend a few days in St.

John.

When you're ready to depart for St. John, you can depart from either downtown Charlotte Amalie or

Red Hook. The Red Hook ferry has more frequent departures, but is a little farther out of town.

Whichever one you decide on, you'll want to be sure you get on the right one. We left from the Red

Hook ferry terminal, which is an easy 20-minute ride across the beautiful blue scenic waters to Cruz Bay,

St. John.

TSG Tip: While there are several opportunities to enjoy an adult beverage or two in any of the

restaurants and bars near and even inside the ferry terminal, I highly suggest you hold off on drinking

until you arrive in St. John. This is a ferry that you're taking and not a cruise ship so you'll be stuck in

your seat for 20 minutes on possibly choppy waters. You won't find any employees willing to hold your

hair back if you get sick, you know?

I previously wrote about taking the ferry so if you haven't read it yet, go do that ASAP! Nothing much

has changed except the rate is now $7 one way for non-residents or $14 roundtrip and luggage is $4.00

each. You can catch a ferry to St. John from the Red Hook Ferry Terminal starting at 5:30 am, 6:30 am,

7:30 am, and then every hour on the hour until midnight. When you arrive, you may or you may not see

anyone working the ticket desk. Don't panic and instead, get in line because once the employee shows

up, the line will form and will get quite long. You'll need to pay for your ticket and if you have any large

bags you're bringing with you. They charge a fee for suitcases or large bags that won't take with you to

your seat. Once you have your ticket, wait until around the time for you to board the ferry and ask the

employee collecting tickets which ferry is yours.

From there you'll walk over to the boat, hand over your bag (if you have one) to the employee collecting

luggage, and you can either sit on the lower deck, which is air conditioned or you can sit on the upper

deck. As I'm always looking for a golden photo opportunity, I practically bolted for the top deck and

found a seat immediately near the front. There's nothing better than great views and sunshine on the

open water.

When it comes time to return to St. Thomas, don't forget about the two different ferries. My ride back

to St. Thomas was also a ferry departing from Cruz Bay, but this time I went to downtown Charlotte

Amalie. The ride was about 40-45 minutes in length total, but you should decide what works for you. As

I was going back to the airport immediately after my arrival into Charlotte Amalie, it was a quick ten

minute ride. The ferry is a little more expensive at $13 one way for non-residents or $26 roundtrip and

luggage is $4 each, but if you're trying to get back into the downtown area, this is definitely the best way

to go.

TSG Tip: There are far fewer ferries to downtown Charlotte Amalie than Red Hook from St. John. They

leave at 8:45 am, 11:15 am, and 3:45 pm, which means it is imperative that you pay attention to the

time so you don't miss the ferry. This ferry runs along Pillsbury Sound from Cruz Bay and then along the

south coast of St. Thomas for a different view than the ferry from Red Hook.

Whether you sit in air conditioned comfort in the lower section of the ferry or up on the top deck, the

quick 20-minute ferry ride from Red Hook will take you away from the hustle and bustle of St. Thomas

and right into relaxing Cruz Bay in St. John. On your approach you'll see the lush green scenery of St.

John and sailboats in the harbor and you'll immediately sense a different vibe from this USVI island.

Next time we'll focus on St. John, USVI and all it has to offer.

GIRLFRIENDS GETAWAY: VIDEO OF ZIPLINE AT TREE LIMIN'

EXTREME, ST. THOMAS, USVI 07/31/2014 Comments

Enjoying the view from up high on the zipline at Tree Limin' Extreme

Did you get a chance to read my post from yesterday about some of the fun activities that can

be found on St. Thomas, USVI? Whether you're traveling with friends or family, you definitely

have to make your way up to Tree Limin' Extreme and take one of their zipline tours. This is

one of those opportunities you get in life to face your fears of maybe heights, trying something

new, having no control over the situation, or whatever it might be. At the end of your

experience you'll get to walk away feeling like a super star and if you're lucky, you'll have pics

and videos to prove it.

Prior to my trip, my GoPro Hero 3 Silver Edition camera refused to turn on and I was

devastated. However, I was pumped when I found that Tree Limin' Extreme allows you to rent a

GoPro helmet camera for your entire stay! So enjoy the video although toward the end you'll

see that the video is a little off. The helmet was like a vice on my head and I kept pushing it

farther and farther back. Regardless, this should give you some idea of how great a time I had.

Tree Limin' Extreme

7406 Estate St. Peter, St. Thomas, VI 00802

Phone: 340-777-ZIPS (9477)

www.ziplinestthomas.com

MAKE TIME FOR A GIRLFRIEND'S GETAWAY TO THE US VIRGIN

ISLANDS 07/16/20140 Comments

View from my room at Bluebeard's Castle Resort overlooking Long Bay

We've all had that moment at one time or another where we’ve told our friends, “We need to get away

for a weekend.” Then life gets in the way of the best ideas somehow fall to the wayside while we pay

our bills, go to work, and live basically for each and every weekend. But what if you could get away for a

weekend with your best friends, those girls that make you laugh and let you be yourself? Wouldn’t time

away make you feel better? More alive? More able to cope with the otherwise incessant drudgery of

your Monday to Friday life? I think it can and it’s something everyone should budget into their lives. If

we make time for our family, our children, our parents and siblings, our jobs, the gym, our weekly

commitments, then why not dedicate at least one weekend or even a week every year to spend some

quality time with your good friends?

As the saying goes, there’s no time like the present. I’m currently in the US Virgin Islands and the goal of

this trip is to highlight all of the possibilities that exist here for any type of vacation, but especially for

girlfriend getaways. With daytime high temperatures around 88 degrees and nighttime temperatures

near 79, who wouldn’t want to escape the Polar Vortex and the crazy weather the United States is

experiencing and venture down to USVI?

Follow me as I travel around St. Thomas and St. John this week here on the blog as well as on all of my

social media channels (FaceBook, Twitter, and Instagram). I’ll be using the hashtag #USVInice which

coincides with the US Virgin Island's great ongoing summer travel promotion, Virgin Islands Nice. You

can save a minimum of $500 on a stay of five or more consecutive nights at participating properties on

St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas by visiting http://www.VisitUSVI.com/usvinice. Book now through July

31 for travel between May 15 and Sept. 30, 2014, to receive the first night free, a $200 instant credit

and $300 in certificates that can be redeemed at participating restaurants, boutiques, spas and

attractions across the Territory. But why the US Virgin Islands? In addition to all that it has to offer,

and believe me — it’s more than you can ever imagine, did you know that US citizens don’t need a

passport?

Sit back, relax, and get ready to travel along with me as I get ready for a week’s worth of exciting

adventures, shopping, dining, adult beverages, beaches, and more!

Marian Krueger

Email: mkrueger@travelshopgirl.com

TIME FOR A GIRLFRIENDS GETAWAY TO THE USVI 07/24/20140 Comments

If you're thinking of planning a girlfriends getaway, you should definitely consider the US Virgin Islands

as your destination. Not only is it easy to get to, but US citizens don't need a passport, which means

none of your friends can make excuses about not being able to go. Tell them to pack their bag and get

on the next flight to St. Thomas with you. From there you're also able to visit St. John and St. Croix.

What could be easier?

Before we continue, click on this video by Pressure, which is the official music video for "Virgin Islands

Nice" to help you get in the mood.

Great song, right? Now play it again so you can hear it in the background while you continue reading.

Trust me on this. I'm just trying to set the mood.

Whether you're looking for a beach holiday, time to shop, water sports, hiking, sailing or all of the

above, the US Virgin Islands has all of these and more and even some things you've probably never

thought about doing while on vacation. We'll divide up a stay in the US Virgin Islands first in St. Thomas

and then in St. John into the following categories: Choosing a hotel, the beach, relaxation, activities,

dining, and of course, the view.

Flying into St. Thomas, I took the above picture and even the water from a distance looks inviting. First

we will fly into St. Thomas and Cyril E. King airport, a small airport, but still the busiest airport in the US

Virgin Islands. From this airport passengers can fly back to the United States as well as to the British

Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and Dominica. Look at my view from the plane on

approach to the airport. A few planes had landed around the same time when I arrived and baggage

claim was crowded, but wait until you see pictures from my Sunday departure!

TSG Tip: If you aren't checking a bag with your airline, make sure you can carry because when it comes

time to exit the plane, you'll go down a flight of stairs with your bag. From here you'll enter the terminal

and you'll arrive outside in less than 30 seconds. If you did check a bag, exit the airport, turn left and

follow the signs to baggage claim. Then in a few minutes you can be on your way to your hotel to start

your vacation.

I was staying at a non-traditional type of resort, a timeshare, for this trip, but depending on your budget,

how many people are in your group, and how close everyone is will determine where you should stay.

There are a few higher end or luxury properties on St. Thomas: The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott

Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Beach Resort as well as some other resorts including Secret Harbour

Beach Resort, Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, and Bolongo Bay Beach Resort.

There are also several small inns and B&B's on St. Thomas including Bellavista Bed & Breakfast, Mafolie

Hotel, and Island View Guest House. If you want to splurge, you can always rent a villa and if you want

to rough it, well there is even the Virgin Islands Campground located on Water Island.

It's best to plan in advance and determine what the overall group wants out of the trip before you arrive

on the island. Does the majority of people traveling want to spend time shopping and sunbathing at the

beach? Is it more important to have a great view and stay at a high end property than to spend money

elsewhere? Discuss these items with those planning on going and hammer out the details in advance.

Maybe the idea of a few people sharing a room to cut back on accommodation expenses sounds good to

you, which will then allow you to spend more money on shopping and dining. There's no perfect

vacation outline to follow because the only perfect vacation is the one you create.

Once you book your air and hotel, start planning your daily activities or try to at least get an idea of what

it is that you want to do while on St. Thomas. If you have several people in your group - congratulations!

You can break up into smaller groups so everyone has a chance to do what they want to do and so there

are no hurt feelings. Nothing is a bigger buzz kill than having Debbie Downer in the corner pouting

through dinner. Meet up for breakfast daily, go to your planned activities, regroup at the hotel by early

afternoon, and go out for drinks and dinner, and see where the nightlife will take you.

TSG Tip: Right now if you book a stay on the US Virgin Islands with one of their participating travel

partners you can save over $500 on your next USVI vacation. You'll get your first-night hotel stay free,

$300 in on island spending, and $200 instant credit.

Come back tomorrow for more about St. Thomas and your next girlfriends getaway!

GIRLFRIENDS GETAWAY: FOCUS ON DINING IN ST. THOMAS, USVI 07/25/2014

Regardless of what you do on your girlfriends getaway with your BFF's, eventually you'll need to eat. Whether you're the kind of person who enjoys a

gourmet dining experience or is completely happy noshing on a granola bar you found in the bottom of your bag, there's a vast array of dining options

available for all diners of all budgets. Unfortunately, during this trip I was unable to visit any vegetarian restaurants, but a girl has to make due with what

she can find when on the road.

TSG Tip: Try to discuss meal options in advance, if possible, and include everyone's opinion so no one feels left out. Consider a variety of restaurants

instead of focusing on a few and always opt for one outside of your hotel. Go on - get out and explore!

If you live in a metropolitan area, the prices in St. Thomas probably won't alarm you, but if you don't -- be prepared as it's not an inexpensive place to dine

out. Once you get over the sticker shock, go forth and dine to your heart's (or stomach's) content.

TSG Tip: Since it can be expensive to dine out, consider shopping in a local market if your hotel doesn't include breakfast. Buy a few items that you can eat

on the run and then you can reduce the amount of time dining and enjoy more of what the island has to offer.

Always considered the most important meal of the day, breakfast is super important when traveling. Especially if you anticipate drinking shortly after lunch

time. Gotta have something in your stomach to absorb that alcohol! Two breakfast places we stopped at were the Delly Deck at Havensight Mall

and Jen's Island Café and Deli in downtown Charlotte Amalie. As someone who has a protein shake every morning, I'm not much of a breakfast kind of

person anymore, but… I didn't have enough room in my bag to pack my protein powder and shaker. If you can eat meat and eggs, expect to find much of

what you would find on any breakfast menu from omelets to scrambled eggs to pancakes and more pretty much wherever you go in St.

Thomas. Additionally, both restaurants also serve lunch with local fare and adult beverages.

At the Delly Deck, open from 7 am - 5 pm Monday-Friday and 7 am - 4 pm on Saturday, I did the unthinkable and had half of a malted waffle (I know, I

know -- eggs and dairy and so many carbs), but it was good. Don't worry, the roaming chickens and roosters shamed me. Other breakfast options include

an English breakfast with eggs, grilled ham, bacon or sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast; Steak and Eggs; pancakes; French toast; and a continental

breakfast.

At Jen's Island Café and Deli, open from 7 am - 5 pm Monday-Friday and 10:30 am - 4 pm on Saturday, there weren't many choices at all for me so I had

bread and cheese, kind of a toasted roll with somewhat melted cheese and Bush Tea made from lemongrass. But everyone else enjoyed and raved about

the omelets, pancakes, French Toast, and even the breakfast burrito. After you're finished eating, check out the artwork from local artists including Jen's

14-year-old daughter.

Delly Deck

Building 3 Havensight Mall

St. Thomas, USVI 00802

Phone: 340-776-9943

www.dellydeckrestaurant.com

Jen's Island Café and Deli

Grand Hotel 43-46 Norre Gade

St. Thomas, USVI 00802

Phone: 340-777-4611

www.jensdeli.com

For casual fare with a great view of Long Bay, Fat Turtle is the restaurant to

visit. Located at Yacht Haven Grande near Havensight Mall, Fat Turtle is open from

noon until 10 pm 7 days a week. You'll not only find seafood, but burgers, pizza, and

salads here, too. Once again, unfortunately, my choices were limited, but I ended up

with the Citrus Salad and a side of sweet plantains. Let's just say I had a side of sweet

plantains at almost every meal in the US Virgin Islands! Others at my table enjoyed the

fried calamari and pizza as well as fish. This is a great place to people watch like the

group of people who were doing Tai Chi near the entrance when we arrived. As an avid

cruiser, I enjoyed a different vantage point to watch the ships sail out of port. I would

probably head to Fat Turtle in the future for a drink and an appetizer if I could sit near

the water and take in the view.

TSG Tip: Individual bathrooms are located around the back of the restaurant. If you see

a long line for the ladies room, use the men's room as no one seems to go in there.

Fat Turtle

Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas, USVI 00802

Phone: 340-714-3566

www.igymarinas.com/fatturtle

Do yourself a favor when traveling and always try the local food. Don't be one of those

people that says, "Ewww. Where's McDonald's?" Maybe you won't like it, but you can

at least say you tried it and who knows? You might surprise yourself and find something

new to add to your list of great food you enjoy from around the globe. In St. Thomas, a

must go to dining destination is Gladys' Cafe. Serving a mix of Caribbean and American

dishes and open from 7 am - 5 pm daily, I would definitely recommend this restaurant

for anyone looking for authentic cuisine from the US Virgin Islands. You'll find stewed or

curried chicken, curried goat, stewed oxtails, conch in butter sauce, and of course, fresh

fish. Diners start with conch fritters and you'll see that they disappear quickly once

placed down on the table. How happy was I when I learned that I could actually eat a

meal here! The server recommended the West Indian Plate, which was vegetarian and

delicious. The rice and peas, sweet plantains, and the funghi (corneal mush) were all

excellent! What really took it over the top for me was Gladys' world famous hot

sauce. I tried all of them from the mango to the mustardy one to the vinegar based one

to my favorite, the red, which was really hot and all were delicious. If I had checked a

bag instead of bringing a carry on, I would've taken a case ofGladys' hot sauce back

home with me! If you have room, try the desserts, too!

Gladys' Cafe

Royal Dane Mall Shopping Center

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI

Phone: 340-774-6604

www.gladyscafe.com

Before taking the ferry to St. John from Red Hook Ferry Terminal, we stopped for lunch

at Fish Tails. With quite a few options near the ferry terminal, why stop here? The

location, the view, the food, and the service. Fish Tails is open for breakfast, lunch, and

dinner 7 days a week from 7 am - 10 pm. Although definitely a restaurant with a focus

on seafood and why shouldn't it since it's close to the water, I was resigned to have a

salad yet again. But the generous portion of Greek Salad along with a side of the best

sweet plantains ever made for a delicious lunch. Oh and how could I possibly forget the

passionfruit margarita? It was absolute perfection as it wasn't too strong or too week,

too sweet or too bland. Goldilocks would approve and would say it was perfectly

balanced. That is, if I was prone to sharing it with her, which I absolutely had no

intention of sharing that drink with anyone! I was tweeting and posting pics

on Instagram during and after my trip and Fish Tails tweeted that they liked the picture

I posted. I used that time to mention that maybe (just maybe) they might want to

add Gardein to the menu for the vegans/vegetarians out there and they responded and

said they'd keep that in mind. It's always nice to see businesses embracing social media

and also being open to a non-traditional diner's comments. Thanks Fish Tails! If you're

early for your ferry to St. John, definitely stop in for a drink or a meal and take in the view

and the amazing breezes.

Fish Tails

6501 Red Hook Rd.

St. Thomas, USVI 00802

Phone: 340-714-3188

www.fishtailsvi.com

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I'd once again have the opportunity to dine at

the Old Stone Farmhouse. I covered my prior experience at the Old Stone

Farmhouse back in December of 2011 in this post. This is the kind of restaurant where

you can enjoy a fine dining experience in a historic setting without it feeling stuffy or

uncomfortable. The restaurant is located in a 200 year old restored field house in the

countryside of St. Thomas. Inside you'll see native stone walls, original hardwood

floors, and brick arches. If you're looking for elegance and romance, you'll find it here.

But if you're out with a group of your friends, don't worry as you'll be well taken care of

and you'll more than enjoy the historic atmosphere and ambiance. Executive Chef

Christopher Spesak has created a menu inspired by French technique and local

Caribbean ingredients including the island's local fish. Alongside the menu is an an

award winning wine program, wines by the glass, and a cocktail menu. I was pleased to

find a vegetarian option on the menu, Smoked Tofu Lentil Chili, which meant I could

enjoy an entree and not just a salad alongside my dinner companions. For the

adventurous eater, I recommend choosing off the Butchers Block, which offers some unusual options, such as camel, but also fresh local snapper, salt

prawn, and scallops. If you choose the Butcher Block option, you also get to go into the kitchen and speak with the chef as well as sign your name to the

wall. How often do you get to do that during dinner?The Old Stone Farmhouse is open for dinner Wednesday - Saturday from 5 pm - 10 pm and Sunday

from 5 pm - 9 pm, and for brunch from 9 am - 2 pm.

Old Stone Farmhouse

6 Thomas St.

St. Thomas, USVI 00802

Phone: 340-777-6277

www.oldstonefarmhouse.com

Next up in St. Thomas we'll cover some of the activities that you and your friends can participate in while enjoying your girlfriends getaway in the US Virgin

Islands.

GIRLFRIENDS GETAWAY: FOCUS ON THE VIEW IN ST. THOMAS, USVI 07/25/2014

While a girlfriends getaway might mean forgetting about work, responsibilities, and life back at home, you should never forget about taking in the view

while on vacation. I highly recommend taking a few hours to take a tour of the island so you can take in the sights and the views. Then you can return to

baking on the beach, frozen drink in hand.

Located at the top of St. Peter Mountain, World Famous Mountain Top is the oldest and highest

attraction on St. Thomas. Situated 2100 feet about sea level, you can see why this has become a popular

tourist attraction. When you first enter Mountain Top, you'll think you've been brought here to go

shopping. While you can go shopping, proceed through the store to the back for the real treat.

Depending on what kind of mood you're in, the treat will either be the breathtaking view or the banana

daiquiri at the bar.

The view is like no other from this vantage point. Did you know you can see over 20 different islands

from Mountain Top including St. John, Tortola, and Jost Van Dyke? National Geographic magazine rated

the view as one of the 10 best in the world. While the best view is one on a clear day, no matter when

you visit Mountain Top, you'll enjoy whatever it is that you're able to see. Besides, anyone will tell you

that should it rain, give it a few minutes and the weather will clear up in no time. You can always pass the time waiting enjoying a banana daiquiri (or

two!). While the daiquiri was said to have been invented in Cuba in 1898, the banana daiquiri was created here atMountain Top in the 1950's. You can

question the veracity of this statement or ignore me completely and simply enjoy a cold, delicious drink with an unrivaled view of paradise.

TSG Tip: Plan your visit to Mountain Top during a day when cruise ships aren't in port to avoid the large crowds. While the masses can benefit you while

you are in town to help you get some of the best shopping deals, you don't want to wait in line to take in the view. If you feel compelled to buy souvenirs,

stock up on them here and then you won't have to later.

Mountain Top

3A-18 St. Peter Mtn. Road

St. Thomas, USVI 00802

Phone: 340-774-2400

www.mountaintopvi.com

Trust me when I tell you that a good driver in St. Thomas who can provide a comprehensive tour of the

island with stops for great photos is worth everything. I was fortunate enough to have had atour with

our driver on this trip, Campbell Rey, back in 2011 and he was as professional, thorough, and of course,

sweet as ever. Our first stop had us taking in the view over downtown Charlotte Amalie with views of

Havensight Mall and Crown Bay, the two cruise ports for St. Thomas.

TSG Tip: St. Thomas is a popular cruise port and even if you've been here before several times, never

turn down the opportunity to grab your camera and take in the views. After all, what were you planning

on posting to FaceBook or Instagram? Pictures of you shopping for shoes?

For anyone who travels to the USVI, going to the beach is probably high on the list of must see

destinations. On that list you'll definitely find Magens Bay, a popular white sand beach great for relaxing,

swimming, and sunbathing, but maybe not best for snorkeling due to the sandy bottom. A popular

destination for families because of the calm water, popular can equate to crowded. While I didn't get to

Magens Bay on this trip, I did get to see it from different vantage points on the island and my previous

experience wasn't stellar enough to warrant a second trip. While my first experience wasn't great, it

wouldn't put me off to visiting again, but I always prefer to visit new places, including beaches while I

travel. Other beaches on St. Thomas include Coki Point Beach near Coral World, Sapphire Beach,

Lindquist Beach, and Morning Star. While taking in the views from up high, I also spotted a lizard!

TSG Tip: Discuss in advance with your group of friends what kind of beach you intend to visit. Some

people love crowds while others prefer more of a deserted island kind of feel. If you have several

opinions, remember that you have choices while visiting the US Virgin Islands so mix it up and enjoy the sun, sand, and water. That means no complaints

with so many options!

Our last stop provided us with yet another view of downtown Charlotte Amalie with Havensight Mall to

one side and Crown Bay to the other. As the sun began to make its descent, it cast a slight pink hue over

the city and the last cruise ship in port. I had a chance to zero in on Marriott's Frenchman's Cove where

I would be off to later that night as well as my own hotel perched on the little hill overlooking the bay.

Do yourself a favor and don't skip the view. While you're at it, make an attempt to learn at least a

factoid or two while on your girlfriends getaway. It would be a shame to have visited and to later reveal

you only spent time at the beach. Who knows? You might find that you like your destination so much

that you'll want to return at a later date with a special someone for a romantic getaway.

Next time we'll focus on a few of the activities in St. Thomas, USVI.