Stretching Your Vacation Dollar (NAPSA)—Cash-strapped vacationers have found a way to take a break from the slumpingdollar. They’ve started visiting locales such as the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in the Caribbean. Just a 30- minute flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, the BVI accepts the U.S. dollar—but travelers aren’t just going to dodge conversion rates. The islands are also home to the “Jewels of the BVI,” a collection of locally owned hotels, inns, villas, restaurants and bars. Here, vacationers pay reasonable rates, especially during the summer and shoulder seasons. Here’s a closer look: Music And Views If you’re heading to the main island of Tortola, meaning “land of turtledoves” in Spanish, a must- stop is Quito’s Gazebo. With live music and views of Cane Garden Bay, guests enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in the Carib- bean. Another option is Myett’s Hotel, which is also situated in Cane Garden Bay. Surfers ride the Atlantic swells in the north, sailors embark on adventures in the south and vacationers stay at a wide array of intimate Jewels properties such as Icis Villas. Underwater Adventure On the island of Virgin Gorda, named by Columbus in 1498, visi- The right tropical getaway can help you get more out of your vacation and your dollar. style, waterfront rooms. Timeless Trip The island of Jost Van Dyke is a short day-sail away from Tortola. The location for Kenny Chesney’s music video “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” the island exudes a “lost in time”feel. After a wildly adventurous island ATV tour, guests can kick back with signature frozen drinks at Foxy’s Bar & Restaurant or Ivan’s Stress Free Bar. Dine Like A Local On the island of Anegada, the only flat island in the British Virgin Islands, visitors indulge in a tra- ditional Anegada lobster roast at Anegada Reef Hotel. And with the longest public beach in the Caribbean—a 16-mile stretch of uninterrupted shoreline—there’s plenty of room to relax. Vacationers can stay at Neptune’s Treasure, offering both one-bedroom cottages tors explore and snorkel the natural phenomena of The Baths— granite boulders stacked across island meals at Cow Wreck Beach Spring Bay down the road, or at Mango Bay Resort with its villa- British Virgin Islands Tourist Board at (800) 835-8530 or visit www.bvitourism.com. white beaches, with cavernsfilled with shallow wading pools. Vacationers can stay at Guavaberry or individual hotel rooms, and enjoy Resort with its picturesque views. For more information, call the
