Whether you're driving a rental car or a rental scooter, it's important to know the rules of the road. Especially in the Virgin Islands, where traffic moves on the left. And, in many cases, you have to be aware that your vehicle may be slowed down by large potholes or by other vehicles that are on the wrong side of the road.
You'll also need a valid US or Canadian driver's license and an international driving permit. You'll need to obtain this before you leave your home country. However, you won't need a license from your home state to drive in the US Virgin Islands.
You should also know more about that the Virgin Islands aren't the safest place to drive. In fact, accidents are on the rise, in part because of a high rate of drunk drivers. In addition, Hurricane Irma passed through with wind gusts of over 200 mph, causing major damage to Saint John and other nearby islands. While the storm did not directly affect the USVI, it certainly put travelers at risk.
The best way to get around the US Virgin Islands is to hire a rental car. Besides being an easy and convenient way to get from one island to another, renting a car also gives you the freedom to explore on your own schedule.
The Virgin Islands are known for their speed limit, which rarely exceeds 35 miles per hour. You might also notice that roads are narrow and bumpy. They are also frequently steep, so be sure to pay attention to your surroundings. This will help you avoid hitting pedestrians. In some places, you may even run into goats or deer that are crossing the road. This is an unusual occurrence and it should be an eye-opener.
The Virgin Islands are also famous for their off-road trails. They're great for hiking, cycling and other adventure-seeking activities. However, be warned: there's no lane markings, which makes it more difficult to navigate. It can also be slippery. It's best to keep your wits about you, especially on a rainy day.
There's a good reason that you'll be seeing more signs for "left" than right. It's because nearly all of the cars on the islands are left-hand drives. This is a holdover from when most agriculturalists in the Danish Caribbean islands were British. You'll also notice that drivers in the Virgin Islands are laid back and friendly. In addition, you'll often see donkeys frolicking up mountains on the roads, which can be quite comical.
The Virgin Islands are also home to the world's first'smart' car. This is a hybrid that combines a gas-powered engine with an electric motor. Although this model is a little pricey, it's more reliable during the rainy season. The electric drive uses less fuel.
In general, the Virgin Islands are easy to drive, but you do need to be careful. They have many steep, narrow roads. You can avoid a lot of danger by using a four-by-four rather than a compact car. You should also consider whether your party has a lot of luggage.