Plan ahead. Research the locations you want to visit, the rental sites and the type of car. Remember you must be at least 25 years of age to rent a vehicle. Make a list of any possible questions you might have before calling, and call ahead.
Determine what is the best vehicle for you or your family. This includes what you are going to do, where you are going to travel and what kind of sites you want to see. That will give you a better idea of what type of vehicle to rent. Nearly all vehicles available on St. John are SUVs with four-wheel drive, as the island is very hilly and sometimes you need the extra oomph.
Book ahead! It is recommended that you reserve a vehicle three to four months in advance, especially if you are planning on renting a vehicle on the island, which is usually your best bet. No one wants to be left on a beautiful island vacation without a way to get around, so planning ahead will help ensure that you have transportation once you get there.
Research the rental companies. There are several companies on the island, each of which has numerous vehicle choices and price ranges. Each of the three major resort hotels has an outpost of one of the companies so you can rent without even going into town. If you know of someone who has been to the island before you, talk to them and find out what rental company they used. Ask about their overall rental experience. This will help you determine which rental company you want to use.
Drive your rented jeep along the island trails and beaches and enjoy the view. Check into rental insurance and make sure you're well covered while you're there. Be careful driving around unfamiliar territory. A little extra caution can go a long way toward the safety of you and your family.
