One hundred or so islands make up the Virgin Islands group. Some are governed by the U.S., some by the British, and all offer green hills, the best temperatures in the West Indies, and some of the lowest humidity levels in the Caribbean. So if the answer to your Caribbean vacation question is the Virgin Islands, the next questions are where in the Virgins, and what to do once you get there. Toward that end, Frommer's Virgin Islands guide delineates the differences, in character and topography and overall ambiance, between the various islands, helping you select the destinations that suit you (and your budget) best. First, there's the choice between British and American, then there are criteria such as deluxe versus rustic, hopping nightlife versus quiet isolation, pristine beaches or vibrant snorkeling. The "Best Of" section further aids selection, with lists of exceptional beaches, snorkeling, dive sites, golf courses, restaurants, nature walks, honeymoon resorts, and places to get away from it all. Once you've chosen your island, you have but to browse the specific chapter to see hotels, dining, and sights, outdoor recreations, shopping, and nightlife. There's a brief history of each island, a look at the flora and fauna, and an essential Fast Facts page listing details such as area code, currency exchange, doctors, newspapers, and liquor laws. Why lug along a huge Caribbean tome? The slender Frommer's Virgin Islands volume offers more detailed information for less. --Stephanie Gold


Book Description
You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might like to go -- they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us!


From the Back Cover
Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer. And avoid tourist traps. At Frommer’s, we use 150 outspoken travel experts around the world to help you make the right choices. Frommer’s. Your guide to a world of travel experience. Choose the Only Guide That Gives You: The top diving and snorkeling spots, and advice on chartering your own boat. Outspoken opinions on what’s worth your time and what’s not. Exact prices, so you can plan the perfect trip no matter what your budget. Off-the-beaten-path experiences and undiscovered gems, plus new takes on top attractions. The best hotels and restaurants in every price range, with candid reviews.


About the Author
A native of North Carolina, Darwin Porter was a bureau chief for the Miami Herald when he was 21, and later worked in television advertising. A veteran travel writer, he is the author of numerous best-selling Frommer’s guides, including Frommer’s England and Frommer’s Italy.

He is assisted by Danforth Prince, formerly of the Paris Bureau of The New York Times. They have been frequent travelers to the Caribbean for years, and are intimately familiar with what’s good there and what isn’t. They have also written Frommer’s Caribbean, Frommer’s Puerto Rico, Frommer’s Bermuda, and Frommer’s Portable Dominican Republic.

FROM THE PUBLISHER