Virgin Islands, a heritage destination for beach lovers

The Virgin Islands of the Caribbean, shared by the United States and Great Britain, offer a unique shared heritage that evolved over the past 400 years.  Their natural beauty, sunny skies, warm waters, and sparkling white sandy beaches make St. Kitts and Nevis two of the most exclusive spots in the British Virgin Islands, while remaining uncrowded and unspoiled.  The local language is English, so no worries for US travelers.  And, who knew that one of America's founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, was born there and grandson of a Scottish aristocrat?

Arts and crafts, hikes and island tours plus full-thrill watersports and ziplining await after you’ve exhausted the historic possibilities.  Shopping offers endless options for international travelers -- why not make your search for that stunning little beach hat into a great souvenir hunt?  Watersports are readily available, from catamaran sunset sailing to kitesurfing.

Here are 10 heritage travel activities you’ll want to add to your itinerary. 

1. Spa-licious experiences are yours at thermal hot springs at the Caribbean’s oldest resort, The Bath Hotel          
2. Imagine the island life of the 16th century island aristocracy at Figtree Church where Lord Nelson wed Fanny Nisbet           
3. Visit the Caribbean’s oldest wooden house at Hermitage Plantation
4. Tour the historic site at Cottle Church, where whites and blacks first worshipped on Nevis
5. Visit the 18th century historic site of Fairview Great House, walk its cobblestone courtyard and tour its gorgeous tropical Botanical Garden on St. Kitts
6. Learn how the beautiful orchids came to be at the Nevis Botanical Gardens
7. See Fanny Nisbet’s plaque in the original oven for the Great House
8. Stop by for tips at the Nevis Historical Society
9. Travel back in time at Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace museum in Charlestown
10. See island paintings at The Carolita Gallery of Art in historic High Hamilton Estate 

For more information on heritage and historical sites, you may visit the website online at www.stkittsheritage.org  for more ideas.

Travel Documents and Entry/Departure Requirements:

• Citizens of Canada need only to present proof of citizenship, preferably a passport or birth certificate with the raised seal, to enter St. Kitts-Nevis, plus a government issued photo ID (a drivers licence, for example) showing the same name. 
• Citizens of the United States must have passports in order to re-enter that country.  As such a valid passport is a required travel document when travelling to the Caribbean.   

Currency:  U.S. bills are accepted by most stores and businesses and change is given in local currency. U.S. coins are not accepted. Eastern Caribbean Dollar Exchange Rate: $1.00 USD = $2.70 XCD

© Copyright 2011 Mary Holman. All rights reserved. This article and content may not be republished, rewritten or excerpted.