U.S.Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands is "America's Caribbean Paradise" -- the place to see moko jumbies dance at a Carnival parade, hear the lilting patois of a Creole dialect, or smell the spices in a saltfish pate (all without losing cell phone reception). You could visit either St. Thomas, St. John or St. Croix, but better yet, spend a little time on all three islands. That way you'll get plenty of pampering, undisturbed nature and colonial history jammed into one vacation. And bonus: you can pay for everything with U.S. dollars.

Each island offers something different. Called "Rock City" for its hilly, craggy horizon, St. Thomas is better known for its luxury -- from the mega-yachts moored in the harbor to the Gucci, Nicole Miller and Tiffany & Co. storefronts along Main Street. Located a short ferry-ride east, St. John intoxicates honeymooners and nature lovers with more than 7,000 acres of dedicated parkland plus its pristine beaches. Way down south in the Caribbean Sea, less-visited St. Croix has sugar cane plantations and rum distilleries that offer a glimpse into both the past and the present of the Virgin Islands.

Buck Island

99 Steps : Climb these stone steps in downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas for a nice harbor view.

Buck Island National Monument

Charlotte Amalie

Coki Point

Coral World Ocean Park : St. Thomas' most visited tourist attraction is an indoor-outdoor aquarium filled with turtles, stingrays and touch starfish.

Estate Whim Plantation : St. Croix's Estate Whim Plantation chronicles the 18th-century life of Cruzans, especially those involved in the production of sugar cane.

Mahogany Run Golf Course : This par-70 course on the St. Thomas' northeast side is also the home of a few iguanas.

Magens Bay in northern St. Thomas is one of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean.

Hurricane Hole : In the past, boaters found refuge from storms in this northeast section of St. John.

St. John Harbor

Paradise Point Tramway : One of the best views of St. Thomas' harbor, Water Island and Puerto Rico awaits you atop Paradise Point.

St. Thomas at Night

Virgin Islands National Park : The Virgin Islands National Park takes up 7,000 acres on the island of St. John.