I travel a lot to feed my wanderlust, but I also travel so that I can experience the process of traveling the world before my clients. Many of you have not traveled internationally since 2019. The landscape continues to change and there are entry requirements and protocols that you need to be aware of before you go. My recent trip to BVI was fabulous and I learned so much so I can be a better resource for my clients.
I flew in through St Thomas because it’s a direct flight from IAD. Even though I was only transiting to get to the BVI, I still had to apply for a USVI health passport and show my QR code, passport, vaccination card, required tests for BVI. To get to the BVI, I reserved a private water taxi to take me to Road Town (the capital) to take a rapid antigen test at customs.
The BVI is comprised of 60 islands and cays and you can truly island hop every day since the islands are in close proximity to each other.
I learned about which islands have border control if you’re traveling by boat and I went island hopping by power boat and water taxi to get an idea of what it would be like in case you don’t want to charter a yacht.
Every island and region has its own personality. I visited a variety of lodging options to see which properties fit for families, couples, corporate retreats, or a group of friends. I stayed in or conducted site visits to villas, luxury resorts, a yacht charter, a private island, and new boutique hotels.
I used local and private transport to understand and experience the modes available.
I tried new and off the beaten path restaurants that my local travel partners told me about and they suggested which local foods and beverages to order.
I also learned which properties offered covid testing and the process. I had to go to Road Town on Day 1 to take the covid test. On my second to the last day in BVI, the doctor met me at the pier so I could get tested again without having to waste time.
There’s a lot that goes into travel now and every destination has its own set of requirements. You have to know which sites are providing the most up-to-date details, you have to be flexible, you need to make sure that what you’re researching online is actually open and running. When you work with a travel advisor, you benefit from our current experiences, connections, and our access to the up-to-date intel.
I loved my stay in the BVI and felt very safe. The water really is that blue and clear and everyone is friendly and welcoming!! This trip to the BVI has armed me with the knowledge, insight, and connections to ensure that your visit to the BVI is even better though my experience.
As a Certified BVI Travel Specialist with British Virgin Islands, this trip to the BVI allowed me to see first hand how to travel to/from this beautiful destination and what to expect. If you or someone you know is interested in visiting the BVI, Pineapple7 would love to help!