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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: Chargergirl]
#167275
08/06/2018 04:29 PM
08/06/2018 04:29 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,575 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,575
Ohio
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Thank you so much for your input. Are taxi's readily available at night as well? Depends on the time of night and where you are. Many resorts, restaurants, etc. will have drivers they work with. Be sure it is licensed taxi/driver. Check the license plate and they should also have identification.
J.D.
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: Chargergirl]
#167288
08/06/2018 11:36 PM
08/06/2018 11:36 PM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,894
Bahston
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,894
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Day trips to Anguilla are easy by ferry. Day trips to St Barth can be done by ferry, but I suggest flying on St Barth Commuter through the airport in Grand Case. On Anguilla, I always take a taxi - I'm too easily confused by driving on the left, especially after imbibing any alcohol at all. Be safe. For St Barth rental cars I recommend either Gumbs Car Rental http://gumbs-car-rental.com/ or Top-Loc http://www.toplocstbarth.com/ Both agencies are owned by local people who have excellent reputations. I can't speak to overnighting in Anguilla. I've never stayed there for less than 5 nights. If you want to try overnighting on St Barth then two possible options are the Sunset Hotel in Gustavia - (warning - it's a walk-up 2-3 floors) or Hotel Le Village in St Jean. I don't have a website for the Sunset, but Le Village can be found at https://levillagestbarth.com/ (warning, it's spread over a hillside, and access to some of their rooms can be the equivalent of a 2-3 floor walkup). I've been successful in booking 1-2 nights at both in the past, but their willingness to book short stays will depend on time of year and their booking level.
Last edited by Bahston; 08/06/2018 11:38 PM.
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: Chargergirl]
#167289
08/07/2018 12:03 AM
08/07/2018 12:03 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,276 Boynton Beach, FL
EdB
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,276
Boynton Beach, FL
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We stay on the Dutch side but spend most days and a lot of nights on the French side (Grand Case) We always take the car. Years ago i avoided going over to the french side at night, cause honestly i HATED driving through the golf course and the lowlands after hearing about the car jackings, and robberies...but since the causeway was built it no longer is a problem....and getting over to Marigot and Grand Case takes no time. Last couple of years, the golf course was lit at night...but the last incident reported the lights were out. Would check first to see when you are there. The trick is...don't make yourself a target. Leave fancy clothes, and JEWELRY at home. If you make a purchase on front street...leave it back in the room in the safe. Also, don't go flashing money around in the restaurants or the casinos. People notice. Stick to the main roads, and you will be fine....One thing i will disagree with Ro nDon (with total respect) is leave your car UNlocked. Check with your rental agent...but most of the rental agents agree it is better to leave the car unlocked but ALWAYS EMPTY. If it's locked, and they break in, it will cost you for a new lock!!!! Again, common sense, leave NOTHING in the car at any time. If it is left in the car, or trunk, it probably won't be there when you return!!!!
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: AUCspouse]
#167293
08/07/2018 07:04 AM
08/07/2018 07:04 AM
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 393
Uksimonusa
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 393
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Ed wrote, "If it is left in the car, or trunk, it probably won't be there when you return!"
I disagree. Circumstances sometimes require us to leave a few possessions in the trunk of our rental car when we park. In eight visits to St. Maarten, we've never had a car break-in or any kind of incident. Of course one could happen tomorrow -- in Boston or St. Maarten. Driving at night on either side of the island has never worried me. Agree, we just spent 2 weeks on the French Side, driving over to AUC some nights to have dinner with our daughter in Simpson Bay or Cole Bay, never worried at all. We always pay attention to our surroundings, but to be honest, I've been more worried driving some places at home at night.
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: Chargergirl]
#167294
08/07/2018 07:33 AM
08/07/2018 07:33 AM
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 658 Maine
SXMbeacher
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 658
Maine
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We stay on the French side and often drive to the dutch side in the early evening for dinner, returning after dark and have never encountered a problem. We always have traveled through the south side of the island. Our rental car person recommended leaving the glove box open and don't even leave a bag of trash/beach towel ect. in the car to temp. We have left luggage in the trunk at the Maho beach parking lot while having lunch before our flight with no issue.
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: AUCspouse]
#167302
08/07/2018 10:51 AM
08/07/2018 10:51 AM
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214 Toledo, OH, USA
Orange_Burst
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214
Toledo, OH, USA
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Ed wrote, "If it is left in the car, or trunk, it probably won't be there when you return!"
I disagree. Circumstances sometimes require us to leave a few possessions in the trunk of our rental car when we park. In eight visits to St. Maarten, we've never had a car break-in or any kind of incident. Of course one could happen tomorrow -- in Boston or St. Maarten. Driving at night on either side of the island has never worried me. This was many years ago, but we rented a car and went shopping in Phillipsburg, on our way back to the French side we stopped at a small beach (I don't remember the name). We had put everything in the trunk and walked down to the beach. When we got back the trunk had been broken into and everything was gone, except the cheap T-shirts that they give away, they left those behind. That was my first and last trip to St. Martin.
Colleen
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: SXMbeacher]
#167304
08/07/2018 11:09 AM
08/07/2018 11:09 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
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We stay on the French side and often drive to the dutch side in the early evening for dinner, returning after dark and have never encountered a problem. We always have traveled through the south side of the island. Our rental car person recommended leaving the glove box open and don't even leave a bag of trash/beach towel ect. in the car to temp. We have left luggage in the trunk at the Maho beach parking lot while having lunch before our flight with no issue.
And I have been in the airport and witnessed a couple sobbing hysterically whose luggage was stolen from the car when they went to Maho pre-flight. It's the risk you take if you do that IMO. I have had my car rifled through in Maho at night. Back when there was nightlife at Sunset and the place behind it. Came back and the trunk and doors were open, glove box open. This was 1995. Even back then we were taught to leave the car unlocked.
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: BeachKitten]
#167305
08/07/2018 11:11 AM
08/07/2018 11:11 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,103 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,103
Central Florida!
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Yes, absolutely agree. No WAY a person should leave their luggage in the car, coming FROM the airport, or going TO the airport.
Carol Hill
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#167306
08/07/2018 11:14 AM
08/07/2018 11:14 AM
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214 Toledo, OH, USA
Orange_Burst
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214
Toledo, OH, USA
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Too bad that happened to you, and too bad that you let that prevent you from returning to SXM. That wasn't the only thing that stopped me from going to SXM, but it didn't help.
Colleen
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: AUCspouse]
#167318
08/07/2018 01:01 PM
08/07/2018 01:01 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,276 Boynton Beach, FL
EdB
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,276
Boynton Beach, FL
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Ed wrote, "If it is left in the car, or trunk, it probably won't be there when you return!"
I disagree. Circumstances sometimes require us to leave a few possessions in the trunk of our rental car when we park. In eight visits to St. Maarten, we've never had a car break-in or any kind of incident. Of course one could happen tomorrow -- in Boston or St. Maarten. Driving at night on either side of the island has never worried me. AUCspouse.....you can disagree with me if you want. BUT.....so far you have been very lucky if you haven't been broken into. if you leave stuff in your car, and haven't been broken into you are one of the very few on the island. Just don't complain, the next time you do, and all of a sudden your possesions are gone. Same with the post about leaving luggage in the car during lunch. If one wants to disagree with the majority of us that have gone to sxm for well over twenty years....so be it. Friends of ours that have been ''regulars'' for over twenty years ..., two years ago, they had their entire front end removed from their rental vehicle...while being parked during the day at Mullett Beach!!!! If one wants to play the odds about leaving stuff in the car, either in Boston or in St. Maarten, the odds are AGAINST you. Even people that have played ''Russian Roulette" sometimes win......mostly lose. I dare anyone to keep luggage in your car, and go eat lunch ANYWHERE on island, and go to a place that you can't see the car, and i bet within 3 or 4 times, you won't do it again.
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: Chargergirl]
#167325
08/07/2018 03:26 PM
08/07/2018 03:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,620 originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,620
originally Long Island, NY/now...
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I would NEVER leave anything in the rental car that you want to see again. I don't even do that at home here in the States. Our rental car guy always tells us to leave the car unlocked with NOTHING in it. So far, we have followed his smart advice. Better safe, than sorry.
Robin & Ed
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: Chargergirl]
#167337
08/07/2018 05:29 PM
08/07/2018 05:29 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657
Brookfield, CT.
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Upon reading between Trip Advisor and this thread I am becoming concerned about my upcoming trip. I do understand that crime occurs everywhere but I am wondering if I have to stick to resort or can we walk/drive around freely? Every time I read these threads I get a mixed bag of opinions but for those of you who do live there what should we expect when visiting? We have visited before about 15 years ago but we have traveled to many caribbean islands and understand areas of concern. We travel frequently to Mexico (and most won't go) but also want an honest idea of what is doable. We would like to go to Anguilla and St Barths as day trips (maybe even spend an extra night there). Just when I can't wait to arrive I read about an incident and then I'm feeling not so sure. Thanks for your suggestions - I appreciate all of your time. We’ve been visiting the island at the very least once a year and often more every year since 1973 and you can count me among those that never had our rental car breached. Until........ Perhaps seven or eight years ago we finally had it happen. We never leave anything in the car - not in the glovebox, the car itself or the boot so at least we weren’t out any personal belongings. But our car was undriveable. We had to summon Lesley Bruce to come help us and he was typically Lesley - more worried about us and the inconvenience than he was about the needless and senseless damage done to his car. We have to accept the Island has changed and is no longer the sleepy little utopia it once was. I do remember the days when you could leave anything in your car or unattended on the beach and it would be safe. I remember going to bed at night with our windows and sliders open without fear of intruders. And I remember giving my beautiful girls the full run of our resort when they were in their early teens, knowing full well they’d be safe and the Resort staff would help them if a situation arose. Those days are done. But it’s not just on St. Maarten - sadly, it’s everywhere today. We can no longer go to bed at night here in our sleepy little Connecticut home town with the windows open and the doors unlocked, or leave the keys or personal belongings in our cars in our own driveway due to a rash of thefts. And while our quiet little town doesn’t seem to have a lot of major crimes we’re less than a half hour away from bigger towns and cities that do. IMHO, the OP should have a great trip if they stick to the same rules of thumb they use in Mexico or anywhere else they travel. Leave the expensive jewelry at home and save yourself the worry. Stay out of dark alleys or dimly lit areas; don’t carry excessive amounts of cash and use your room safe instead; don’t leave valuables in your car anywhere; use legal taxis if you have concerns about nighttime driving. A romantic day in a remote beach sounds wonderful, but think twice since there’s definitely more safety in numbers. Don’t set yourself up as a victim and the chances are pretty darned good you WON’T become one. But always remember, bad things can and do happen to good people everywhere, even on vacation. And lastly, please don’t leave your luggage unattended in your parked car while you enjoy a leisurely final lunch. Too many people have done this in too many populated areas of the island and lived to write about it here and regret that last lunch and piña colada before hitting the airport.
Last edited by pat; 08/07/2018 05:54 PM.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: Chargergirl]
#167338
08/07/2018 05:38 PM
08/07/2018 05:38 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657
Brookfield, CT.
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And one more thought - years ago our car rental company used to tell us to leave nothing in the car and keep it locked up tight. After our little beach misadventure his recommendation changed somewhat to leave nothing in the car anywhere and keep it locked except at the beach. These days when at any of the beaches we leave nothing in the car and leave the windows rolled down. - our thinking being at least if they’re determined to get into the car there won’t be any damage done. And when we park at our resort at night, we lock it completely and leave nothing in it.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: pat]
#167345
08/07/2018 07:50 PM
08/07/2018 07:50 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,106 Southport, North Carolina, US
candj
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,106
Southport, North Carolina, US
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Pat, I wonder how leaving the car open affects the insurance. If someone can just lean in and flip the trunk release, and steals the jack and tire, I wonder if the insurance company will pay, given that the car was not locked.
Fair winds and following seas! SSN691-May She Ever Prowl The Seas in Defense of Human Freedom! SSN787-Preserving Peace, Prepared for War
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: candj]
#167348
08/07/2018 08:36 PM
08/07/2018 08:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,147 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,147
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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The insurance will NOT PAY for any damages to an unlocked car. I hope the rental agents are aware of this when advising their clients to leave the cars unlocked. Unlocked cars are also much easier to steal.
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: Chargergirl]
#167349
08/07/2018 08:39 PM
08/07/2018 08:39 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657
Brookfield, CT.
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It probably would invalidate the insurance assuming you took it in the first place and assuming they could prove the car was unlocked, but really, I doubt the tire and jack are worth worrying about. Personally speaking, if my rental agent told me to leave his car unlocked, that’s good enough for me. But I know who I’m dealing with and I know he’d not penalize me for following his instructions.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#167410
08/08/2018 01:14 PM
08/08/2018 01:14 PM
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214 Toledo, OH, USA
Orange_Burst
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214
Toledo, OH, USA
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BVI travelers are often a different type of traveler than SXM travelers, and vice versa.. Not sure what you mean by this, I'm different because I locked my stuff in the trunk of the car and it was stolen and I wasn't happy about that? Are SXM travelers okay with this?
Colleen
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: Orange_Burst]
#167415
08/08/2018 01:38 PM
08/08/2018 01:38 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,103 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,103
Central Florida!
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No, I mean BVI travelers want different things in a lot of cases than SXM travelers do. The comment was totally separate than the question of getting stuff stolen from your car. You said that the theft wasn't the only reason why you didn't go back to SXM.
Carol Hill
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Re: Concerned Traveler
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#167417
08/08/2018 01:47 PM
08/08/2018 01:47 PM
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214 Toledo, OH, USA
Orange_Burst
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214
Toledo, OH, USA
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No, I mean BVI travelers want different things in a lot of cases than SXM travelers do. The comment was totally separate than the question of getting stuff stolen from your car. You said that the theft wasn't the only reason why you didn't go back to SXM. Oh, that makes sense, I agree.
Colleen
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