The 10 Best Island Vacations

Some of the most beautiful and unique vacation destinations around the world are islands. While everyone has their favorites, for those looking for an excellent island vacation, the following information can provide a starting point. Hopefully, you will find a destination that fits both your budget and your idea of a good time.

The Cayman Islands

For the person interested in scuba diving, the Cayman Islands are a wonderful choice. There are shipwrecks, corals and reefs to keep the diver entranced while underwater. The water is comfortably warm, and the visibility can often reach 100 feet or more. If diving is not your choice of activities, try out one of the many restaurants in the area. The Cayman Islands are unique in that they offer not only traditional island food, but a variety of top quality international food as well.

The Greek Islands

The choices abound if you decide to make the trip to any of the over 6,000 islands off of the coast of Greece. Of course, not many of these islands have accommodations for those looking for an island vacation. Some of the larger and more populated islands of Greece are Crete, Euboea, Lesbos, Rhodes and a cluster known as the Ionian Islands. The waters off the islands of Greece are clear, making it a popular choice for diving vacations. If you are not interested in diving, you will find something to keep you entertained in the many restaurants of the area.

Hawaii

Hawaii, the big island, as well as the other islands that make up the state, is a beautiful vacation spot. Water sports, such as surfing, are a big part of the culture. For the person who confines their activities to land, choices are abundant as well, with golf a popular and readily available activity.

St.Barts, Caribbean

The white sand beaches make this island a gem. The contrast between the white sand beaches and the deep blue water looks like something out of a Technicolor movie. While the area doesn’t boast of any amusement parks or water slides, it is the home to many top notch restaurants.

French Polynesia

Bora Bora is one island here, but the entire area provides a wonderful option for a secluded, not touristy, choice in island vacations.

Fiji Islands

If you are looking for an island that has unspoiled natural charm, it is not likely that you will find one that matches the Fiji Islands. The beaches are lush with sugar fine sand, and the island is surrounded with a variety of coral reefs which make scuba diving a truly memorable experience. The Great Sea Reef is the fourth longest in the world. The island teems with lush vegetation.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands offer the traveler a variety of choices. The Virgin Islands boast coral reefs which make snorkeling and scuba diving an absolute pleasure, as well as beautiful, unspoiled beaches and plentiful accommodations. The weather and water are extremely conducive to sailing. Also, the inner island offers many wonderful hiking trails. Considering the amount of choices, there is bound to be an island in the British Virgin Islands that will suit your desires perfectly.

Aruba

Located in the Lesser Antilles, Aruba is in the southern portion of the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of South America. While many of the islands in the Caribbean are covered in lush foliage, Aruba has a more arid climate. The weather here is warm and sunny for most of the year due to the dry climate and the island's location outside of the hurricane belt. The island has an active night life with casinos as well as more traditional activities. Sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and deep sea fishing are also fun island activities.

Jamaica

Jamaica is particularly well-known for its laid back culture, but there are other attractions too. The beauty of the island, combined with the great local cooking flavors, make Jamaica an island that must be included on any list of top islands. Located in the Greater Antilles, Jamaica, an English speaking island, has a distinctly African feel, such as with the popular jerk-seasoning Jamaican food is known for. In a sea of beautiful islands and vacation destinations, Jamaica’s wonderful culture sets it apart.

Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a whimsical choice for island vacations. The Keys offer the United States traveler the ability to vacation on a gorgeous island, far enough south to be enjoyable during the winter months. The Keys are connected to the US by a series of bridges, and the drive itself is a treat.

Whether you choose one of the islands on this list, or another island, it is important to carefully research your destination to get the most from your island vacation. There are so many beautiful islands to visit, it can be hard to decide whether to visit a new island each vacation, or return to an old favorite.