Get $300 to Visit the US Virgin Islands

Credit: Google Images

---

Ever wished the place you were traveling to would give you free money to spend while on vacation?

Well, the U.S. Virgin Islands are doing (almost) just that by offering $300 to lure you in during 2017. It's not because their tourism levels have taken a dip in the warm turquoise waters or a vat of delicious rum, but because they're going all out to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of Transfer Day, or when the Danish West Indies (the main islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, as well as several smaller islands) became the U.S. Virgin Islands on March 31st, 1917. Instead of celebrating their centennial anniversary of being a United States territory for one day, they're making it a year-long affair and they want you to enjoy it!

It seems pretty simple:
1) Go to www.visitusvi.com to book at a participating hotel, villa, camp, or resort
2) Use booking code "CP1"
3) Must stay a minimum of 3 nights
4) Travel must take place between January 2 - December 31, 2017
5) Must book hotel before October 1st, 2017

If you follow these steps, the USVI Department of Tourism will send you $300...in credits that you can use like cash. The catch is that they must be used to explore the island(s) to learn about USVI's culture and history -- it won't work to simply lounge on the beach ordering rum punches all day. With that said, you can use the $300 vouchers to experience museums, eco-tours, culinary tours, outdoor adventures, like kayaking, diving, hiking or snorkeling, and more with any of the participating sites and activities. In addition, if you travel anytime in March, you'll also get a special commemoration gift!

Furthermore, there will be special events and activities happening on all of the islands throughout the year, so make sure to check the official USVI Centennial website for the latest updates and information before you go!

USVI Fun Facts Before You Go: 

• The official language is English, but Spanish, French, and various dialects can also be heard.
• The official currency is the US dollar, so if you're coming from the mainland and worried about currency exchange, don't be!
• The USVI enjoys a generally steady tropical climate year round, with average high being 88 °F/31 °C and average low being 76 °F/24 °C, but rainy season is May through October.
• U.S. citizens do not have to clear customs or have a passport when entering the US Virgin Islands directly from the U.S., but do go through customs on the way back to the mainland.
• Rum production (mostly on St. Croix) is the biggest component of their manufacturing sector. Cruzan and Sailor Jerry are the main distilleries in the USVI, though Captain Morgan opened up a distillery in 2010. AH Riise and Calico Jack Rums are also made on the islands. Bring on the rum punch!
• Musical culture reflects the islands' West Indian, African, European colonial, Caribbean, and American roots. However, the official music of the USVI is the quelbe, a topical folk song performed by traditional folk ensembles called scratch bands.
• The traditional folk dance is the quadrille, which is related to American square dancing. 
• The USVI's largest Carnival celebration will take place on St. Thomas from April 1 - 29, 2017, if you want an extra special dose of cultural excitement!
• Each of the islands provides unique and excellent opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling, with dive sites around St. Thomas being the most accessible, St. John having several protected areas, and St. Croix offering the most variety. Water temperatures average 70-80 °F (21-27 °C). Visibility averages 50 to 100 feet (15 to 30.5 meters). Those are some of the best underwater adventuring conditions for the U.S.!

But, wherever you end up going in 2017, Happy New Year and happy traveling!

Credit: Google Images