Thanks for all the great help regarding accomodations in St. John. I've narrowed by choice to either Estate Lindholm or Garden by the Sea. I'll be traveling the last week in September and while I know it's hurricane season, I will purchase travel insurance. I really don't like the idea of postponing the trip because it's our anniversary.

My question is for those who's visited St. John in September-early October. Was it pretty empty or still a decent amount of folks? Were the majority of restaurants, activities available? While I want to get away and relax, I don't want to feel like I'm on a deserted island.

ps. Is there another island similar to St. John (beaches, laid-back atmosphere, lush vegetation) that would be safer during late September?

We've been in St. John in late August and you definitely get far fewer tourists at this time. St. John has a permanent population of approximately 4,500 people and the folks there consider hurricane season as their time to vacation off island, but it is not deserted. Many restaurants will not be open or have limited hours, but you'll always be able to find somewhere to go. Same with the stores. The benefit for you is there will be seasonal bargains, no throngs of other tourists (although, I never see throngs there). Christiegr, a regular poster here, went last year with her husband in September. Perhaps she'll chime in soon.

I went last June and September to St John.

We had a much better time in Sept. as it was a lot less crowded but not deserted.The beaches were pretty deserted (which was good for us as we love to snorkel).

Some of the restaurants were closed..but we were always able to find somewhere good to eat.

Places that I noticed were closed were Woody's,The Lime Inn,Rumbalaya,and Morgan's Mango.

Trust me you will find good places to eat.

In June is was so crowded that we always had a hard time finding somewhere to park in Cruz Bay.

Good luck and have fun!!
Christie

Thanks Tuxedocat (cool name) and christiegr for the great info. It's persuaded me to stick with St. John. I really want to visit there and this is my first trip to a Caribbean island. I'm def purchasing travel insurance and will be diligent about checking the weather prior to our departure. Christiegr, it's nice to know that the island will be relatively quiet, but not eerily so. Thanks again!

ps. One other question...when's the best time to purchase airline tickets for the trip? Now? Right before leaving? In your opinion, when are airline tickets the lowest for traveling during the off-season. We'll be departing from the Washington, DC area.

I think that you can wait a little while.I would keep a check on the prices for a few weeks and if you find a really good deal...go ahead and buy them.

We actually got ours about 1 month before we left and paid a good price.If you leave anytime other than on a weekend and come back the same time..you tickets will be cheaper.

We left on a Thurs and came back on Tues.

Good luck!!
Christie