The U.S. Virgin Islands Will Pay You To Visit In 2017

Information in this article was updated on 7/18/17

In terms of setting goals for ourselves, things like “be more organized” and “eat more healthy” are great and all, but in 2017 my goal is to “take more vacation time.” And once you see this crazy incentive that the U.S. Virgin Islands is doling out, you’ll be rethinking your goals for the year, too.

The U.S Virgin Islands will be paying you to visit this year. I hope you were sitting down for that.

Apparently, this is part of their centennial celebration. It’s been 100 years since St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas (plus a number of smaller surrounding islands) became a part of U.S. territory, and in honor of that, they’re giving out $350-600 to those who visit in 2017.

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Now, you will be able to spend the credit like cash, but you can’t spend it on anything you’d like.

According to Thrillist, this money is meant to be used on shopping, dining and activities such as kayaking, museum visits and more.

That way, you’re learning about these beautiful islands while you’re there and supporting the tourism industry at the same time.

Related: These Private Islands Are For Sale For Less Than $200,000, So Have Your Credit Cards Handy

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And, don’t worry. There still will be plenty of time for drinking tropical cocktails while sitting on a sandy beach, just like you’d imagined you’d be doing. You know, in between adventures.

To receive this crazy cool bonus, all you have to do is book a stay within the booking window of Oct. 1, 2016 through Oct. 1, 2017, for the nightly minimum (most are 3 nights) at the participating hotels on the USVI website.

Then you will be sent your credit via the Department of Tourism. In addition to this, you must visit within the travel window of Jan. 2, 2017 through Dec. 31, 2017.

Related: Forget Bora Bora, These Awesome Overwater Bungalows Are Much Closer

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If you had traveled in March, you would have received a special commemorative souvenir from the Department of Tourism, as March is the exact month the islands celebrate the big 100.

So, if you’re not searching flight prices right about now, what are you going to be doing with your life for the rest of the year? See you in St. Croix? Thought so!

Related video: 10 extraordinary islands around the world:

[h/t: Good Housekeeping]