Photos courtesy of Visit USVI
Story by Olga Bas
Take a dip offshore in the U.S. Virgin Islands to savor perfect year-round temperatures and a gay-friendly vibe. For travel through Oct. 31, each of the three major islands -- St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas -- have two specials for visitors.
The Intimate Treasures promotion highlights the islands' boutique hotels and includes a $50 dining 
coupon, $50 in attractions and activities coupons, and an eco-friendly gift bag with a bottle of rum, T-shirt, and other giveaways. Gay-owned Villa Greenleaf and gay-friendly Hibiscus Beach Hotel on St. Croix are among the small hotels that are participating. The full list can be found on the Visit USVI site. The package must be booked directly with the hotel or through your travel agent; when booking, use code SHP2009.
The Sizzlin' Sampler promotion also offers a $50 dining voucher and $50 off attractions and activities, but amps it up with a $300 discount on airfare, a $500 coupon booklet, and your fourth hotel night free. Gay-owned Sand Castle on the Beach, also located on St. Croix, is included in the promotion; find out more through one of the USVI's booking partners, such as American Airlines Vacations or Spirit Vacations, or view the full list on the Visit USVI site.
A minimum stay of four nights is required for both promotions and bookings must be made by Oct. 15.
Travel tip: Not all hotels feature wake-up calls, and using your cell phone alarm means leaving the phone on and vulnerable to middle-of-the-night calls (that come with international charges when you’re traveling abroad). Pack a small, battery-powered alarm clock for your trip instead.
Photos courtesy of Visit USVI
Story by Olga Bas
Take a dip offshore in the U.S. Virgin Islands to savor perfect year-round temperatures and a gay-friendly vibe. For travel through Oct. 31, each of the three major islands -- St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas -- have two specials for visitors.
The Intimate Treasures promotion highlights the islands' boutique hotels and includes a $50 dining coupon, $50 in attractions and activities coupons, and an eco-friendly gift bag with a bottle of rum, T-shirt, and other giveaways. Gay-owned Villa Greenleaf and gay-friendly Hibiscus Beach Hotel on St. Croix are among the small hotels that are participating. The full list can be found on the Visit USVI site. The package must be booked directly with the hotel or through your travel agent; when booking, use code SHP2009.
The Sizzlin' Sampler promotion also offers a $50 dining voucher and $50 off attractions and activities, but amps it up with a $300 discount on airfare, a $500 coupon booklet, and your fourth hotel night free. Gay-owned Sand Castle on the Beach, also located on St. Croix, is included in the promotion; find out more through one of the USVI's booking partners, such as American Airlines Vacations or Spirit Vacations, or view the full list on the Visit USVI site.
A minimum stay of four nights is required for both promotions and bookings must be made by Oct. 15.
Travel tip: Not all hotels feature wake-up calls, and using your cell phone alarm means leaving the phone on and vulnerable to middle-of-the-night calls (that come with international charges when you’re traveling abroad). Pack a small, battery-powered alarm clock for your trip instead.
