TravelTalkOnline Forums Trip Reports (Read Only) SXM Trip Reports and Photos Trip Report - Transportation

Won't bore you with US airline flights, ran a little late and very boring (just the way flying should be)<br><br>Had LIAT (I know, stupid stupid) booked out of San Juan. Was supposed to be a direct? flt. Their idea of direct is if a stopover is kinda on the way, the flight is direct. <br>Anyhow, got to SJU terminal plenty early. Got luggage checked eaasily. They did levy a $10 per preson departure tax which I had not heard about. Just before scheduled departure time they announced the flight would be delayed. Ended up getting out of there 1 1/2 hours late after being lined up like cattle, walking part way to plane, returning to terminal, waiting in line again, then back to plane. Did a "direct flight" stopover in Tortolla although it was interesting to see. Into SXM 1 1/2 hours late. Good news is that immigration was empty and we were 3rd couple off plane so breezed through. Only thing they wanted to know was where we were staying and I had timeshare confirmation papers and passports in hand. Baggage came off timely and we were ready to hit the road.<br>If I remember correctly, the return flight departed just about on time. Did a "direct" stopover in Tortolla. Those passengers debarked. Then, we were told we all had to go through security again. We off-boarded, were herded to the terminal, walked the length, passed through security again. Then waited as our luggage was off-loaded also and apparently run through another screening. Then reherded back to the plane where we had to reidentify our luggage (maybe this is a new LIAT thing to keep track of in-flight luggage??) before they would load it back onto the plane. Hot, muggy and definitely not in good humor. There was another TTOL regular on the same flight who's husband I feel very sorry for (I'm assuming he booket LIAT). Poor guy.<br>Some people have to learn the hard way, LIAT never again!<br>SJU immigration was totally empty so breezed thru.<br><br>Had an auto reserved with Budget, $120 a week, and overall experience with them was fine. There was a young fella holding a Budget sign just outside baggage. He helped with luggage and called their van which pulled up in few minutes. Their lot is close to terminal so just a minute's drive. Checked out at office without any problem although I did have them go over the car with me to record all the dings/dents and had to be insistent to get a copy. Picked up from some other posts that the front office had a bit of an attitude, so....did a small flick of the attitute switch to see. They DO have an attitude. Other than that, which was at my instigation, everything was fine and we were on our way in our tourist matchng white Toyota Corolla <br><br>First thing you want to do now is memorize your liscense number. Later, when you come out of wherever and the parking is half full of white Toyota Corolla's, all with nothing in them, you'll want to be able to find yours without trying your key in a couple dozen.<br><br>Like all other Corolla's the 1.8L engine is not a powerhouse, but I thought that was ok. Did add some air to tires (they seem to keep pressure low for ride) which helped a bit with power and handling. After much thought, here's my own priority list for an auto on SXM..................<br><br>Fully enclosed with air conditioning. After 3-5 hours on the beach with sunscreen, salt, sand, sweat, and bug spray <br> a well airconditioned drive back to the room is a must. <br><br>Brakes. Alot of stopping. Being able to go from 20 to 0 in about 3 feet is a must. The guy that just passed you is apt to do the same if he sees a buddy along the road.<br><br>Manuverability. Alot of tight places and to win any contests (gotta win some or you don't move) you don't have to be fast, just quick. I have absolutely no clue how the tractor-trailer rigs manuver through the towns, I guess the brute force rule works for them.<br><br>Power, Hey, pedal to the metal in low gear up some of the hills. As long as ya make it to the top, who cares how long it took - you're on island time..<br><br>Off Road - If you cant drive it with your Corolla, you probably don't wanna be goin there .<br><br>In closing, they say any flight you walk away from is a good one. We're just never walking back to the LIAT line.<br>And...having your own transportation while on the island will be the cheapest entertainment you'll get, other than watching the cruise crowd [img]/images/icons2/clown.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/clown.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/clown.gif[/img]'s strolling orient beach. Isn't there someome, anyone, out there who can teach them to color cooridnate socks???<br>A tip of the hat to the other BCers out there [img]/images/icons2/queen.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/king.gif[/img] and to all a good day.