There’s nothing better than an island paradise! Fortunately, there are a lot of options for the perfect island get-away — from Iceland to the South Pacific!
Atlantic islands
- Aland
- Azores
- British Isles
- Iceland
- Ireland
Caribbean islands
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- The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao)
- Puerto Rico
- US Virgin Islands
- Indian Ocean islands
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- Seychelles
- Bali
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- Pacific islands
- Polynesia
- Hawaii
- Cook Islands
- French Polynesia/Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora)
- Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
- Melanesia
- Fiji
- Pitcairn Island
- Polynesia
- New Zealand
Atlantic Islands
Aland (Finland)
Azores (Portugal)
British Isles and Ireland
Iceland
Baltic Islands (Sweden, Finland, and Estonia)
Caribbean Islands
Stretching from the coast of Florida to the coasts of Venezuela, the Caribbean islands sprawl over a million square miles from the Bahamas in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south.
The Caribbean islands are a mix of 13 independent countries and 17 dependent territories of Great Britain, the Netherlands, France, and the USA. They are popular winter vacation destinations famous for aqua seas, sandy beaches, and swaying palms, although the climate and geology varies across the region.
Caribbean Islands I’ve visited
Caribbean Island Map
A good overview of the islands can be found at CaribbeanIslands.com.
ABC Islands
The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) lie in the southern Caribbean just off the coast of Venezuela. They are part of the Netherlands.
All three islands lie outside of Hurricane Alley, making them attractive for visitors throughout the year. They also all have a dry climate, with cacti far more common than palm trees.
Cruise ships regularly stop at all three islands.
You can see my 2018 ABC island-hopping itinerary for more information and links.
Aruba
Like the other ABC islands, Aruba has an unusually dry climate for a Caribbean island, with a cactus-strewn landscape.
Much of the island is flat and rather desolate, but the southwest coast has broad, picture-perfect white sand beaches. This is where almost all tourist development on the island is located. Visitors looking for quiet beaches should head farther north or south from the main tourist areas.
The capital and largest city in Aruba is Oranjestad.
Administratively, the island is an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Bonaire
Most visitors to Bonaire spend most of their time in the water, as the island is known for its pristine reefs and abundant sea life.
There are few sandy beaches on the island, but there are land-based activities for those who don’t want to spend all of their time in the water. The south end of the island is particularly worth exploring, with historical sites, pink salt pans, flocks of flamingos, and the sandy (and windy) shores of Lac Bay.
The capital of Bonaire is Kralendijk, a small, relaxed place with funky shops and lots of restaurants. (We ate really well on Bonaire!)
Administratively it is a special municipality within the Netherlands.
Curaçao
Curaçao is an interesting mix of beautiful beaches, cactus covered hills, and city life.
Unlike the other ABCs, Curaçao’s capital city, Willemstad, is more than just a place for visitors to shop and eat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city preserves a large number of Dutch Colonial buildings. It’s a colorful place to learn about and enjoy the island’s history.
Of course, Curaçao also has beautiful beaches. And there is plenty to explore beyond the beach as well!
Administratively it is, like Aruba, an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Cuba
- Travel Dream List: Cuba
Kuna Yala (Panama)
- San Blas Islands – Kuna Yala, Panama
Puerto Rico
The US territory of Puerto Rico is a beautiful island with a fascinating mix of cultures.
I fell in love with Puerto Rico.
That makes me particularly sad to see that it’s usually in the news for the things that go wrong or, more recently, the devastating hurricane that hit the island. But don’t let that stop you from visiting, it’s an amazing place and parts of the island are more than ready to make you welcome.
Puerto Rico road trip 2017 itinerary
20 photos that will make you want to see Puerto Rico beyond San Juan
US Virgin Islands
Saint John
St. Thomas
Indian Ocean Islands
Seychelles
Pacific Islands
Cook Islands
Easter Island
- beginning with Dawn at Rapa Nui
Fiji
Pitcairn Island
New Zealand
- Driving the Milford Road to Milford Sound
- An evening with New Zealand’s little blue penguins
- New Zealand’s Cape Kidnappers tractor tour offers gannets, geology, and good fun
Polynesia
Hawaii (2008)
Society Islands (2009)
Tahiti
Moorea
Bora Bora
The Caribbean is gorgeous, but there are so many beautiful tropical islands, including African ones. I have the coast of Mozambique and Zanzibar on my list!
Great photos. Exotic islands, especially in the Caribbean have always been in my bucket list.