St. Thomas Warnings Or Dangers Tips by starship Top 5 Page for this destination

At this point it might be a good idea to point out that while visitors may arrive on St. Thomas or any of the Caribbean islands believing that every inch of the island will be simply picture perfect, the reality is that away from the tourist areas most islands aren't so perfect. Just be aware that if you take that island tour, or taxi to a beach you've heard about, don't be surprised that the island has a completely different and maybe not so appealing look on the other side.

Garbage is a definite problem. Deteriorating buildings due to lack of maintenance, weather damage or just the effects of a tropical climate are surprisingly widespread on some islands. Poverty can be widespread. Deterioration and lack of repair on island roads not to mention their initial lack of engineering may leave you wondering if you'll get back in one piece.

Just because of the geographical fact that it is an island impacts on its ability in some measure to rid itself of garbage, or items that may otherwise be easily be disposed of or recycled on the mainland. Infrastructure may be limited or slow down the process or otherwise not even exist. Viability, economics, laws, & culture all have a hand in making things the way they are.

The resulting combination of these aspects often results in eyesores that you may not have expected-- squalid buildings; unkempt dumpster sites too close to that beach you love so much; abandoned or rusted-out cars sitting by rundown or deteriorated housing; gulley-washed areas unrepaired; crates of soda bottles next to the roadside awaiting pick-up; uncared for domestic or farm animals or those kept in horrid conditions make for a heartbreaking sight. Some or all of these sites can be seen on nearly every Caribbean island. It is not as though these problems don't exist elsewhere all over the world, but if you want PERFECT, stay in the tourist areas.

All this being said, the Caribbean Islands maybe as close to paradise as most of us will ever get!! Go and enjoy to the fullest!!!