Rediscovering Travel: My First Journey Back

Two years is quite a wait.

After a long break from traveling, many explorers are once again embarking on significant adventures. Christina, an enthusiastic traveler, eagerly embraced the chance to visit St. John with her family, including her new baby daughter, and some friends for a week of enjoying the stunning beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands.  

While Christina is experienced in travel, this being her first vacation in two years made it feel uniquely special. We caught up with her to discuss her recent getaway to paradise.

What inspired your choice of St. John?

I’ve visited four times before, but this was my first time with my baby, making it a wonderful opportunity to create memories in a place I’ve always cherished.

In 2019, we traveled extensively: Paris, Greece, Montana. However, all those trips revolved around busy destination weddings. They were exciting but not exactly relaxing. Knowing we wouldn’t travel for a while after having a baby, we were excited to return to St. John, where we could unwind. 

Additionally, it offers the advantage of being part of the U.S. while still feeling like a completely different destination. 

Have you always enjoyed traveling extensively?  

Absolutely, we aimed to travel outside the country about twice a year! We usually sought out new destinations to explore, indulge in local cuisine, and enjoy the city and coastline. We typically didn’t just relax, but for this trip, we desired a laid-back vacation to unwind on the beach with some rum.

What were some of your favorite activities while in St. John?
For starters, completely disconnecting from work. In the past, this has been a bit challenging, but the island’s stunning beauty allowed us to truly be present.

There seemed to be something for everyone, which was fantastic for our group. You could grab tacos in town, enjoy a drink by the beach, relax by the pool, or go for a hike. We considered visiting other islands but decided to stay in St. John and found plenty to keep us entertained all week.

Any preferred hiking trails?

Absolutely! I enjoyed a midnight hike with my dad along the Ram Head Trail. They organize this hike once a month, and it coincidentally fell on a full moon night!

How was your time at the beach? 

We visited several beaches, each with its own unique atmosphere. Maho Bay is super relaxed, and there’s even a friendly local shark that everyone seems to adore. Then there’s Cinnamon Bay, bustling with water sports and conveniently located food and drink options. 

I experimented with a full-face snorkeling mask, and it turns out you don’t have to venture far to encounter turtles, stingrays, and vibrant tropical fish. Taller individuals could likely even stand! It was my daughter’s first beach experience and her first time seeing a fish, and I realized that with the crystal-clear warm water, we’ve set the bar quite high!

How did you spend your days on the island?

To begin with, stepping foot in St. Thomas instantly gives you a vacation vibe. There was a lively welcome with music, dancers, refreshing drinks, and people on stilts. My daughter immediately began dancing while the adults sipped on rum punch.

St. John offers a plethora of outdoor activities due to its vast national park and less developed landscape compared to other areas, creating a stark contrast to our life in New York City! This aspect contributes to the unique culture and sense of community in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Since there aren’t any large resorts on the island, you’ll need to venture into town to shop at small local businesses catering to both residents and visitors. One of my favorites was a humble BBQ joint called Uncle Joe’s, which served some of the best BBQ chicken I’ve ever had.

How did it feel to finally have a trip planned again?

It provided me with something to anticipate—I even started a 100-day countdown! After being cooped up at home with the same people for so long, it was a much-needed escape that reminded us of the reasons we work so hard on all the other days.