As a beach and ocean-lover, I tend to gravitate towards island destinations during my travels. Having gone on trips to Hawaii, Seychelles, the Caribbean, and beyond, I’ve fallen in love!
But not all islands have to be tropical and sun-kissed to be amazing, and every island has their own highlights and natural beauty. I’ve put together some of my favorite island destinations from around the globe.
Here are the best island destinations around the world!
10 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations Around the World
The actual destination of your trip can play a big factor in cost, so I've compiled a list of 10 budget-friendly travel destinations around the world!
Read More!
12 Months of Summer Around the World
Like it or not, winter comes each year and that means cold, snow and fewer hours of daylight. But, fear not, you can always find summer around the world!
Read More!
• The Hawaiian Islands •
The island of O’ahu is a vibrant mix of natural and cultural wonders with the modern arts, entertainment and amenities. You can check out pro surfers charge the big waves of the legendary North Shore, or soak up the sun and take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach.
For a more laid-back escape, head to Kauai. Known for its lush landscapes and relaxed vibe, this island is a haven for outdoor lovers. Hike through the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, lounge on the golden sands of Po‘ipū Beach, or take in the dramatic cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast.
Maui, on the other hand, offers a stunning mix of luxury and adventure. Drive the legendary Road to Hana, catch the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park, or treat yourself to an unforgettable stay at The Four Seasons Resort Wailea.
The Ultimate Guide to The Big Island of Hawaii
From hiking to beach cities, this tropical paradise has it all. Here's the ultimate Big Island Hawaii travel guide to help you plan your trip!
Read More!
The Ultimate Maui Travel Guide
From hiking to beach cities, this tropical paradise has it all. Here's the ultimate Maui travel guide to help you plan your trip to Hawaii!
Read More!
• Hvar, Croatia •
Hvar is a Dalmatian jewel, complete with ornamental Gothic palaces and old world streets. Derived from the Greek world for lighthouse (pharos), Hvar is famous for its sunny climate, attractive old town, white wines and lavender fields.
Spend the day wandering through the hilltop streets of Hvar Town, then take a siesta in a cafe by the water!
The Ultimate Croatia Travel Guide
Croatia is home to beautiful coastlines, stunning lakes and forests, a fascinating history, amazing wine, and delicious sea-to-table cuisine.
Read More!
The Ultimate Guide to The Yacht Week Croatia
I have a soft spot for the The Yacht Week Croatia route as it was my first experience with TYW. Here's a guide to everything you need to know!
Read More!
• Florianopolis, Brazil •
Looking for somewhere unique to spend your holiday? Head south to Florianopolis, a 33-mile island just an hour’s flight from São Paulo. Main attractions are the saltwater lagoon of Conceição, and the popular resort area of Praia dos Ingleses.
It elegantly combines cosmopolitan urban sprawl and succulent seafood with 16th century fortresses and pristine beaches.
The Ultimate Florianopolis Travel Guide
Florianopolis, or Floripa, is a popular beach destination in Brazil—here's my Florianopolis travel guide filled with travel tips to help you plan your trip!
Read More!
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide
Brazil is the largest country in South America and is full to the brim with adventures. Use my ultimate Brazil travel guide to plan your next trip!
Read More!
• Boracay, Philippines •
Despite being a tiny little island barely more than 500 meters wide, Boracay draws its fair share of beachgoers and surfers.
Picturesque, world-famous White Beach steals the show, with four kilometers of—you guessed it—immaculate white sand. Hotels, restaurants and bars are regularly filled with visitors from East Asia and all over the world. Think fire dancers, jet skis, and champagne on yachts.
The Top 10 Things To Do in the Philippines
The islands are brimming with so many cool things to do — here are the 10 best things to do in the Philippines!
Read More!
• Seychelles •
I’ve been to a lot of beaches, but there’s just something so magical about Seychelles!
Seychelles beaches are famed for their beautiful sand, dramatic boulders and warm, turquoise waters. Catch a boat to Curious Island for the giant tortoises or stroll among tropical flora at the National Botanical Gardens on Mahé.
The Ultimate Seychelles Travel Guide
Here's my ultimate Seychelles travel guide with everything you need to know before traveling to the white-sand beaches of the Seychelles islands!
Read More!
A Guide to Mahé Island in the Seychelles
With pristine white-sand beaches, lush forests, and dramatic mountains, Mahé Island in the Seychelles is a true tropical paradise.
Read More!
• Iceland •
Step away from the tropics to enjoy this northerly delight. Iceland’s tourism is booming, and it’s no wonder, with its otherworldly landscapes and small-town charm.
You can base yourself in Reykjavik and wander through its lovable streets, or rent a car and drive the Ring Road.
The Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide
Iceland is the perfect destination for a seasoned travel, a first time solo traveler, or an adventurous family looking to road trip around the island.
Read More!
10 Tips for Your First Trip to Iceland
Iceland is one of the best destinations for solo travelers. But before you go, here are a few things you need to know before your first trip to Iceland.
Read More!
• Swedish Archipelago •
The fourteen islands that make up Stockholm and its surroundings are absolutely gorgeous. Explore the progressive cosmopolis of the capital, or head north to the villages of Ytterby, Vaxholm and Nynäshamn.
Boating is extremely popular, especially in the summer, with the annual Ornö sailing race!
Crayfishing in the Swedish Archipelago
One morning, while staying on the small island of Lilla Kornö in the west coast Swedish archipelago, I was invited to a Swedish crayfishing experience.
Read More!
The Ultimate Sweden Travel Guide
Whether you visit the capital of Stockholm, the islands of the archipelago, or the hip city of Gothenburg, there is so much in Sweden to see and experience.
Read More!
• Galapagos •
If you’re a nature lover, the Galápagos Islands are pure magic and absolutely belong on your island bucket list!
This one-of-a-kind Ecuadorian paradise is teeming with wildlife you won’t find anywhere else. Think giant tortoises roaming freely, marine iguanas sunbathing on volcanic rocks, and the cutest Galápagos penguins zipping through the waves.
Whether you’re snorkeling with playful sea lions or soaking up the surreal landscapes, every moment here feels straight out of a Nat Geo special!
The Ultimate Galápagos Islands Travel Guide
The Galapagos Islands are the ultimate destination for adventure lovers. Explore some of the world's most remote islands and their unique biodiversity!
Read More!
The Ultimate Guide to Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos
Visiting Puerto Ayora or the rest of Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos? Here are the best places to stay, things to do, and where to eat!
Read More!
• Maldives •
Now is the time to head to the Maldives, which, at no more than six feet above sea level, is the world’s lowest nation. There are very real concerns that the islands may be swallowed up by rising sea levels in the next few decades.
Though a bit of a stretch for many American travelers, the Maldives are certainly worth it. The islands are famous for their five-star resorts, azure waters, coral reefs, and underwater nightclubs.
Not many places will you receive such star-studded treatment—this is where Arab princes go to relax. Often the only way to get around is by seaplane!
Staying at Boutique Beach Diving Hotel in the Maldives
I got a chance to see the local culture and get in all the diving I wanted to at the Boutique Beach Guesthouse on Dhigurah island.
Read More!
Staying at Meeru Island Resort & Spa in the Maldives
I was able to spend a day at Meeru Island Resort & Spa during my short time in the Maldives. Here's more about my experience at the property!
Read More!
• British Virgin Islands •
Like its US counterparts, the British Virgin Islands are mostly glorious sun and sand, but unlike them, it tends to draw a quirkier and bohemian crowd. The four main islands—Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke—make perfect backdrops for fishing, surfing, sailing and scuba diving.
The Yacht Week British Virgin Islands was my second ever trip on The Yacht Week and stands as one of my favorite sailing trips. Years later, I rounded up some girlfriends and went on this epic 58′ crewed catamaran charter—it was AMAZING!!
Imagine warm nights, lobster dinners, and tropical cocktails—oh my!
The Ultimate Guide to Sailing the British Virgin Islands
Here are my tips and itinerary for a week full of adventure, turquoise waters, white-sand beaches sailing the British Virgin Islands!
Read More!
Top Sailing Destinations in the British Virgin Islands
Ready to get sailing through the Carribean? Here's my itinerary and six of my favorite jaw-dropping destinations on The Yacht Week Caribbean.
Read More!
wow.. gorgeous photographs!
Thank you!
So many beautiful and interesting islands! I absolutely adore the Swedish archipelago, and Hawaii is amazing. Hoping to visit many more of these islands soon!
I highly recommend both 😉