Memorial Day weekend is a traditional one for spending time with family and friends, and we wish you’d all come down for a visit. Even if you have a tiny budget.

Surprisingly, few people realize that a short visit to the Virgin Islands can be a very reasonably priced get-away, especially if you can snag last-minute airline bargains. American Airlines and Spirit Airlines are just two of the companies where we’ve seen fantastic deals for summer getaways.

Yes – it is possible to stay in the islands for $100-$150/night, and no – you don’t need to bring your own tent or camp out to get those kind of rates.  Websites like www.vrbo.com, www.craiglist.org and www.ebay.com are great starting places to connect directly with homeowners. Some will even rent for just 3 nights! Here is some of the lingo to help you sort out the options for your cheap island getaway:

• Suite: this usually means a bedroom/sitting room combination,  possibly with a coffee maker, small fridge and microwave. Often a great choice for active vacationers looking for a reasonably priced place to sleep.   
• Efficiency: Somewhere between a suite and an apartment lies the efficiency unit which come with cooktops along with the fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Think small urban studio.
• Apartment:  many apartments in the VI are located on the lower level of a residential home, often in front of the enclosed water cistern. Screened in porches or decks are a plus. When the owner lives upstairs, the apartment is often a real bargain, but watch the late night partying!
• Guest Houses: think of these as bed and breakfast type placed, but without the breakfast included (in most cases). Usually a small number of rooms that are big on style, whether it be shabby chic, antique, or down-island comfort. 

At rock bottom rates, you may need to share a pool or skip it all together.  But, aren’t the pools at 5-star resorts shared with a lot of other people anyway? Look for introductory rates offered when a rental is new to the vacation market and owners need to get their rental calendar filled. Be sure to ask what’s included – beach towels and coolers are normally included, but toiletries may not be.

For our Service Veterans, Sugarbird Nest Villa of St. John offers 7 nights for the price of 2;  a well deserved bargain for our soldiers and their families. 

Some of our other favorites to check our are Mirabella Suites, and  the Crystal Palace  – both on St. Thomas; Star Villas, Century Hill Estate efficiencies, Hillcrest Guest House, Island Rentals – all on St. John.  Last minute specials, over-5o discounts, book 3 nights and get the 4th free… there are bargains regularly, so look around – and ask for them.  With reasonable expectations, you may just discover some beauties worth visiting again and again!

Of course, if you are travelling with a another couple or group of friends, you also have the option of many more upscale properties – sweet condos & full-fledged villas. Because, once you split the cost up per person, you will be pleasantly surprised at how far any Virgin Island  vacation rental budget will take you.

Until Later,

Bob and Karin Schlesinger

Your island photographers