The easiest way to reach the British Virgin Islands from the UK is via Antigua. BWIA West Indies Airways (www.bwee.com), Virgin Atlantic (www.virgin-atlantic.com) and British Airways (www.britishairways.com) offer direct flights from London to Antigua. From Antigua, Caribbean Star (www.flycaribbeanstar.com) and Liat (www.caribjet.com/liat.htm) fly to Tortola.

Travellers arriving from the USA can take a connecting flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico with American Eagle (www.aa.com) or fly to St Thomas, US Virgin Islands and take a ferry to Tortola. The islands are also accessible via St Maarten and St Kitts.

From London to Antigua is 8 hours 40 minutes and from Antigua to Tortola is 1 hour.

Terrance B Lettsome International Airport (EIS) is on Beef Island, 14.5km (9 miles) from Road Town, Tortola; the islands are connected via a road bridge. To/from the airport: Taxis are available (journey time – 20 minutes). Many hotels and marinas provide a shuttle service. Facilities: Light refreshments/bar, restaurant, left luggage, tourist information and hotel reservations.

Virgin Gorda (VIJ) is 3.5km (2 miles) from Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda. To/from the airport: Taxis are available.

There is also an unpaved airport on the island of Anegada.

US$20. Children under five years are exempt.

Main ports: Road Harbour and West End Harbour on Tortola, Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke and St Thomas Bay on Virgin Gorda.

Tortola Fast Ferry (tel: 494 2323; www.tortolafastferry.com) operates ferries from St Thomas, US Virgin Islands to Tortola (journey time – 50 minutes). Speedy's (tel: 495 5240; www.speedysbvi.com) runs ferries from St Thomas to Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

Departure tax: US$5 for all international departures, US$7 for cruise ship passengers.