Pre-Trip Checklist: St Croix

Essential Preparations

A chronological approach simplifies the process, confirming a smooth start to your adventure.

Planning Timeline

Organizing your trip months, weeks, and days before departure.

Months Before Departure

Flights & Accommodation

Book flights, especially for peak season, for better prices. Secure your hotel or vacation rental early.

Activities & Tours

Research must-do activities and tour operators (e.g., Buck Island). Check Capital One Travel for rewards card options.

Passport Validity

For non-U.S. Citizens, confirm your passport is valid for at least six months beyond departure.

Month Before Departure

Rental Car & Tours

Reserve your rental car now (highly recommended). Reconfirm any pre-booked tours or excursions.

Travel Insurance

Obtain comprehensive travel insurance for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Consider World Nomads.

Health Checks

Confirm routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Consult your doctor about recommended travel-specific vaccines.

Week Before Departure

Packing & Confirmations

Pack your bags using a comprehensive list. Double-check flight times, hotel bookings, and tour schedules.

Financial & Home Care

Notify your credit card and bank companies of travel plans. Arrange for pet sitters, plant care, and mail collection.

Digital Downloads

Download St. Croix maps on Google Maps or Apple Maps for offline use.

Pre-Trip Research

Thorough research prevents common tourist mistakes and fosters respectful interactions.

Cultural Immersion

Explore St. Croix's culture, history, and local customs.
Read travel blogs and watch documentaries.
Check local news sources for current information.
Learning about the island deepens your visit.

Essential Bookings

Confirming reservations in advance leads to a stress-free trip.

Advance Reservations

Flights, accommodation, and rental car are critical advance bookings.
Popular tours, especially the Buck Island excursion, also confirm spots with advance booking.
These reservations secure your preferred travel arrangements.

Home Preparation

Steps to take before departure to secure your home.

Security

Lock all windows and doors.
Use timers for lights.
Activate home security systems.
Hide spare keys securely.

Utilities

Turn off unnecessary water valves.
Unplug electronics to save energy.
Adjust thermostat to energy-saving setting.
Empty trash cans.

Care & Mail

Arrange for pet sitters or boarding.
Organize plant care for indoor and outdoor plants.
Suspend mail or newspaper deliveries.
Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on the property.

Planning Wisdom

A structured approach to your pre-trip checklist removes stress and sets the tone for a relaxing vacation.

On-Island Arrival & Departure

Streamline your arrival and departure, making every moment of your St. Croix visit enjoyable.

Arrival Checklist

1
Airport Procedures
Have valid ID/passport and visa ready for immigration/customs. Clear procedures efficiently.
2
Getting Settled
Pick up rental car at the agency counter or find a taxi. Proceed directly to accommodation for check-in and luggage drop-off. Purchase a local SIM card if needed (less common for U.S. Travelers).
3
Currency & Purchases
Official currency is the U.S. Dollar. ATMs are available at the airport for immediate cash needs. Consider Capital One Travel for related travel rewards.

Airport to Accommodation

Transport Plan:
Plan your transport from Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to your destination.
Taxi Fares:
Confirm costs with taxi drivers beforehand.
Pre-Arranged Options:
A pre-arranged shuttle or rental car can streamline this journey.

Departure Preparation

Packing & Duty-Free

Ensure duty-free items, especially liquids like rum, are packed per airline rules.
Use a sealed, tamper-evident bag for carry-on liquids.
Remember the generous U.S. Duty-free allowance ($1,600 per person) from USVI.
Inquire about shipping options from local postal services for large souvenirs.
Consider Eagle Creek packing organizers for efficient packing.

Final Checks

St. Croix, as an U.S. Territory, has no VAT refund procedures.
Arrive at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) at least 2 hours before domestic flights.
Allow 3 hours if you have international connections after reaching the mainland.
Confirm your flight status and departure gate before leaving accommodation.
Pack essential items (medications, valuables, documents) in your carry-on bag.

Last-Minute Departure Tip

Confirm your transportation plan to the airport, especially if returning a rental car, for a smooth departure.

Last-Minute Departure Tips

A smooth exit confirms a pleasant end to your St. Croix adventure.

Baggage & Finances

Weigh your luggage to avoid excess baggage fees before heading to the airport.
Keep all receipts for any tax or expense declarations you might need later.
Exchange any remaining local currency if not USD.
Consolidate all cash and valuables for safe keeping during travel.

Rental & Logistics

Return your rental car with a full tank if that was part of your agreement.
Inspect the rental car for any new damage before handover.
Confirm airport transfer details if not self-driving.
Allow ample time for return procedures and airport security.

Security Reminders

Ensure smooth passage through airport security.

Security Checkpoint

Liquids in clear, quart-sized bags.TSA 3-1-1 Rule
Remove electronics from bags.Laptops, Tablets
Remove outer layers of clothing.Jackets, Shoes
Have boarding pass and ID ready.Quick Access

Final Preparations

Confirm home security: locked doors, activated alarms.
Ensure phone is charged for travel.
Confirm entertainment downloads for the flight.
Do a final sweep of your accommodation for forgotten items.

Smooth Departure

Departing St. Croix should be as relaxed as your arrival.

Pre-Trip Checklist