The Virgin Islands grab the top spot in Lonely Planet's new list of suggested U.S. travel destinations for 2012.
"This is our #1 choice for an American tropical getaway," the editors said. "It’s eternally 80 degrees, rimmed with white-sand beaches on turquoise water, and, yes, it’s a US territory," the magazine said in a year end roundup.
St. John is clearly the gem of the Islands, according to the travel guide editors., They recommend the national park and hikes to secluded beaches, as well as snorkeling and kayaking.
"In a year when travelers are apt to still be watching their wallets, this is our #1 choice for an American tropical getaway. It’s eternally 80 degrees, rimmed with white-sand beaches on turquoise water, and, yes, it’s a US territory," said Lonely Planet on its Web site.
Now, some might say that if your standard is to find an American tropical getaway, the competition;'s not too intense. The VIs did beat Culebra, Puerto Rico in the number five spot and Hawaii, the big island, ranked eighth.