Whether you need a car in the Virgin Islands depends largely on which island you are visiting and your desire for independence. On St. Thomas and St. Croix in the USVI, a car is highly recommended because the islands are large, hilly, and the public "Safari" buses have limited routes and schedules. Having a rental car allows you to reach secluded beaches and mountaintop views that taxis would charge a premium to visit. On St. John, most of the island is a National Park; while "open-air taxis" are plentiful for the main beaches, a 4WD vehicle is essential if you want to explore the more remote North Shore or South Shore trails. In the British Virgin Islands (BVI), most visitors "island hop" via ferry or private boat, so a car is often unnecessary unless you are staying in a remote villa on Tortola or Virgin Gorda. Remember that in both the USVI and BVI, driving is on the left side of the road, which can be a significant adjustment for those used to driving on the right, especially on the islands' narrow and steep winding roads.