How to Choose the Perfect Island

An island getaway is pretty much the ideal vacation for many people. But which of the thousands of islands in the world is best for you?  Whether you’re thinking about the Caribbean, the South Pacific, the Mediterranean, or someplace even more far-flung, each island destination offers something a little bit different and each has its own unique flavor.

A travel advisor can help you find the right destination, and save you time and stress in the planning process. But you’ll still need to do some thinking in advance to help your agent narrow things down. 

Start your decision process by deciding why you want to go on a tropical island vacation. What about an island getaway MOST excites you, and what do you see yourself doing while you’re there. It might be a whole mix of things but there is sure to be one thing that rises to the top.

To Relax in the Sunshine

Does your perfect island vacation involve soft white sand for sunbathing, a massage in the resort spa, and a piña colada by the pool? Are you looking to relax and restore after too many busy days at work?  Your perfect island has a luxury resort, calm soothing waters and a sunbed ready for you each day. This vacation is all about chilling on the beach and soaking up the sun.

To Eat Amazing Food & Explore Other Cultures

Are you a foodie? Are you interested in the local culture of the islands and always looking to explore outside the resort? Then you’ll want to look at islands that offer more than just a beach – they should have established cities or towns that have their own unique flavor, with lots of interesting and delicious restaurants and a strong cultural presence that you can connect with. 

To Spend Time in the Sea

Of course you’ll want to enjoy the water on your island vacation! But is it the main reason you’re going? Do you want to spend your days swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving? Or are you excited to try your hand at water sports like kayaking, jet skis, and kitesurfing? Perhaps even going out on a boat to see the island from a new perspective. If the water is where you plan on spending most of your time, you’ll want to look at islands that highlight it as their best feature. 

To Explore Nature & See Wildlife

Some islands have incredible mountains and colorful plants and animals that make the land almost as enticing as the sea. Do you want to take an island vacation to get out into nature, and to enjoy tropical landscapes that are completely different from your city life? Perhaps your ideal vacation is all about hiking to the top of the lush peak to see a stunningly dramatic view. Look for islands that highlight eco-tourism, hiking, wellness & nature escapes.

When to Go

Now that you’ve discovered why you’re excited to go on an island vacation, it’s worth taking a moment to consider the when and the how. 

Sometimes we get to decide when we’re going to take our vacation and sometimes it’s dictated by work, school, or other responsibilities. If you have a limited and specific timeframe, then you want to look at things like weather and sea conditions. Are you dreaming of only warm sunny days without a cloud in the sky? Do you despise humidity with every fiber of your being? Can you only travel in September during hurricane season? Consider the seasonality:

No matter which island you choose, you are sure to find incredible water, beautiful beaches, and a variety of accommodations. While some islands will be better suited to your adventure priorities than others, you simply can’t go wrong with an island getaway! If you’re feeling inspired to find the perfect island for you — let us know!