Guest Resources: Simple Tips That Make Every Day Easier in St. John

Most travelers plan the “big things” — beaches, restaurants, hiking, snorkeling. But St. John rewards people who pay attention to the small details. A little preparation before and during your trip can save you time, reduce stress, and make every day feel seamless.

These tips are not complicated — but they’re powerful. They come directly from what repeat visitors do differently. If you apply them, you’ll move through the island like someone who has been here before.

Book your dinners early — especially for popular nights

St. John restaurants are intimate and seating volume is limited.
So instead of trying to “figure it out later,” do this:

• book your dinners for the first 2–3 nights before you arrive
• then adjust the rest once you’re in the rhythm

This removes the nightly “where do we eat?” stress.

Keep a grab-and-go beach bag ready at all times

This single tip saves time every morning.

Inside it, keep:

• reef-safe sunscreen
• sunglasses
• towel
• water bottle
• reef shoes / sandals

This way — if you decide to slip into one more beach before lunch or before sunset — you’re already packed.

Download offline maps before you arrive

Signal can vary depending on where you are.

Downloading maps offline lets you:

• never worry about dead zones
• navigate faster
• look up beaches without relying on cell coverage

This is especially useful if you plan to explore outside the main Cruz Bay area.

Bring light snacks if you’re traveling with children

Local grocery variety is limited — not bad — but different.

Kids often want the brands they’re used to.

A few familiar snack packs can prevent emotional surprises.

Test your phone’s camera backup BEFORE you travel

This one seems small… until it isn’t.

Many travelers run out of phone storage mid-vacation.
Or they take photos they can’t back up anywhere.

Before you leave home:

• clear old photos
• activate cloud or local backup
• empty your “Recently Deleted” folder

Because you WILL take more photos than you expect here.
St. John scenery guarantees that.

Carry small bills — taxis and small shops appreciate it

ATMs exist — but cash simplicity makes small moments easier.

If you carry $5s, $10s, and $20s — you’ll move smoother across the day.
Taxi tipping also becomes effortless.

Prepare for sun stronger than you think

People underestimate Caribbean sun intensity — especially compared to mainland or winter sun.

A lightweight long-sleeve or sun shirt can make beach days longer and more comfortable.

Sunburn ruins more vacations than anything else.

The small details create the big ease

That’s the lesson here.

Great trips are built from these micro decisions — not from complicated plans.

When you take care of the basics — you give yourself more space to enjoy the moments.

St. John is already the star.
You just want to set yourself up to enjoy it with clarity, comfort, and ease.