Global-scene -
U.S. Virgin Islands: St Thomas & St. John

   If you're looking for temps in the 80's, blue waters and sparkling white beaches then head to the US Virgin Islands. Fifty miles east of Puerto Rico, 2,000 miles southeast of Chicago and only four hours by plane.
   St Thomas: Most vacationers arrive in St. Thomas by cruise ships - disembarking early in the morning and heading to the island's biggest city, Charlote Amalie. This lively place has more jewelry stores than New York City, and they're crammed into a few blocks the size of Times Square. Once you've blown your vacation wad on a brand new Breitling. Head off to explore the rest of the island.
   I recommend you get the hell out of that town, cause it ain't no paradise. I rented a Jeep at Hertz for about $90 a day, not a bad way to get around the island. About 40 public beaches line the isle and almost all are ideal for snorkeling and diving. On the central north coast is the beautiful, shining Magens Bay which offers white sandy beaches, palm trees lining the entire bay and green rolling mountains towering above. You can rent towels and chairs as well as snorkeling gear. It also has a great little bar and a restaurant right on the beach.
   As you continue to drive around the island you will see plenty of picturesque sights, just remember to keep your eyes on the road. This entire piece of land is only about 13 miles long by three miles wide.
   The town of Red Hook is on the far eastern side of the St. Thomas and home to serious boaters that hang out at a bunch of restaurants and bars. I suggest the restaurant, "Off the Hook," and two good bars, Duffy's and Moley Molones Irish Yacht Pub. There are also some nice hotels in the area, including the Ritz Carlton, Renaissance Grand Beach and Point Pleasant Resort.
   But the best thing about Red Hook is the ferry that takes you to St. John a few miles to the east. The 15-minute ferry ride only sets you back about $2.50 each way, and you can take your car on the ferry for about $20 each way.
   St. John: If you're looking for some of the best beaches in the world, then this is the place to go. The only way to get to St. John is by sea or seaplane, and you know what they say, half the fun is getting there. Cruz Bay is situated on a picturesque little harbor at the west end of the island, with several quaint restaurants, bars and shops. First, though, take a tour of the island, because it's not a bad way to get the lay of the land. The Driver I had took us up to the ruins of an old Sugar cane Mill from 200 years ago, kind of cool. One of the reasons the island is so beautiful is that two-thirds of it is protected as a National Park, so it's really worth seeing.
   The tour ended at Trunk Bay, with some of the best public beach facilities I have ever seen. If you are a novice or veteran skin-diver, you will enjoy diving here. Just off shore is a tiny island - great for shallow water diving.
   When it comes to lodging, there are plenty of choices from small hotels and studio condos from $100 per day to $1000 a night rooms at the world famous Caneel Bay Resort.
    The peak tourist season is December to May, outside this period; you can expect room rates to be two thirds of those charged during the busier months. An additional draw is that the calmer weather between April and August tends to keep the waters clear for diving and smaller waves for boating between the islands.
    For more info about the U.S. Virgin Islands visit www.Global-Scene.com