Transportation
Flying from Minneapolis or Chicago?
There are lots of great options from Chicago ORD in the $500-$600 range. Prices are in the $700-$800 range out of MSP and involve overnight layovers.
Where will we stay?
It seems that staying somewhere within view of the Pitons is the way to go.
The question we're all asking... can we dive in St. Lucia
Yes. There are coral reefs, walls, pinnacles, wrecks, and some animal specific dive sites. Most are available for novice divers (cough cough Ben).
What are the dates?
Car rental options are plentiful. Likely a 2 vehicle situation, each costing between $300-$400 for the week.
What the hell is a piton?
With 2 rental vehicles, the sky is your limit. Within about 20 minutes of the VRBO there is a multitude of restaurants, bars, shopping opportunities, eco tours, beach, botanical gardens, mineral baths, and hikes! You might have more fun than the divers.
How long is the flight?
There aren't any direct flights from MSP or ORD, but travel time is about 7 hours at a minimum or 18 hours at a maximum depending on the airport and flights chosen.
Not exactly. It's unclear if Uber officially operates on the island or if certain companies just call themselves Uber. St. Lucia has their own rideshare company called Allez that is available in the app store. Taxis are the most common.
So what the hell is a piton?
The options in St. Lucia are similar to that of other volcanic islands. Eco tours, ATV tours, volcanic hiking, mineral baths, ziplining, horseback riding, aerial trams, catamaran/sailing, food and drink tasting, deep sea fishing, shopping, cultural experiences, etc.
1. Hike Gros Piton
2. Drive in Volcano
3. Swim at Toraille Waterfall
4. Soak in sulfur hot springs
5. Watch a cricket match
6. Get krunk
How big is the island?
The island is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide. It would take about 2 hours to dive the island from South to North or vise versa.
Okay so I know what I piton is... where are we staying
I found a VRBO in a small town called Palmiste.
What's the weather like in St. Lucia in November?
Average high/low temperature - 86/78
Cloud cover - 39%
Precipitation chance daily - 40% (short sudden showers clearing up quickly)
Ocean temp - 83
Liam will need sunscreen. Lots of it.
What is the culture like in St. Lucia?
The Culture of Saint Lucia blends the influences of African, French, and English heritage. The official language of the island is English but Kwéyòl (French Creole), remains an influential secondary language with an English Creole also spoken as well. The people are predominantly Catholic but the religious climate is tolerant.
Will our plane crash?
Maybe! In fact, the average risk of an American being in a plane crash is about 1 in 11 million.
You're about three times more likely to be killed by a shark. You're about 4 times more likely to be killed by a cow than a shark.
Moral of the story? Watch out for cows.
Is there a jail in St. Lucia in case Liam gets cray cray?
Yes. Bordelais Correctional Facility on the East side of the island.