After visiting over a hundred islands, I’ve gathered my top picks into a solid guide for your next vacation or adventure. Each island holds a special place for unique reasons, from solo escapades to romantic retreats, and some even for their jaw-dropping natural beauty or cultural significance. Others deliver pure luxury and incredible photo opportunities.
So, without further ado, here are 35 of the world’s best islands, categorized by what made them truly stand out!
This is just a glimpse! For my complete list, including “Most Dangerous,” “Most Difficult,” “Best Snorkeling/Diving,” and more, check out my full blog post!
Islands That Left Me Speechless: Iconic Landscapes
Some islands are etched into my memory for their dramatic cliffs or extraordinary rock formations. Others boast landscapes so perfect they look like paintings. These are the islands with truly iconic, unforgettable scenery.
La Digue, Seychelles: My Phone’s Permanent Background
Oh, La Digue! The beaches here are so stunning that one of them is still the background image on my phone. This tiny Seychelles island isn’t the easiest or cheapest to reach, but trust me, every penny and every hour of travel is absolutely worth it.
Picture massive granite boulders nestled among tropical palm trees on a pristine white sand beach. It’s just breathtakingly beautiful. And guess what? Another Seychelles island made my list too, cementing its status as a must-visit destination.
Bazaruto, Mozambique: Mashed Potato Sandbars and Red Dunes
I had one specific reason for wanting to visit Bazaruto, Mozambique, and it absolutely delivered! I affectionately call its unique formations “Mashed Potato Sandbars.” From above, they resemble soft, fluffy mashed potatoes with gravy swirled in – but with impossibly blue water instead of brown gravy. It’s an incredible sight.
Adding to this surreal landscape are massive red sand dunes right behind the sandbars. It’s one of the most peculiar and beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed. Bazaruto also offers a rare chance to spot the endangered Dugong. As a bit of an “animal whisperer,” I even managed to see one surfacing for air on my way to the island!
Palawan, Philippines: Jagged Rocks and Clear Waters
It’s hard to beat the mesmerizing views of jagged rock formations emerging from crystal clear blue waters. El Nido, on the northern tip of Palawan in the Philippines, offers the best of these. Plus, it boasts the most incredible (and cheapest!) multi-island tours to explore these landscapes.
While places like Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands and Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay have similar vibes, they don’t quite compare. Phi Phi has fewer formations and is much more crowded, and Ha Long Bay’s water simply isn’t as vibrant.
Kauai, Hawaii: Where Jurassic Park Comes Alive
Hawaii is full of beautiful landscapes, but Kauai truly stands out, especially its Na Pali Coast. Here, waterfalls cascade dramatically from mountain tops, creating a scene straight out of a movie.
In fact, one of the Jurassic Park films was shot here, and now there’s even a “Jurassic Falls”! To fully appreciate these hidden wonders, a helicopter ride is essential, adding an epic layer to the adventure.
The Rock Islands, Palau: Green Gum Drops from Above
I journeyed specifically to Palau (the country, not the city in Sardinia) to see its famous “islands that look like green gum drops,” officially known as The Rock Islands. You can only truly appreciate their unique beauty from a drone or a scenic flight, but as my photos show, the aerial view is absolutely worth it.
The Aerial
Dive In: World’s Best Islands for Clearest Waters
Not every island promises white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. But the ones that do? Oh, how I adore them! I could spend all day swimming in those pool-like waters. Here are some of the islands where I discovered the most astonishingly clear waters.
Sardinia: My Blue-Water Home
Call me biased, as I now spend much of my time living in Sardinia (you can read my story about how I accidentally got engaged and moved to a vineyard in Italy!), but I can honestly say, after visiting countless islands, Sardinia boasts some of the best beaches and clearest waters I’ve seen.
You don’t just have to take my word for it. Sardinia consistently ranks on “100 Best Beaches in the World” lists each year, with several of those top-rated beaches right near where I live. Just for you, I’ve compiled all my tips for exploring these incredible shores!
Turks and Caicos: Sparkling Pools Without the Chlorine
It was incredibly difficult to leave the water in Turks and Caicos! Imagine perfectly sparkling, perfectly temperate pool water—but without any chlorine, and with an endless, soft white sandy bottom. It’s pure bliss.
It’s no surprise that Turks and Caicos is a popular luxury destination, but fear not, fellow affordable travelers! There are options for every budget. Regardless of where you stay, definitely book a boat trip to the smaller islands. Iguana Island also offered gorgeous clear waters, and another island is so stunning it’s used for Victoria’s Secret campaigns!
Havelock Island, Andaman Islands: Radhanagar Beach
The Andaman Islands shot to the top of my bucket list after I saw a photo of an elephant swimming in the ocean there. While my research revealed that particular elephant had recently passed, I still went to explore these remote islands (one of which still hosts primitive indigenous tribes).
The journey itself was a bit stressful, as getting there and navigating isn’t easy. However, I must award Havelock Island’s Radhanagar Beach for its incredible waters. This is where the swimming elephant once lived, and just like in the photos, the water was unbelievably clear and beautiful. (Note: If you’re considering the Andaman Islands, read my blog post first—it wasn’t quite what I expected!)
Rarotonga, Cook Islands: Muri Lagoon Magic
Let’s just say one of my most “liked” photos of 2019 was from Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. It’s a popular vacation spot for Europeans, and I’m baffled why more Americans don’t visit, especially with direct flights from LA!
This small island is easily circumnavigated in a day, with plenty of beaches and viewpoints to stop at. But the most spectacular waters are found at Muri Lagoon. You can take a boat trip to smaller islands from there, or do as I recommend: rent a paddleboard and glide across those breathtaking blue waters.
Exumas, Bahamas: Beyond the Cruise Ships
Even if the Bahamas gets a bad rap for being overly touristy thanks to cruise ships, there’s no denying its waters are among the clearest in the world. It is, after all, in the Caribbean!
But you don’t have to stick to Nassau. There are hundreds of Bahamian islands to explore, including the ever-popular Exumas, famous for its swimming pigs. The clarity of the water there is simply unparalleled.
Corsica: Sardinia’s French Twin
Corsica, Sardinia’s French cousin, naturally boasts equally blue, clear, and stunning waters! Seriously, the sandbar near Bonifacio looks just like a swimming pool. Plus, nestled between Corsica and Sardinia are the La Maddalena Islands, mostly small and uninhabited, surrounded by equally pristine waters.
Approaching Corsica is easy and budget-friendly. My favorite way to experience it was a day tour from Sardinia, stopping at several incredible swimming spots. Here are all my Corsica travel tips!
Journey to the Past: Most Culturally Authentic Islands
Some islands offer a profound connection to their heritage, where traditions are not just preserved but lived. These are the islands where culture feels truly authentic and alive.
Papua New Guinea
While I didn’t write about Papua New Guinea for this section, its reputation for incredibly preserved tribal cultures would certainly place it high on this list.
Easter Island: My Favorite in the World
You’ve probably heard me say it a hundred times, or seen my bucket list tattoo: Easter Island is my favorite island in the world. It doesn’t have tropical beaches or even postcard-perfect landscapes. What it does have is a fascinating culture and history that remains vividly alive today.
Let’s start with the iconic Moai statues—those giant heads often mistakenly attributed to aliens. I only learned their true purpose upon visiting. They were part of the first inhabitants’ belief system, later destroyed by a new one. The Moai you see today have been painstakingly restored. However, those in the quarry, where they were carved, remain in their unrestored state, likely never transported due to unpaid costs.
Everything I learned came from a local Rapa Nui man, one of the few remaining “full-blooded” islanders. I also discovered their strong emphasis on marrying and procreating only within the Rapa Nui community, which, given their attractiveness, felt a bit bittersweet!
Cuba: Trapped in Time, Rich in Soul
Many describe Cuba as “stuck in a time capsule,” a romanticized way of saying its people have been repressed by their government for over 70 years. When progress is stifled, the existing cultural richness becomes all the more prominent.
Sidenote: Please forgive any bitterness. As a Cuban-American whose family fled Cuba, I’ve seen firsthand the fear and communist restrictions my relatives endure. Nonetheless, this environment has arguably preserved a unique culture.
In Cuba, family is paramount, and people are incredibly welcoming and lively, despite their governmental struggles. You’ll find a lot of dancing, plenty of rum, and endless conversations to “pass the time.” However, don’t expect great food; extensive import restrictions, unfortunately, limit culinary options. Still, it’s a place where people find joy and happiness with what they have, largely because they have no other choice.
For a cool look at Cuba then and now, check out the mini-doc I made, blending my grandparents’ old photos with my own travel footage.
Samoa Islands: Fa’a Samoa Lives On
Samoa earns its cultural richness award because its historical ways are profoundly integrated into daily life. You’ll see families’ fales (pronounced “fall-ays”)—open-aired hut structures—scattered across the island.
Most locals still embrace traditional Samoan tattoos and participate in traditional dances. Fun fact: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is part Samoan, and his love for his culture is evident. He even featured his hometown and family in Samoa in his movie, Hobbs and Shaw!
Nature’s Oddities: World’s Best Islands for Natural Phenomena
These islands hold unique and rare natural phenomena, things you can often only witness in these specific locations, making them extra special.
Vieques, Puerto Rico: The Brightest Bioluminescent Bay
There was once a viral photo of a Maldivian beach sparkling with bluish-purple lights. Those are bioluminescence, and they’re seen at their brightest and best in Vieques, Puerto Rico! (While the image above is a stock example from Australia, Vieques is truly stunning.)
These lights come from tiny microorganisms that flare when they sense danger. If you kayak through a “bio-bay,” you’ll see a trail of light behind you! Although you can’t swim in them (human oils and sunscreens harm the bay) or easily photograph them (the light happens incredibly fast), it’s still an awe-inspiring sight.
Praslin Island, Seychelles: The Garden of Eden’s “Butt Nuts”
Yes, Seychelles receives another award! This time for Praslin Island, often called the “Garden of Eden.” Why? Because only on Praslin (and one other tiny island) can you find the Coco de Mer trees. Their reproductive parts bear an uncanny resemblance to human anatomy, so much so that I’ll forever call its seed a “butt nut.” I even bought one for almost $400 and proudly display it at home!
Beyond its hilariously vulgar appearance, the butt nut is the heaviest seed in the world. They’re emptied before sale, and yes, you can eat the insides—but only if a local who owns a tree offers it to you. It cannot be bought or sold! For help planning your trip, check out my Seychelles Guide.
Flores Island, Indonesia: Triple-Colored Lakes & Komodo Dragons
Flores Island is often overlooked, yet it hosts one of the most astonishing natural phenomena I’ve ever seen. It requires a bit of a trek, but at Kelimutu National Park, you’ll find three volcanic craters, each holding water of a different, vibrant color.
Flores Island is also the jumping-off point for the more famous Komodo Island and Padar Island. Padar is known for its iconic hilltop view, showcasing three beaches, each with distinct sand colors: white, black, and pink. And yes, it also features a pink sand beach! Komodo Island, of course, is the only place native to Komodo Dragons (though I believe it’s currently closed due to damage from human tourism).
Iceland: Fire, Ice, and Alien Landscapes
You might have thought this list was only warm, tropical destinations, but wrong! Some incredibly cold islands made the cut. Fair warning: Iceland is getting multiple awards, and it absolutely deserves them! Its first award is for being the world’s best island for natural phenomena. While its Northern Lights are a huge draw, there’s so much more.
Experience the recurring dance of fire and ice: volcanoes topped with glaciers, and stunning waterfalls in between. Then there’s the surreal Jökulsárlón Beach, with its black sand and glacial chunks. And let’s not forget the Silfra Fissure, where you can literally swim between two continents, or the Blue Lagoon, offering a dip in naturally heated, mineral-rich waters. If I ever believed aliens shaped our planet, I’d point to Iceland, not the Moai heads on Easter Island, or Machu Picchu. It truly feels like a piece of another world, dropped into our ocean.
Madagascar: Baobabs and Lemurs
Madagascar is a massive island country with many reasons to be on a “world’s best islands” list. I chose it for Natural Phenomena primarily because of its iconic Baobab Trees. These trees boast some of the widest circumferences globally and look as if they’ve been planted upside down. They are even called “the tree of life” due to their remarkable water storage abilities.
Other unique aspects of Madagascar include its lemur population—which is sadly dwindling due to deforestation. This deforestation is partly driven by another rare feature of the island: natural sapphires and gemstones.
The Wild Kingdom: Islands with the Rarest Animals
For animal lovers, these are my top islands for encountering rare creatures you won’t mostly find anywhere else in the world.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: Darwin’s Living Laboratory
I won’t lie, I’m a science and animal nerd, and I went to the Galapagos Islands specifically to see Darwin’s Finches. While these aren’t necessarily the rarest animals, their evolutionary adaptation to the islands is truly unique. What is truly rare here are the Blue-Footed Boobies and the black, saltwater-swimming iguanas. Oh, and the giant tortoises! I still marvel at how these massive, non-swimming tortoises ended up on such remote islands – they’re also found in Mauritius and Seychelles!
Komodo Island, Indonesia: Land of Dragons
I know I already gave an award to Flores Island for its natural phenomena, but Komodo Island deserves a separate mention for its rarest animals. Specifically, because it’s the only island in the world native to dragons. And that’s undeniably cool.
Admittedly, they aren’t the most fascinating creatures to watch, and their habitat is a dry island with sparse vegetation and a lot of lizard droppings. Rumor has it that Komodo dragons are (somehow) drugged for tourist photos, but guides insist they simply become very lethargic and immobile after eating a whole deer. Which is fortunate, as they are known to attack people. Komodo Island is also one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature! Check out my Flores Island Guide for travel info.
Mauritius: The Dodo’s Last Stand
Technically, Mauritius shouldn’t win an award for the rarest animals because its most famous rare animal is extinct. However, I find it utterly fascinating that there once was a giant Dodo Bird exclusively on this tiny island off eastern Africa. These flightless birds, apparently larger than turkeys, were an easy target for hungry Dutch sailors. In short, the Dodo Bird went extinct because people ate them all.
Mauritius is also a beautiful island, and a less tourist-heavy destination compared to its more famous neighbors like the Seychelles.
Peculiar Places: Strangest Notoriety
Some islands I’ve visited boast truly strange notorieties. They are incredibly interesting, yet undeniably peculiar.
Jeju Island, South Korea: A Natural Wonder with a Dark Past
One of my many bucket lists was to visit all 7 Wonders of the World and 7 Wonders of Nature—which is how I ended up on Jeju Island. It’s a “vacation destination” in South Korea with a surprisingly dark history. The listed natural wonder, an extinct volcanic crater, didn’t particularly captivate me, especially when compared to Easter Island’s Moai-carved crater or Flores Island’s multi-colored ones.
This somewhat underwhelming natural wonder, contrasted with its intriguing history, gives Jeju its award here. Beyond the crater, I absolutely adored the food and, of course, the vibrant Korean beauty products!
Svalbard: Polar Bears and Peculiar Rules
Svalbard is strange in every conceivable way. Its primary claim to fame is being the northernmost city in the world, with “more polar bears than people.” It’s also bizarre that it has no native human population. This isn’t surprising, given it’s an Arctic archipelago, and you’re actually not allowed to be born there due to a lack of adequate medical services for childbirth.
Svalbard was so profoundly strange that I dedicated an entire blog post to all the peculiar things there. Prepare to have your mind blown.
Deception Island, Antarctica: A Chilling Whaling Ghost Town
The name itself, “Deception Island,” sends shivers down your spine, and frankly, the place lives up to its eerie reputation! Not only is it a volcanic island in Antarctica (mind-blowing, right?) with steam rising from its black sand beaches, but it’s also a whaling ghost town.
You can still see remnants of whale skeletons from when whaling was a popular (and legal) trade. The most chilling sight is the abandoned headquarters for the whalers, including the massive contraptions they used to extract oil from blubber. shameless plug: I’ve hosted four group trips to Antarctica and we’re going again in 2027! If this dream destination calls to you, please check out my group trips!
My Solo Adventure Havens: World’s Best Islands for Solo Travelers
I’ve explored all these islands alone, and these are the places where I felt the safest, most unjudged, and completely comfortable while globetrotting solo.
Bali: The Solo Traveler’s Paradise
It might seem cliché or overdone, but take it from someone who has traveled solo for twelve years: Bali is one of the best places on Earth for solo travel. Not only is it teeming with other solo travelers, but the locals are incredibly friendly and often enjoy socializing too! It’s easy to meet new people, and just as easy to find solitude when you need it. There’s a wealth of sights to explore, and it’s super easy and safe to navigate on your own.
Bali is also a vast island, so don’t limit yourself to Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu, or Ubud. The north coast is beautiful, and you can easily take a flight or ferry to nearby islands for more adventure.
Malta: Charming, Safe, and Adventurous
If you adore charming old towns with cobblestone streets, coupled with stunning blue waters, then Malta is your next stop! This island nation is absolutely captivating and perfect for a solo adventure. You can easily rent a car and drive around the entire island, or take a ferry to the smaller Gozo Island.
Affordable accommodation is plentiful, the food is amazing, the people are friendly, and navigation is a breeze. Malta definitely earns the award for one of the world’s best islands for solo travel!
Koh Tao, Thailand: Scuba Diving Social Hub
If you’re planning to travel solo among the Thai Islands, I highly recommend Koh Tao. It’s a small island, home to many expats, making solo travel entirely normal and welcoming. This is a stark contrast to some other Southeast Asian islands where you might feel less comfortable alone (like the Philippines, where everyone constantly asks why you’re solo!).
Koh Tao offers tons of cheap places to stay, even cheaper food, and a plethora of fun activities. It’s a hugely popular scuba diving hub where you can get certified if you’re not already. Fair warning: many people fall in love with diving here and end up staying to work as instructors!
Iceland: Solo, Safe, but Sometimes Lonely
I tried hard not to give one island multiple awards, but Iceland consistently captures my heart. There’s just so much incredible stuff to see, and it’s relatively easy to explore since there’s only one main road circling the entire country/island. It’s also very safe and straightforward to navigate on your own.
However, I recommend Iceland for solo travel only if you’re comfortable being mostly alone. In my experience, both locals and other tourists (and by “tourists,” I mean tourists, not fellow travelers) can be unfriendly, sometimes even rude. In fact, it was my solo experience in Iceland that inspired my viral Huff Post article, “Yes, I’m Pretty and I’m Traveling Alone”! Other tourists kept making remarks, inferring I was a prostitute because I was dressed nicely and alone. Okay, maybe I should take this one off the list…
Romance Awaits: Best for Couples/Honeymoons
Some islands are simply perfect for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. I know, because I’ve visited many cliché honeymoon destinations solo and consistently thought, “This would be adorable for a honeymoon.” Here are my top picks!
Santorini, Greece: The Cliche That Delivers
So cliché, I know, but completely true! I visited Santorini solo and was so captivated by its romance that I seriously wished I was on my honeymoon! I’ll likely return with my husband soon because of it. Yes, staying in one of the famous blue and white cave suites overlooking the ocean is expensive, but for a honeymoon, it’s a perfect excuse to splurge! The whimsical blue and white architecture is utterly enchanting.
The Maldives: Overwater Bungalow Dreams
Another cliché no-brainer for a honeymoon destination, but one that rightfully earns its award! The Maldives boasts the world’s best honeymoon resorts, and I doubt anyone would disagree. Seriously, what’s more romantic than an epic overwater bungalow on a secluded island?
If the Maldives is your dream but you don’t have a dream budget, don’t fret! There are local islands with super cheap homestays, and you can take a ferry to reach them. But perhaps splurge for one night at a fancy resort for the full experience!
Zanzibar, Tanzania: Tropical Romance with a Twist
For a truly unique honeymoon experience on a tropical island, put Zanzibar on your radar! It offers options for both top luxury resorts and budget accommodations. You’ll find beautiful beaches, tantalizing spice gardens, and delicious food that will make your romantic escape unforgettable.
New Beginnings: Best Islands for Expats/Digital Nomads
If you’re looking beyond a vacation and seeking an island to live on, I have several recommendations, having done exactly that myself! Always be mindful of local communities when choosing a place to live abroad; ensure housing for foreigners doesn’t negatively impact them. While tourism usually helps, a little research goes a long way!
Bali, Indonesia: My Future Home
Full disclosure: I am obsessed with Bali and will likely be moving there as an expat/digital nomad soon! After visiting about eight times, it’s the only place outside the U.S. where I can envision myself living. That’s why it earns the award for world’s best islands for expats/digital nomads!
Not only is the expat community large and thriving, but Indonesia makes it relatively easy for foreigners to live there. Housing is lovely and incredibly affordable, and there are enough hip and trendy city centers to prevent any homesickness.
Ambergris Caye, Belize: Retire or Remote Work in Paradise
Ambergris Caye is a tiny island off the coast of Belize, known as a popular tourist destination. And guess who owns many of the tourist properties? Expats! Belize is actually renowned as one of the top countries for foreigners to retire in. The cost of living and housing is low, and of course, it’s a beautiful tropical setting!
Cozumel, Mexico: Quiet Caribbean Charm (or a Day Trip)
To be completely honest, I’m including Cozumel because it’s the closest island to Playa del Carmen and Tulum—which I actually consider better for digital nomads and expats. Cozumel makes for a great day trip from those locations. However, if you crave a super chill and quiet Caribbean island experience, staying there (away from the bustling cruise port) will provide exactly that!
I loved the digital nomad life in Playa del Carmen and Tulum so much that I ended up buying an apartment in Tulum! For the right person, it offers a beautiful blend of nature, fun, community, and culture. Some people love it, some hate it, but as a full-time digital nomad who enjoys adventures and beach clubs, I can honestly say it’s a wonderful place to live.
Budget Bliss: Cheapest Islands to Travel
Traveling to islands can often be expensive, but many are surprisingly affordable! Asia typically leads the pack, though you can find budget-friendly gems in the Caribbean and Europe too.
Palawan, Philippines: El Nido on a Dime
Palawan is home to El Nido, one of the most beautiful island-hopping destinations in the world! Like most places in the Philippines, it’s also incredibly cheap to travel there. Food and accommodation are very budget-friendly, though the boat tours tend to be slightly pricier.
Roatan, Honduras: Jungle Bungalows Under $50
Off the coast of Honduras lies Roatan, an incredibly beautiful and incredibly cheap island! You can stay in charming little bungalows nestled in the jungle cliffsides, overlooking the water, for under $50 per night. Since it’s still developing, you won’t encounter overcrowded tourist spots, but you’ll probably see a lot of monkeys! Hotel Recommendation: Anthony’s Key.
Corfu, Greece: A Budget Backpacker’s Dream
Corfu is known as a budget-friendly Greek paradise! And there’s only one reason backpackers flock to an island: it’s cheap and beautiful. If you’re new to travel, this is an excellent place to start. You absolutely must stay at The Pink Palace! You’ll quickly notice many hostel and restaurant staff are expats—a good sign they came to visit and never left.
Splurge-Worthy Sanctuaries: Most Expensive Islands to Travel
Islands tend to be expensive generally, often due to their remote locations making travel difficult and imports costly. This, coupled with the exclusive nature of island vacations, can significantly drive up expenses. Here are some of the most expensive islands, which happen to be some of the most stunning too!
Bora Bora, French Polynesia: The Ultimate Honeymoon Splurge
Ah, one of the top token honeymoon destinations. Just saying “Bora Bora” conjures images of dreamy luxury—and high prices. You won’t find many affordable accommodation options here, but if you’re ready to splurge, it’s absolutely worth it! An overwater bungalow in Bora Bora typically starts at $1,000 per night, with some reaching as high as $15,000! However, most resorts offer standard room options that are much more affordable.
Another excellent option is to do what I did for my honeymoon: take a multi-island small ship cruise that stops in Bora Bora. I purchased a day pass at one of the lovely resorts, allowing me to experience luxury without the hefty price tag! More details are available on my Instagram.
Desroches Island, Seychelles: Exclusive Four Seasons Retreat
You can only stay on Desroches Island in the Seychelles if you’re a guest at the recently built Four Seasons. And yes, you’ll need to fly there from the main island. The new Four Seasons Desroches Island is undeniably fabulous, with cleverly decorated villas, each boasting its own infinity pool and beachfront. If you crave ultimate poshness, exclusivity, and have money to burn, Desroches Island is your perfect escape.
FAQ Section
Q: What makes an island “best” for solo travel?
A: For solo travel, I prioritize safety, ease of navigation, opportunities to connect with other travelers (or find solitude), and locals who are welcoming and non-judgmental about solo adventurers. Islands like Bali and Malta excel in these areas.
Q: Are all “expensive” islands automatically luxurious?
A: Generally, yes. Islands that are expensive often have high transport and import costs, driving up prices for everything from accommodation to food. This usually means they cater to a luxury market, offering high-end resorts, exclusive experiences, and pristine environments that justify the cost, like Bora Bora and Desroches Island.
Q: How do you find accurate information on cultural authenticity for an island?
A: I rely on deep research, including academic articles, local documentaries, and, most importantly, engaging directly with locals. By speaking with residents, visiting cultural sites, and observing daily life, I get a firsthand understanding of how traditions and history are preserved and practiced. Learning from indigenous guides, as I did on Easter Island, is invaluable.
Q: What tips do you have for digital nomads looking to live on an island?
A: Research visa requirements meticulously, understand the cost of living beyond tourism prices, and look into the expat community. Ensure stable internet access and consider healthcare options. Most importantly, be respectful of local culture and economy; choose places where your presence is beneficial and sustainable for the residents. Bali and Ambergris Caye are great starting points for this research.
Q: Is it safe to travel to islands with “rare” or “dangerous” animals?
A: Safety is paramount. Always hire reputable, experienced local guides. They understand animal behavior and local regulations (like those on Komodo Island). Follow all instructions, maintain a respectful distance, and never attempt to interact with wild animals without expert supervision. My experiences in the Galapagos and Komodo Islands were safe because I adhered strictly to these guidelines.
Ready to Explore?
I hope this guide sparks inspiration for your next island escape! Whether you dream of dramatic cliffs, crystal waters, rich cultural immersion, or even encounters with rare creatures, there’s an island out there perfectly tailored for your desires. From solo adventures to romantic getaways or even a new life as an expat, the world’s islands offer endless possibilities. Don’t just dream about these incredible destinations; start planning your journey today!
References:
My Life’s a Movie Blog
