Our planet has plenty of islands for us to explore on our vacations, the question is, which islands should we visit and what is it that they have to offer?
To answer this common question we have put together a list of the top 10 must travel islands so that you can book some truly unforgettable holidays.
1. Fair Isle – Scotland
When asked by the National Geographic to name his top ten island choices, Leslie Thomas, author of many travel books on islands, named Fair Isle of Scotland as his number five choice.
Fair Isle may not have the warm weather offered by other islands, but it is both exceptionally beautiful and incredibly isolated.
The island only has approximately 70 inhabitants, although the island is rich with wildlife and wild flora.
2. Isles of Scilly – England
Number two on Leslie’s list are the Isles of Scilly. These isles are a stone’s throw away from Land’s End in Cornwall, and officially the isles are owned by Prince Charles. Five of the islands are inhabited by a handful of people, but the isles offer a wonderful array of rocks and outcroppings that are perfect for any intrepid explorer. Just go through http://www.baltictravelcompany.com/ and get more wonderful places in Europe.
3. Boracay Island – PhilippinesÂ
To the south of Manilla you’ll find Boracay Island, a magnificent island that has been rated as the number one island to visit in the 2012 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.
Boracay Island is a beach lover’s paradise, and the stunning white sand beaches have won a number of awards during recent years.
Whether you’re looking for a haven for relaxation or an interesting island with a happening night life this is the destination for you.
4. Maui – Hawaii
Maui was named as the number four choice on the 2012 Travel + Leisure awards, after coming 9th in 2011, and it seems to be a popular choice across many travel blogs. Known as the Magic Isle, Maui is breathtakingly beautiful, with its combination of golden beaches and green forests and flora. Maui is the temporary home for humpback whales, which are a big attraction for both locals and tourists.
5. Great Barrier Reef – Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is a consistent player in the aforementioned Travel + Leisure awards, coming in at 5th place in both 2011 and 2012. This stunning location is the world’s largest collection of coral reefs. Approximately 900 islands are included in the Great Barrier Reef, giving tourists plenty of destinations to choose from.
If you like wildlife, warm weather and wonderful views then the Great Barrier Reef is the perfect destination for you and your party.
6. Easter Island – Polynesia
Easter Island is a thought provoking location that has bewildered and baffled tourists for decades. The astonishing collection of enormous monolithic heads made from stone is captivating. The mysterious monoliths are both beautiful and yet bewildering, and if you want a destination that will inspire the imagination then this is the location for you.
7. Ischia – Italy
In a 2011 blog post, Yahoo Travel recommended the volcanic Italian island of Ischia as one of their top ten island destinations.
The natural hot springs caused by the geological and geothermal setup of the location have acted as a tourist hot spot for more than 2,000 years.
From hot springs to heated mud treatments you’ll find a variety of therapeutic experiences awaiting you at Ischia. This location is fantastic for relaxing vacations.
8. Bora Bora – French Polynesia
Bora Bora is a well known volcanic island in the French Polynesia that is famous for its idyllic views and wonderful weather. Many consider Bora Bora to be the most beautiful island in the world. The island is well known for its ability to unwind even the most stressed out of visitors, but this therapeutic destination can be quite expensive. For a care free luxurious destination it simply has to be Bora Bora.
9. Bali – Indonesia
Yahoo Travel and Travel + Leisure recommended Bali as a fantastic island destination, and it’s easy to see why.
Bali is unbelievably beautiful and tranquil, and many tourists who visit Bali once return to this location again and again.
10. Galapagos
If appreciating wildlife is an important aspect of your travel plans then you simply have to visit the popular and beautiful island of Galapagos. There are more than 500 species that reside at Galapagos that are unique to this island, making for some interesting and eye opening tours.
