top 5 islands to visit

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The best islands in the world: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

By Caitlin Morton

The survey for the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise lines, travel fixers and more.

Our annual Readers’ Choice Awards continues to capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises and islands. This year, you travelled farther and deeper; seeking out remote properties; sailing on smaller, more intimate ships; and prioritising destinations you’ve been waiting years to visit. At least, that’s what a staggering number of you told us in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey.

Now, you can use the results to decide where you’re going next – these are the best islands in the world, as voted by our readers.

Top 5 in Africa and The Indian Ocean

5. Mnemba Island, Tanzania

Often overshadowed by neighbouring Zanzibar, Mnemba Island demands attention – and our readers heard its call this year. Aside from dazzling white-sand beaches and some of the best snorkelling in this region of the Indian Ocean, this tiny sliver of an island is also home to andBeyond Mnemba Island, often considered one of the best private island resorts in the world.

Pro tip: No jetties or docks lead to the island, so getting to the beach from your connecting boat will require wading in the water. Save your nice clothes and shoes for after you reach the resort.

Getting there: Fly to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), then take a 90-minute (bumpy) drive followed by a 15-minute boat ride to reach Mnemba.

4. Seychelles

Our readers aren’t the only ones who consider this African nation one of the best islands in the world: Prince William and Kate Middleton and David and Victoria Beckham spent their honeymoons on the North Island of the Seychelles . Yet some stretches of sand are so deserted that parts of the movie Castaway were filmed here. The ultimate draw, however, is nature – the white beaches here are so beautiful that visiting them borders on a religious experience.

Pro tip: Seychelles is one of the best spots in the Indian Ocean for snorkelling. Head to La Digue and Félicité islands for the best variety of sea life.

Getting there: Air France, Air Seychelles, and Turkish Airlines have regular flights that connect to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), just south of the capital of Victoria.

3. Mauritius

Instagram and Pinterest have created renewed interest in this island in the Indian Ocean, thanks to its “underwater waterfall” – a visually stunning runoff of sand and silt best viewed from above. Roughly 550 miles east of Madagascar, Mauritius may also be home to a lost continent hiding beneath the waves.

Pro tip : Don’t trust the scales on Mauritius: The island has a stronger gravitational field, causing things (and people) to weigh more.

Getting there : The island’s Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is your link for flights to other cities in Africa, as well as to major cities in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

2. Maldives

A chain of 26 atolls and more than 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Republic of Maldives is one of the most sought-after tropical destinations in the world. It’s dense with megawatt luxury villas and overwater bungalows, and the diving is unreal (though, sadly, some of the coral has been threatened by bleaching). Still, there’s a dive for all skill levels at Ari Atoll, where you can swim with rays and, deeper down, reef sharks.

Pro tip : Cheval Blanc Randheli , the number one resort in the Indian Ocean (per this year’s reader survey), has 45 luxe villas – some tucked among the coconut groves, some jutting out directly over the water.

Getting there : Fly into Malé’s international airport and transfer there to the appropriate resort or atoll.

1. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

The six islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago – Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina, Bangue, and Shell – are a protected conservation area and national park off the eastern coast of Africa. Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” the islands have only seen the arrival of big-name resorts within the past decade, like the impeccable andBeyond Benguerra Island in 2015.

Pro tip : This is one of the few habitats of the endangered manatee-like dugong, which sailors sometimes mistook for mermaids.

Getting there : Fly to Vilanculos on the coast of Mozambique; from there, take a seaplane to your final destination.

Top 5 in Asia

5. Langkawi, Malaysia

Located off the northwestern coast of Malaysia, the Langkawi archipelago has pristine beaches, coral reefs, and lush mountains – plus that famous Sky Bridge you’ve seen pictures of. This collection of 99 islands is also a foodie wonderland (eating is the unofficial national sport here), with spicy peanut satay skewers and macheted coconuts sold everywhere, from high-end hotels to sidewalk stands.

Pro tip: The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi was voted the best resort in Asia by our readers this year – chalk it up to a world-class spa, multiple beachfront restaurants, and a location in a 10 million-year-old rainforest.

Getting there: Take a one-hour flight from the Malay capital of Kuala Lumpur .

Alessia Armenise

Stacey Lastoe

Sarah James

Connor Sturges

4. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is not exactly a hidden gem, but it’s still a warm and lovely place to vacation, whether you want a busy immersion in city life or a quiet, family-friendly experience. Since it’s the biggest island in Thailand , you’re sure to find something to fit your desired itinerary. In general, though, we’d recommend skipping the overcrowded West Coast and heading to quiet corners like Cape Panwa, where you’ll find luxury accommodations and rum distilleries that feel a bit more removed from the oft-touristed track.

Pro tip: Phuket Town may be the island’s administrative centre, but it still receives far fewer tourists than the western beach areas. Here you can sample colourful spices at markets, visit ageing Taoist temples, and snap photos of the colourful street murals.

Getting there: There are more than a dozen daily flights from Bangkok to Phuket, with most trips clocking in at an hour and 20 minutes.

3. Boracay, Philippines

At less than four square miles, this compact Philippine island transformed from under-the-radar to overtouristed in the span of a few rocky decades – it was even temporarily shut down in 2018 to allow for much-needed redevelopment and rehabilitation. But with its sugary sands, magical sunsets, and see-your-feet-clear water, we suspect Boracay’s popularity isn’t going to wane anytime soon.

Pro tip: On Boracay’s eastern shores, steady winds make for some of the best kiteboarding and windsurfing conditions in the region.

Getting there: Take an hour-long flight from Cebu or Manila.

2. Koh Samui, Thailand

Thailand ’s second-largest island is famous for its palm-lined beaches, buzzing nightlife scene, and luxurious hotels. AVANI+ Samui Resort was voted one of the best resorts in Thailand by our readers, though the hillside villas at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves at The Library are also worth checking out. In terms of beaches, be sure to visit the five-mile Chaweng Beach, lined with coconut trees and surrounded by a natural reef. Just note that the northern end of the beach is party central.

Pro tip: If you are looking for parties, check out Green Mango , one of Koh Samui’s oldest and most famous clubs.

Getting there: You can fly directly from Bangkok to Koh Samui. A more budget-friendly option may be to fly to Surat Thani and then catch a ferry to Koh Samui – it will add a couple of hours to your travel time, but the views are pretty spectacular.

1. Bali, Indonesia

Nowhere on the planet offers the same combination of surfing, spirituality, and sun-kissed pleasure as Bali . The island has sadly become synonymous with the concept of overtourism, but there are still enclaves of hidden cultural treasures and undiscovered gems if you know where to look.

Pro tip: The shoulder months of April - May and September - October is the best time to visit Bali . Not only can you enjoy lower airfares and hotel rates during the low season, but you’ll also have the rare ability to see the island without its usual crowds.

Getting there: Many airlines fly directly from the United States to Bali, including Singapore Airlines , Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines.

Top 5 in Australia and the South Pacific

5. Tahiti, French Polynesia

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia , offering enough sheltered lagoons, staggering mountains, epic surf breaks, and colourful markets to satisfy every type of traveller. The world’s first overwater bungalows were built here in the 1950s, and the tradition stays strong at properties like InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa and Tahiti La Ora Beach Resort.

Pro tip: For a fun day trip away from the coast, hike up to the Faarumai Waterfalls from the northern village of Tiarei.

Getting there: Fly into Tahiti International Airport, just a few miles west of Papeete.

4. Whitsunday Islands, Australia

While many islands claim to have the perfect snorkelling conditions, the Whitsunday Islands edge out the competition with one major claim to fame: the Great Barrier Reef . This collection of 74 islands is a popular jumping-off point for exploring the world’s most famous reef, though its abundance of gorgeous beaches – namely Whitehaven Beach – makes a great case for staying closer to dry land for a while.

Pro tip: Making literal waves since it opened in late 2019, Reefsuites – Australia’s first underwater hotel – is the perfect spot to get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

Getting there: The easiest way to reach the Whitsunday Islands is by air. From Australia’s main cities (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne), either hop on a flight to Hamilton Island or Whitsunday Coast Airport on the mainland.

3. Moorea, French Polynesia

Framed by jagged mountains and lush jungle valleys, Moorea’s beaches are on the smaller side and often attached to single resorts; sitting on one of them, you might imagine you have the entire island to yourself. Temae is one of our favourite slices of coastline, with all the coral reefs and soft white sand you expect from a South Pacific beach.

Pro tip: Take a taxi to the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea and walk the long stretch of beach to and from the airport.

Getting there: Air Tahiti offers several 15-minute flights every day from Tahiti International Airport to Moorea. There are also passenger ferries that operate up to eight times per day between downtown Papeete and Moorea.

2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Famous for its turquoise waters and verdant mountains, Bora Bora is pretty close to heaven on earth. The island also has some of the best resorts in the South Pacific: Our readers are fans of InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, Conrad Bora Bora Nui, and Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.

Pro tip: Matira Beach is not only the most famous stretch of sand on Bora Bora, but it’s also one of the only public-access beaches on the island. Come early to stake out a spot.

Getting there: After flying into Tahiti International Airport, hop on a 45-minute flight to Bora Bora Airport.

This archipelago of more than 300 islands is a true tropical paradise, with perfect beaches, colourful marine life, and resorts fit for royalty. As is usually the case with volcanic islands, including tiny Waya Island, Fiji ’s landscapes are as dramatic as they come. With rugged coastlines and mountains covered with greenery, you might even be tempted to look away from the ocean every once in a while.

Pro tip: The best time to enjoy Fiji’s good weather and beaches is May through September, after cyclone season.

Getting there: Fly into Nadi International Airport on the main island of Viti Levu.

Top 5 in Central & South America

5. Ambergris Caye, Belize

Belize is home to over 450 individual islands, known as cayes. Ambergris Caye is the most-visited destination in the country, known for its quintessential Caribbean island vibe, with humming golf carts – the main method of transportation – and great snorkelling and diving.

Pro tip : Check out above-water activities, too, like the nighttime crocodile-watching tour offered by the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary.

Getting there : Ambergris Caye is about a 15-minute flight from mainland Belize. Catch an hourly flight from Philip Goldson International Airport with either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air.

4. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Do we really have to explain the allure of the Galápagos ? Many lucky readers have had the chance to visit this of-another-time stretch of Ecuador, with its blue-footed boobies and dinosaur-like giant tortoises lumbering through the tall grass – and they clearly liked what they saw.

Pro tip : A cruise is definitely the preferred way to explore the islands. Lindblad’s newest Galapagos Islands cruise ship, the National Geographic Islander II , feels like a boutique hotel at sea – but it’s still the best option for adventure seekers.

Getting there : Most travellers fly to Quito or Guayaquil (which is closer to the islands) before picking up their tour. You can also extend a trip and stay in Santa Cruz or Isabela within the Galápagos, with more lodging options in Isabela.

3. San Andrés & Providencia, Colombia

The islands of San Andrés and Providencia may be part of Colombia , but thanks to their location 500 miles northwest of the mainland, locals have more in common with their Caribbean neighbours. It takes some effort to get to Providencia, but you’ll be rewarded with unspoiled beaches and local cuisine featuring the island’s fresh seafood and native bounty of mango and guava.

Pro tip : Venture to El Pico Natural Regional Park, where the trail provides a 360-degree view of the Caribbean.

Getting there : It takes two hours or less to fly to San Andrés from Bogota or Panama City. If Providencia is your final destination, regional carrier Satena offers flights to the island from San Andrés a couple of times a day.

2. Islas Secas, Panama

An archipelago owned by conservationist Louis Bacon, Islas Secas combines rugged natural beauty and pure resort luxury perfectly. The retreat only allows a maximum of 24 guests at once across four individually designed Casita sites and three Tented Casitas. The island is entirely powered by renewable solar energy and has no TV, but you'll be too busy fishing and kayaking to notice.

Pro tip: Set aside an afternoon to have the staff motor you over to Isla Pargo, one of the other islands in the archipelago, where they’ll leave you with a pair of lounge chairs, a picnic lunch, and paddleboards.

Getting there: Take a direct one-hour flight from Panama City to the Secas Archipelago aboard the resort’s Twin Otter private plane transfer service (operated by Air Panama); the plane seats up to 15 passengers per trip, and the carbon emissions are off-set once on the island.

1. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Brazil is famous for its beaches, but that fame often leads to crowded and noisy stretches of sand (especially near Rio ). To leave that chaos behind, head 220 miles from Brazil’s northeastern coast to the stunning archipelago of Fernando de Noronha. The UNESCO-protected main island is like a collection of Mother Earth’s greatest hits, letting lucky visitors snorkel in the clear waters, trek the exotic trails, and watch the moon rise over the ocean.

Pro tip: The Brazilian government strictly limits tourist numbers to 460 visitors at any time – so while you won’t have to worry about crowds, you will have to book well in advance. You can sign up to visit (and pay the daily tourism fee) on the official website .

Getting here: The archipelago is only accessible by air from Recife, via Blue Airlines or Goal Airlines.

Top 10 in Europe

10. Hvar, Croatia

With warm summers and mild winters, the island of Hvar is the sunniest spot in Croatia – there are over 2,800 hours of sunshine annually. It may be known for its beaches and turquoise water, but there’s another side to this resort island. From the town of Hvar on the island’s southern shore, make the slow, uphill climb to Tvrđava Fortica, a 13th-century fortress with the best views around.

Pro tip : To see Hvar’s spectacular fields of lavender in full bloom, visit in early summer. The harvest occurs in late July, but you can buy all sorts of scented souvenirs in the local markets year-round.

Getting there : The Split Airport is just a 2.5-hour flight from London. From there, take a cab 20 minutes to the ferry station and board a catamaran or ferry to Stari Grad. The entire journey takes about 90 minutes.

9. Minorca, Spain

Not quite as well-known as Mallorca or Ibiza , Menorca (or Minorca) is a great place to get some peace and quiet, without going too far off the grid. This Balearic beauty comes alive with whitewashed windmills, wildlife-filled pastures, and beaches backed by limestone cliffs – plus incredible hotels and restaurants that ensure you’re never too far from creature comforts.

Pro tip: Visit Moll de Sa Punta , a new tapas bar inside Club Náutico de Villacarlos, for delicious bites paired with harbour views.

Getting there: Menorca is easily accessible from mainland Spain, either by flight or by ferry from Barcelona and Valencia.

8. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a postcard-perfect island, from the sunsets from Oia town to the beaches of black, red, and white sand. But it’s the whitewashed villas cascading down the sides of the island caldera that inspire millions of Instagrams. Although you won’t have much space to yourself, the ease of access and plethora of dining and entertainment on the island mean boredom is never an option.

Pro tip: The cherry tomatoes of Santorini are renowned for their sweet intensity. Discover more about this native crop at the Tomato Industrial Museum , then go try the tomato fritters at To Psaraki .

Getting there: Fly to Thira International Airport from Athens or several other western European cities, or take a ferry to the Athinios Port.

7. The Azores, Portugal

The Azores were virtually unheard of a decade ago, but the secret is out. Roughly 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon, this Portuguese archipelago can inspire wanderlust with a single photo. The verdant valleys, steep oceanside cliffs, and scattering of waterfalls make this cluster of nine volcanic islands a paradise well worth exploring.

Pro tip: The Azores are famous for their endemic blue hydrangeas – catch them in peak bloom on São Miguel Island from July to August .

Getting there: Catch a direct flight from mainland Portugal to João Paulo II Airport (PDL) on São Miguel.

6. Jersey & Guernsey, United Kingdom

Jersey and Guernsey are both part of the Channel Islands, located in the elbow of France’s Cotentin Peninsula (just below the English Channel). The islands are about 25 miles apart but offer many of the same perks, including golden beaches, walkable small towns, and an interesting melting pot of cultures and languages.

Pro tip: Use Jersey and Guernsey as a jumping-off point to exploring the smaller Channel Islands. Tiny Herm is definitely worth visiting, with only 62 year-round residents, one hotel, and zero cars.

Getting there: Guernsey is easily reached by boat (via Condor Ferries or Channel Islands Direct ) or by air at Guernsey Airport , with flights departing from London, Edinburgh, and other UK cities. You can get to Jersey via Condor Ferries from Poole or Portsmouth.

5. Sicily, Italy

The largest island in the Mediterranean has a culture all of its own. Rules by everyone from the Greeks to the Normans, Sicily boasts an entirely distinct food scene , pristine beaches with translucent waters, and cities packed with grand cathedrals and phenomenal markets. For a perfect beach day, visit the stratified white cliffs at Scala dei Turchi or the secluded paradise of Cala Tonnarella.

Pro tip: While most guidebooks will direct you to La Vucciria (a famous street market in Palermo), dodge the crowds and head to Ballarò instead. This fish and farmers’ market winds through alleys just north of the city centre, hawking chickpea fritters, cuts of beef, and mounds of divine Sicilian pistachios.

Getting there: There are four international airports in Sicily, serviced regularly by major airlines from mainland Italy and Europe. You can also take a 20-minute ferry ride on BluJet from Villa San Giovanni.

4. Crete, Greece

The largest Greek isle, Crete is also one of the most distinctive, with its own unmistakable culture, landscape, cuisine, and mythological history. If you make it beyond the beach , make sure to visit the Minoan Palace in Knossos.

Pro tip : Balos Beach is one of the most photographed spots in Crete, but skip the bumpy drives and three-hour hikes. The spot is most easily accessed by ferries from Kissamos port.

Getting there : Most flights to Crete connect in Athens , but visitors can also take the year-round ferry from Piraeus or the seasonal, summer ferry from Santorini.

3. Ibiza, Spain

Forget all the stereotypes you’ve heard about this clubbing mecca: If you know where to look, Ibiza (part of Spain’s Balearic Islands) can be a sometimes-peaceful , always-beautiful island escape. Sure, the main town has plenty of nightclubs but also a charming Old Town with UNESCO -protected battlements and quiet cobbled lanes. Choose a sidewalk restaurant for some excellent people-watching, then retreat back to one of the island’s many chic hotels.

Pro tip: You can’t visit Ibiza without eating delicious seafood . Try the grilled fish with shrimp at Es Torrent , or the impossibly fresh Mediterranean plates at La Paloma .

Getting there: You can catch a flight to Ibiza Airport (IBZ) from most major Spanish cities, or take a scenic five-hour ferry ride from Valencia.

2. Mykonos, Greece

Said to have been where Hercules killed the giants, Mykonos is steeped in mythological history. A popular cruise ship stop, the island hasn’t quite outgrown its raucous party reputation – which would impress even Dionysus – but it’s on the path to attracting a more sophisticated and upscale type of traveller. Head to Little Venice in Mykonos Town, an uncrowded neighbourhood full of tavernas. While in the area, stop by Kounelas, close to the harbour, to eat what locals say is the best fish.

Pro tip : Avoid July and August to miss the major crowds and get a better sense of local life.

Getting there : Daily flights from Athens take about 35 minutes. Ferry trips, the less expensive option, last between three and five hours on high-speed or slow ferries.

1. Sardinia, Italy

When most people think of Sardinia , they imagine sun-kissed coasts and dazzling beaches. But this Italian island encourages travellers to look inland with hilltop ruins, craggy mountains, and vineyards thick with fruit. If you’re lucky, you may even drive past some roaming Giara horses, a perfectly petite species native to Sardinia.

Pro tip: The pocket-sized town of Irgoli is yet one more reason to leave the beach, with excellent hiking opportunities and a must-visit Antiquarium Museum .

Getting there: Flying is the easiest way to reach Sardinia , and there are three airports on the island. You can find many direct flights from Rome and many other major European cities , usually on KLM and Lufthansa.

Top 5 in North America

5. Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is an immensely popular cruising port, but it’s worth disembarking and exploring the island if you can. (Or, you know, just book a flight here on your own.) While there are densely packed pockets of souvenir shops and restaurants near the docks, you can venture a bit further to find ancient cenotes, golden beaches, and Mayan steam lodges.

Pro tip: Many beaches and swimming holes on Cozumel have banned visitors from using certain sunscreens , so be sure to buy some reef-safe SPF before you visit.

Getting here: You can find nonstop flights to Cozumel International Airport from various US cities, including Houston, Miami , and Washington DC. Alternatively, get to Cancun and hop on a quick 20-minute flight to Cozumel.

4. Vancouver Island, Canada

Vancouver Island is consistently voted one of our readers’ top islands in Canada , and now it’s also a favourite in the world – namely because there’s just so much to do. Pick from salmon fishing, wine tasting, sailing, strolling along beaches and nature trails, or even learning about glassblowing.

Pro tip : Check into the cedar-plank Wickaninnish Inn, which sits at the gateway to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. After a walk on one of the most beautiful beaches in Canada, enjoy a hot soak in an oversized tub with aromatherapy bath salts.

Getting there : Fly to Vancouver and then hop onto one of BC Ferries’ four routes from the mainland to the island. If setting off from Victoria, it’s a stunning drive (albeit gruelling, clocking in over five hours) across the island to Tofino.

3. Isla Mujeres, Mexico

While often thought of as a side trip from Cancún, Isla Mujeres is a destination in its own right. The main beach of Playa Norte is made of crushed coral, has warm shallow waters, and is much quieter than the beaches across the bay.

Pro tip : Scuba enthusiasts take note: The island is home to the largest concentration of whale sharks on the planet.

Getting there : Take the ferry from Puerto Juárez in Cancún – it’s about a 20-minute ride to Isla Mujeres.

2. Cape Breton, Canada

Comprising the northeastern portion of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton is a rocky, rugged island begging to be hiked. On the northern tip, you’ll find the Cabot Trail, a 185-mile loop considered one of the most scenic drives in Canada.

Pro tip : At peak autumn foliage, which generally hits around October, entire ridges blaze bright red, and the sloping, winding roads offer constantly shifting views from multiple angles. Multiple whale species come to hang out along Cape Breton’s northern coast at the beginning of summer and stick around through the end of fall.

Getting there : Fly into Sydney via Toronto or Halifax, or drive the Trans-Canada Highway 104 straight to Cape Breton Island.

1. Isla Holbox, Mexico

At only about 35 miles from the hectic party zone of Cancún, Holbox is about as sleepy a spot as one can find in Mexico nowadays – just a nature preserve, a stretch of beach, and a single small town (also called Holbox) that feels completely out of time.

Pro tip : Rosa Mexicano – no relation to the American chain – is a rollicking restaurant that serves coconut shrimp and octopus with black-bean relish. Viva Zapata Grill is a must for mezcal cocktails and live music.

Getting there : Drive two hours from Cancún to the port of Chiquilá, park your car, then take the 15-minute ferry ride to the town of Holbox; boats go every half hour during the day.

Top 20 in the Caribbean and the Atlantic

20. Bonaire

Only 50 miles from South America, Bonaire is the farthest east of the ABC Islands. And while the island has a dry, rather foreboding desert landscape, its true beauty can be found just below the surrounding waters. The coral reef around Bonaire is a national park (Bonaire National Marine Park), with brightly coloured coral and wildlife ranging from nurse sharks and seahorses to friendly green turtles.

Pro tip: One of Bonaire’s most striking features is Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, located on the island’s southern salt flats and home to over ten thousand flamingos. While the sanctuary itself is off-limits to travellers, you can catch views from nearby (and appropriately named) Pink Beach.

Getting there: Delta flies nonstop from Atlanta to the Flamingo International Airport (BON) in Kralendijk; connections are also available through Aruba.

19. The Bahamas

More than 700 islands and thousands of uninhabited cays make up this sprawling island nation barely 60 miles east of Florida. Although technically in the Atlantic, the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Bahamas are on par with islands farther south.

Pro tip: You’re probably already planning to visit the pink-sand beach on Harbour Island, but you can elevate your experience by horseback riding along the shore during sunset.

Getting there: Fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau – or one of the other 19 international airports in the Bahamas.

18. Grenada

There’s no such thing as a bad view on the island of Grenada . No matter where you stand, it is invariably green, moody, and pulsing with plant life. Even the capital city of St. George’s has a picture-perfect skyline, with brightly coloured houses and churches reminiscent of an Italian coastal town.

Pro tip: Bonaire is something of a mecca for chocolate lovers, with perfect environmental conditions for growing cocoa trees. At Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel , guests can partake in estate tours, chocolate tastings, and chocolate-forward takes on Caribbean cuisine.

Getting there: American Airlines, JetBlue, and British Airways all have flights that go directly to Grenada. There are also ferry rides from surrounding islands, as well as quick flights on LIAT from Antigua and Barbuda.

17. Curaçao

You might be tempted to group the Dutch “ABC Islands” together, but each of the islands – the three westernmost of the Leeward Antilles – has something a little different to offer. Curaçao is like a little slice of Europe in the Caribbean, with rows of colourful Dutch and Portuguese-inspired buildings in the UNESCO-protected area of Downtown Willemstad, plus a steady stream of new hotels and restaurants.

Pro tip: Sample local liquor while learning about the island’s fascinating history at Landhuis Chobolobo , a bright yellow 19th-century mansion.

Getting there: Curaçao International Airport (CUR) in Willemstad is served most frequently by American Airlines and KLM.

16. St. Kitts

St. Kitts is known for its sugarcane fields and well-preserved Brimstone Hill fortresses, but the island also houses some of our favourite luxury hotels. For sophisticated lodgings with a view, book a stay at Belle Mont Farm on Kittitian Hill, situated on the northwestern slopes of Mount Liamuiga. Some of the resort’s biggest draws are the private plunge pools and outdoor clawfoot tubs overlooking the sea.

Pro tip: St. Kitts is best explored on an open-air train along the south coast, especially if it’s your first time on the island.

Getting there: You can fly directly to Robert L. Bradshaw Airport (SKB) from many cities in the US and Canada.

15. Dominica

Dominica has all the draws of a classic Caribbean escape – especially when it comes to outdoor adventures – but with a slightly more undiscovered slant. The island is defined by its untamed jungles, volcanic beaches, and hiking trails dotted with waterfalls and hot springs. It’s also an excellent place for snorkelling and scuba diving, with places like Champagne Reef drawing divers with its bubbly, sealife-rich waters.

Pro tip: Dominica has seen an uptick in chic hotels in recent years, but we still have a soft spot for Secret Bay – a long favourite among couples for its intimate seclusion and luxurious villas.

Getting there: American Airlines just launched a daily direct flight to Dominica from Miami, which is the easiest way to reach the island. Otherwise, you’ll have to find a connecting flight from nearby islands like Puerto Rico or Antigua.

14. United States Virgin Islands

No matter what kind of vacation you’re craving, you'll find it on one of the US Virgin Islands. St. John gets accolades for its natural beauty – particularly Trunk Bay in the Virgin Islands National Park. If you’re an Alexander Hamilton fan, head to St. Croix, where the US founding father spent much of his youth. Or, if you’re heading to St. Thomas, make sure to book a room at the incredible Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas.

Pro tip: One of the best snorkelling spots in the region is the Virgin Islands Coral Reef Monument, located off the coast of St. John.

Getting there: Fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas; from there, you can take a ferry to St. Thomas or St. Croix.

13. Antigua

Antigua mixes tropical beauty with British history – just look at the candy-coloured colonial buildings and much-touted 365 beaches to choose from. The island is also a must-visit for sailing fans. During the first two weeks of April , hundreds of yachts from around the world converge for the Classic Yacht Regatta and Sailing Week. On race days, people gather atop Shirley Heights to get the best views of the boat-filled English Harbour.

Pro tip: Shirley Heights should be on your itinerary even if you visit on non-yachting holidays. Looking out over the harbour’s curved coastline is a truly unforgettable experience.

Getting there: Fly to V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU) just north of the capital, St. John’s.

The second largest of the Dutch ABC islands, Aruba is one of the Caribbean’s best islands for beaches – and you’re guaranteed to find a great hotel on nearly every stretch of sand. For a more intimate beach experience, head to the privately-owned Renaissance Island, complete with shallow coves, overwater bungalows, and (best of all) a population of bright pink flamingos.

Pro tip: The Arikok National Park, comprising 18 per cent of the island, is a hidden treasure – a cacti-filled landscape well worth exploring.

Getting there: You’ll find tons of nonstop or one-stop flights to Queen Beatrix International Airport from cities across the US.

11. British Virgin Islands

Made up of more than 60 tropical isles, the British Virgin Islands epitomize Caribbean relaxation with white-sand beaches and lush rainforests – not to mention some of the best hotels in the entire region. Richard Branson’s Necker Island is arguably the most famous resort, freshly reconstructed with an emphasis on sustainability . New wind turbines join the existing solar farm so that the resort runs on 90 per cent renewable energy. Even the staff uniforms are made from recycled plastic.

Pro tip: Head to Virgin Gorda for one of the prettiest (and most popular) attractions in the BVI: the Baths, a seaside area where huge granite boulders form scenic saltwater pools and grottos.

Getting there: Either fly to Beef Island Airport (EIS) on Tortola, or fly to Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas and take the ferry to Tortola.

10. Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman – have some of the best beaches in the entire Caribbean. Most people head to resorts on Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, but it’s well worth exploring the others: Cayman Brac for underwater adventures and Little Cayman for a splendidly relaxed way of life.

Pro tip: Make sure to pay a special visit to Stingray City off of Grand Cayman to snorkel with the rays in shockingly clear water.

Getting there: Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Grand Cayman is the country’s main point of entry. Cayman Airways Express can get you to the other two islands in just under an hour.

9. Barbados

Barbados has something for everyone: pink sand beaches, exotic wildlife (think monkeys, sea turtles, and eight species of bats), and sunsets just begging to be enjoyed with a fresh cocktail. Head straight to Bathsheba Beach on the east coast, where you’ll find big, surf-friendly waves and shallow pools carved by the coral reef right off the shore.

Pro tip: No trip to Barbados is complete without stopping at Champers Restaurant, a seafood spot on Rockley Beach with panoramic ocean views.

Getting there: Fly into Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA).

Jamaica may be your entry into the Caribbean on spring break or an exclusive trip to GoldenEye , the former estate of Ian Fleming – and one of our favourite resorts in the world. You can also come just to eat...and eat...and eat. Make sure to try all the local flavours during your visit, from jerk chicken to cassava cakes and smoked marlin.

Pro tip: Head to the western town of Negril for some of the country's best diving and swimming spots (Seven Mile Beach is a particular favourite).

Getting there: Kingston (KIN), Montego Bay (MBJ), and Ocho Rios (OCJ) are the island’s three major points of entry from the US.

7. Puerto Rico

Just a couple hours from the East Coast, Puerto Rico offers classic Caribbean charm with a big perk for Americans: no passport required. Don’t leave without sampling the island’s most iconic dish – tender but crispy-skinned lechón. Here are the best spots to find it across Puerto Rico.

Pro tip : Get out of town. Many travellers make San Juan their home base, but there are surf towns, museums, and natural wonders just a day trip away.

Getting there : More than a million cruise ship passengers pass through the port of San Juan every year, making it the second-largest cruise port in the Western Hemisphere. If Puerto Rico is your sole destination, most major US cities offer direct flights to the San Juan Airport.

It may be smaller than St. Kitts, but Nevis holds its own. The birthplace of Alexander Hamilton is almost perfectly round, with gentle slopes rising to the peak of its dormant volcano, and the island is known for its historic inns and top-drawer resorts. Set up camp at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis for easy access to Pinney’s Beach, a favourite for families with kids and travellers seeking a calm respite.

Pro tip: If you prefer your hotels to be more historic than modern, you can’t do much better than the 60-acre Montpelier Plantation & Beach on the slopes of Mount Nevis.

Getting there: Fly into Robert L. Bradshaw Airport (SKB) on St. Kitts, then hop a quick flight or ferry to Nevis.

5. Turks and Caicos

Far and away one of the best places for a quick escape, Turks and Caicos checks almost every box, from private island spa retreats to miles of empty white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water. The island of Providenciales in particular has some of the world’s loveliest beaches, namely 12-mile Grace Bay on the north shore.

Pro tip: Bight Reef (aka Coral Gardens) is an always-popular snorkelling spot, but we head for Smith’s Reef in Turtle Cove for the chance to spot turtles, rays, and barracudas.

Getting there: Providenciales International Airport (PLS) will be your first stop, offering connections on to other islands in the Lucayan Archipelago.

4. St. Lucia

This deeply green and mountainous island is a favorite for those looking for adventure and romance. Climb the Pitons (the island’s twin volcanic spires), scuba and snorkel, or hole yourself up in hotel rooms with some of the most stunning views in the Caribbean.

Pro tip: St. Lucia has a surprisingly great Indian food scene. Head to Windjammer Landing’s new beachside restaurant, Masala at Embers, for the best chicken tandoori and cheesy naan of your life.

Getting there: The country’s main airport is Hewanorra International (UVF), at the very southernmost tip of the island. Inter-island propeller-driven flights use the George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) at the northern tip.

3. Anguilla

Need to unwind or reconnect with yourself? Readers recommend Anguilla , where the island’s untouched beauty is only surpassed by that of the world-class resorts. Located 150 miles east of Puerto Rico, the island is relatively accessible to North American travellers looking to escape more tourist spots.

Pro tip : Plan to spend at least one day at Shoal Bay, with white sand and clear water that makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

Getting there : From the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on St. Maarten, there are four 10-minute daily flights to the tiny Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) on Anguilla. A half-hour ferry also runs from Marigot in St. Martin throughout the day.

2. St. Barts

While any mention of St. Barts tends to conjure up images of Rolexes and caviar, the tony territory has enough natural beauty and scenic views to give any five-star hotel a run for its money. One of the best ways to explore the island is to start your day with a morning walk around the capital, Gustavia, a tidy collection of old, red-roofed buildings clad in volcanic stone. Soak in the views before stopping into one of the town’s great restaurants or fish markets.

Pro tip : Companies like WIMCO Villas can set you up with a splendid villa on par with any luxe hotel room.

Getting there : Hop on a tiny plane from St. Maarten or San Juan, and get ready for a thrilling runway approach at St. Barts’ Gustaf III Airport (SBH).

Bermuda is among the most accessible of the North American islands from the East Coast, making it ideal for a long weekend getaway. Fill up your days exploring the island’s spectacular caves and reefs, strolling through charming villages, and hopping between excellent museums and restaurants. Most of your time should be spent at the beach, however, and Bermuda has them in spades – pink and otherwise.

Pro tip: Real Bermudians don’t go in the water before Bermuda Day (May 24) or after Labor Day, so plan your trip accordingly.

Getting there: Fly into L. F. Wade International Airport (BDA); it’s only a 90-minute flight from New York.

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The 20 Best Tropical Islands in the World

I’m a beach guy. When I think of paradise, my mind drifts to white sand beaches, azure blue water, and palm trees in tropical locales. When most people think of paradise, chances are they’re also thinking of tropical islands in far-flung corners of the world. Lounging with a good book , drinking from coconuts, soaking up the rays.

Tropical islands are that peaceful escape where the days drift by, the problems of the world melt away, and time slows down.

They are a sanctuary.

I spent a month living on an island in Thailand and it remains one of the best months of my entire life.

Having grown up in Boston and spent many years living in New York City , one of the main purposes of my travels is to avoid winter. I seek the sun.

I’ve been to many of the best tropical islands in the world (and there are sooooo many). After over fifteen years of travel and countless hours staring out into the ocean, I’ve done the “hard” research of visiting lots of islands to find the best islands in the world!

In this post, I’ll give you my favorite and best islands to visit in your travels!

Here’s a quick overview of the islands in case you’re looking for something specific (and don’t want to read the whole article):

With a quick overview out of the way, here’s my list of the best tropical islands in the world — no matter your budget, travel style, or interests! Just click on the island below to jump to that section!

Table of Contents

1. The Seychelles

2. the maldives, 4. bali and the gili islands, 7. big island hawaii, 8. the cook islands, 9. curaçao, 10. the perhentian islands, 11. bermuda, 12. barbados, 13. isla de providencia (old providence), 14. the san blas islands, 15. the canary islands, 17. the whitsunday islands, 18. the galápagos islands, 19. saint lucia, 20. the azores.

This group of 115 islands offers everything a beach lover could ask for. It’s an amazing place to visit for its diverse marine life and it has several nature preserves and marine parks, two of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sadly, these islands are pretty expensive — though it is possible to visit on a budget if you plan ahead. The best time to visit is during the cool season from May to September when it rains less.

MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES:

• Glass Boat Snorkeling Tour
• Reef Safari at St Anne Marine National Park
• 5 Beach Adventure Tour

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN THE SEYCHELLES : Jeanny’s Apartments – A beachfront three-star hotel on Grand’Anse Praslin with free breakfast, free parking, and lovely staff.

To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to the Seychelles!  

These little coral islands are surrounded by excellent diving, snorkeling, and idyllic white-sand beaches, and are filled with friendly locals. Private resorts litter the islands, and a vacation here is also very pricey, as the Maldives is one of the most sought-after luxury destinations in the world.

Luckily, you can at least get here cheaply, as Thai Air Asia offers cheap flights to and from Thailand (you can find round-trip flights for around $300 USD!).

The best time to go to the Maldives is from November to May when the weather is cool and dry. June through October sees wetter and hotter weather due to the monsoon season.

MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES

• Go Diving or Snorkeling
• Explore Malé
• Go Parasailing

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN THE MALDIVES : Endheri Sunset Dhangethi ( Dhangethi) – A budget-friendly hotel near the beach that includes free bikes for use and basic amenities like flatscreen TVs and AC.

To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to the Maldives!  

Located in southern Thailand , this semi-off-the-map island is one of my favorites and the month I spent here remains one of fondest memories .

Here on Ko Lipe , the super-friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood, as the island’s water is teeming with life. Accommodation is still basic, though more and more places now offer electricity 24/7. I expect development will slowly erode this paradise, however, so visit soon!

Close to this island is a little island that provides excellent snorkeling opportunities. You may even spot a few reef sharks. Bathtub-warm water and fine sand beaches kept me here for over three weeks. It will do the same for you. Visit between November and March for the best weather and the fewest people. May through October sees a harsh monsoon season that shuts the island down. The best way to get there is by boat from Pak Bara.

• Full Day Multi-Island Snorkeling Trip
• Visit Nearby Ko Adang
• Explore Tarutao National Marine Park

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN KO LIPE : The Chic Lipe – A boutique hostel with a restaurant on-site that’s just a short walk to Walking Street and Sunrise Beach.

To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to Ko Lipe!  

But Indonesia has more than just Bali. The nearby Gili Islands are another incredible island getaway. Both destinations make for a more active tropical vacation and the weather remains pretty constant all year round (though April to October sees slightly drier weather). Both Bali and the Gili Islands are close enough that you should be able to visit them both on your trip to really get the most out of this idyllic corner of the world.

• Sunrise Mount Batur Hike
• Full-Day Instagram Highlights Tour
• Waterfall, Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest Tour

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN BALI AND THE GILI ISLANDS : Tribal Bali (Canggu) – A fun coworking space and hostel with an on-site bar, infinity pool, pool table, and super chill vibe.

To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to Bali!  

It’s a popular destination with young people and honeymooners, with something for everyone on offer — diving, sailing, snorkeling, whale watching, peaceful luxury, and much more! Most young people and budget travelers head to the Yasawa Islands , known for their inexpensive accommodation, cheap transportation, and late-night parties. The temperature remains mostly constant throughout the year, with cyclones occurring between November and January.

• Serenity Island Sailing and Snorkeling Trip
• Mamanuca Islands All-Inclusive Sailing Cruise
• Viti Levu: Mud Pool, Temple, and Sleeping Giant Garden

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN FIJI : The Beachouse (Coral Coast) – A family owned resort located in a sheltered sandy lagoon, with private bungalows as well as dorm rooms available. Includes free breakfast and free kayak rentals.

To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to Fiji!  

One of the biggest honeymoon destinations in the world, Tahiti offers pure paradise and a lot of romance. Its very name has long been synonymous with tropical paradise. Here you can relax in the sun, scuba dive, enjoy fine seafood, and take a morning dip right from your bungalow.

The island is expensive and caters to a more affluent tourist crowd, though there are still ways to visit on something of a budget. Try to visit the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands to get an insight into Polynesia culture. Le Marché Papeete (the public market) is the place to try local cuisine and pick up souvenirs. The weather is tropical all year round and very humid, though May to October sees cooler temperatures.

• Bora Bora: Shark and Snorkeling Safari
• Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour
• 4X4 and Jet Ski Adventure Tour

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN TAHITI : Manomano Lodge – A cozy beachfront lodge with free Wi-Fi, a shared outdoor lounge and garden, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to Tahiti!  

Then there are all the waterfalls on the island, great snorkeling and diving, and the lush wilderness of the Waipi’o Valley, once home to Hawaiian kings. Big Island has it all. I mean it’s Hawaii — how could you go wrong?!

The wet season is from October to March, though the weather is cooler during these months. However, despite being located near each other, weather conditions on each island can vary greatly, so you never know what to expect!

• Afternoon Snorkeling Sail to Captain Cook’s Monument
• Eco-Friendly Twilight Manta Ray Adventure
• Mauna Kea Summit: Sunset Stargazing Adventure

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN HAWAII : My Hawaii Hostel – This hostel is close to everything you’ll need and offers free parking, free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, and has a chill indoor/outdoor common area to lounge in.

To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to Hawaii!  

With few amenities, this is the best place to find your inner castaway and escape modern life. Rarotonga is the largest and most visited island, however, I suggest you visit a few other islands if you make it out this way. Once you leave the main island, you’ll have miles of beaches and their crystal clear waters (perfect for snorkeling, diving, swimming, and sea kayaking) virtually to yourself!

The islands see similar weather to the rest of the area, with temperatures hot and humid all year round.

• Watch a traditional dance show
• Explore Aitutaki Island
• Hike Around Rarotonga

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN THE COOK ISLANDS : Ranginuis Retreat – Located on the scenic Ootu Beach, this hotel includes free airport transports, free kayak rentals, and an outdoor swimming pool.

To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to the Cook Islands!  

As the largest and most populated of the Netherlands Antilles, Curaçao has the most going on and the most “social life.” It’s the hippest island in the chain and the most visited by younger travelers, so hit the beaches, lay in the sun, and party the night away. This may not be Gilligan’s Island, but what it lacks in privacy, it makes up for in romance and fun.

The weather is pretty stable here year-round. It’s always hot and usually sunny. If it rains, it’s between November and January. And don’t worry about hurricanes – it’s below the hurricane belt!

• Kayaking Tour
• Half-Day Fishing Trip
• Speedboat Adventure Snorkeling

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN CURAÇAO : First Hostel Curaçao – Located in a former ice cream factory in Willemstad, this hostel boasts an outdoor pool, dive shop, relaxing terrace, and air-conditioning.

To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to Curaçao!  

There’s not much to do here, and visitors typically lay on the beach all day, resting from last night’s drinking. It’s the perfect place to put up a hammock; the Malay word Perhentian roughly translates to “stopping point” — an appropriate name considering most travelers who visit here end up staying longer than anticipated. The islands are also great for divers and snorkelers, as the reefs and crystalline waters are home to a wide variety of coral, sea turtles, sharks, and colorful fish.

A strong monsoon season limits when to go (visit between March and October). During the other times, it’s best to head to Thailand, where the weather is nicer.

• Go Jungle Trekking
• See Turtles at Turtle Beach

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS : Senja Bay Resort – Just one minute from the beach, this budget resort offers both fan-cooled and air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant.

To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to the Perhentian Islands!  

While you will need a respectable budget, if you give Bermuda a chance you’ll find an island home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of North America and the Caribbean (my favorites are Church Bay, Elbow Beach, and Chaplin Bay). The locals are incredibly friendly and you can find some world-class food here too. There’s tons to keep you busy, with caves to explore, lots of hiking, and world-class snorkeling and diving (Bermuda is known as the shipwreck capital of the world; there are over 300 shipwrecks here).

• Visit the Crystal and Fantasy Caves
• Climb the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse
• Explore the Royal Naval Dockyard

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN BERMUDA : Blue Horizons Guest House – A cozy three-star guesthouse with a homey vibe and helpful staff that’s close to the beach.

To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to Bermuda!  

Like in Bermuda, you’ll find amazing beaches and caving here. You’ll also find some world-class surfing. The food here is amazing, and you’ll be able to enjoy expensive, delicious meals alongside cheap local food.

While there is plenty of luxury to be found here, you can also visit on a moderate budget making this one of the more affordable islands in the Caribbean .

• Bridgetown Walking Tour
• Rum Distillery Tour
• 5-Hour Island Highlights Tour

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN BARBADOS : Monteray Family Hotel – Located a quick 2 minute walk from the white-sand Dover Beach, this two-star property includes fully equipped kitchenettes, private terraces, and air-conditioning. There’s a pool on site too.

To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to the Caribbean!  

Unlike its luxurious Caribbean neighbors, here you’ll only find more budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses. Everything needs to come by ship or airplane, so it’s not super cheap. However, since no non-natives can own property there is no influx of overdevelopment, keeping the island simple but beautiful. For a more rustic, non-touristy getaway, this might be the island for you!

• Hike El Pico
• Go Diving & Snorkeling
• Relax on Playa Manzanillo

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN ISLA DE PROVIDENCIA : Berton Place – With a homey ambience and local owners who go above and beyond, this three-star guesthouse includes free Wi-Fi, free parking, and is just 10 minutes from the beach.

To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to Colombia!  

These mostly uninhabited islands are under the control of the Guna indigenous people and are quite rustic, making for a great off-the-grid island getaway. The lodging here is made up of simple huts, hammocks, and tents, and there are tons of beautiful spots for good sailing, diving, and snorkeling.

You can also book sailing expeditions here if you’re looking to get off the islands and out onto the water for a few days. Most sailing charters cost around $180-200 USD per person, per day.

• 4-Day Island Hopping Adventure
• Go Snorkeling

BEST PLACE TO STAY THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS : Discovery Gunayar – This laidback lodge is is right on the beach and offers rustic but comfortable accommodations with free breakfast.

To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to Panama!  

Tenerife is the largest of the islands and has a bit of everything, including one of the largest Carnival festivals in the world each February and two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the city of La Laguna and Teide National Park, home to Mount Teide (the largest mountain in Spain and the third-largest volcano in the world).

For beaches, head to Fuerteventura to soak up some rays. And for some hiking, make your way to Gran Canaria with its incredible and diverse landscapes. But no matter which island in the Canaries you choose, you’ll get to enjoy one of the best tropical islands in the world.

• Dolphin and Whale Eco-Cruise
• Half-Day Luxury Catamaran Cruise
• Stargazing at Teide National Park

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN THE CANARY ISLANDS : Lagarto house – This chill hostel in Tenerife has an outdoor pool, bikes you can use to get to the beach, a BBQ area, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to Spain!  

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, head out for a hike, enjoy some water sports, or learn about history (there’s a huge ancient temple gate, a medieval castle, and the mountain Zeus was supposedly raised on, just to name a few sites), Naxos will be able to keep you entertained as you enjoy your little slice of Greek heaven away from the tourist mob.

• Naxos Castle Walking Tour
• Full–Day Historical Bus Tour
• Rhina Cave Catamaran Cruise

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN NAXOS : Soula Naxos – Located in Saint George Beach just 20 meters from the ocean and 2 minutes from the center of town, this budget-friendly hotel includes free Wi-Fi and lovely views from the rooftop terrace.

To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to Naxos!  

The vast majority of these islands are designated national parks, so naturally there are some amazing coral reefs for snorkeling and diving and pristine beaches (my favorite is Whitehaven Beach). Upon arrival, you’ll instantly see why this is one of the best tropical islands in the world — and why over half a million people visit a year.

One of the most popular ways to see the islands is via a multi-day sailing tour (which is what I did when I visited). It was an amazing experience — especially diving! Expect to pay between 399-499 AUD per person for a three-day/two-night sailing trip.

• Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise
• Ocean Rafting Tour
• Full-Day Catamaran Sailing Trip

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS : Whitsunday Apartments – Just 2 minutes from Catseye Beach, these private apartments offer free Wi-Fi, ocean views from each room’s private balcony, and free airport transfers. There’s a beautiful outdoor pool as well.

To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to the Whitsunday Islands!  

Formed from active volcanoes, they’re most famous for being the birthplace of Darwin’s theory of evolution. The opportunities to see incredible wildlife here are practically unrivaled, with marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, sea lions, orcas, manta rays, the Giant Galapagos tortoise, and many more incredible species.

Unfortunately, this is a very fragile ecosystem and it’s being drastically affected by the changing climate. Visit here while you can and be especially mindful of your impact on the environment. Book a multi-day visit to make the most of your time.

• Go Kayaking
• Snorkel with Wildlife

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS : Hostal Romy – This two-star hotel close to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Beach offers air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and kitchenettes in rooms.

To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to Ecuador!  

First known as “Louanalao” by the indigenous Arawak in 200 CE, St. Lucia is filled with beautiful birds, orchards full of tropical fruit trees, world-class diving, incredible wildlife, and crystalline blue waters. Whether you’re looking for a lazy escape or an active holiday, St. Lucia will be able to keep you entertained!

• 5-Hour Snorkeling Adventure
• Full-Day Catamaran Tour
• Gros Piton Hiking Tour and Sulphur Spring Bath

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN SAINT LUCIA : Green Fig Resort & Spa – This hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a complimentary continental breakfast, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace. Rooms have basic amenities like coffee makers and free toiletries, and some rooms have a balcony.

To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to St. Lucia!  

Each of the islands offers a little something different. Rent a car and explore the winding roads of the main island, São Miguel, taking in secluded beaches and picturesque waterfalls, enjoy the wine in Pico, and go hiking on São Jorge. Best of all, it’s close to both Europe and North America and makes for a great stopover point if you’re traveling between the two.

• Whale & Dolphin Watching
• Kayaking Vila Franca do Campo Islet
• Caldeiroes Canyoning on Sao Miguel

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN THE AZORES : Out of the Blue – This boutique hostel has a gorgeous interior as it’s set in a renovated traditional orange farmer’s manor. There’s also a pool, fast Wi-Fi, and a beautiful garden with hammocks for unrivaled relaxing.

To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to to Portugal!

This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the best tropical islands in the world. There are countless other islands worthy of attention and it would take multiple lifetimes to visit them all (though I’d be happy to try!).

That being said, I think these are some of the best tropical islands in the world. Each one of these is a veritable paradise in its own right. You’ll be hard-pressed to find more beautiful surroundings than some of these islands.

But don’t take my word for it. Book a trip and experience a slice of paradise for yourself!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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15 of the world's most stunning islands for every kind of traveler

Nov 25, 2022 • 10 min read

Head to Vis, Croatia to get away from it all © Getty Images / iStockphoto

Take a journey with us to discover the cultural heritage, natural wonders and secret stories of islands both famous and far away.

Experience the canopy trees of Socotra Island, the penguin paradise of Macquarie Island, the Channel Islands' dolphins and the colors of Hokkaidō.

We've compiled 15 of the most stunning and interesting islands featured in The Island Book , Lonely Planet's new compilation of the world's most amazing 150 islands. Whether relaxing on the beach, immersing yourself in the island's culture or exploring the natural splendor of unspoiled terrain, these 15 islands will inspire your next great adventure.

The Americas

Haida Gwaii, Canada

Centuries-old totem poles reach toward the skies on the edge of misty rainforests, while the roar of crashing waves echoes through the treetops. Around 80km (50 miles) off the coast of British Columbia , the islands of Haida Gwaii showcase a world where nature rules supreme. Sudden thunderstorms and icy winds can’t blunt the power of seeing foraging black bears, nesting bald eagles and scurrying pine martens amid moss-laden forests that harbor some of the largest spruce and cedar on Earth. Haida Gwaii’s cultural treasures are equally inspiring. The Haida people have lived on their ancestral land for over 10,000 years, with historic villages and ancient archaeological sites attesting to their age-old presence. About 2500 Haida live on the islands, and they continue to contribute to a thriving arts and crafts scene while also playing a critical role in helping to protect the natural environment of the islands.

Channel Islands, USA

Nicknamed the ‘Galápagos of North America’, Channel Islands National Park is home to an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life, including some 150 species found nowhere else on Earth. Volcanic activity formed the mountainous archipelago, which lies just off the coast of Southern California and was never attached to the mainland. While vestiges of human presence remain, including that of Chumash communities who lived on the island for more than 13,000 years, today these uninhabited islands offer a remarkable opportunity to reconnect with primeval wilderness. You can hike, kayak, scuba dive or camp amid a raw, edge-of-the-world landscape – or simply enjoy the unrivalled wildlife-watching amid the islands’ surprisingly diverse terrain.

The ultimate guide to California's Channel Islands

Chiloé Island, Chile

This peanut-shaped island off the coast of Patagonia , 1100km (683 miles) south of Santiago , lures foreigners with its moss-covered rainforests, historic churches and untrammeled beaches. Yet, if you ask a Chilean why they’re visiting, they’ll likely wax poetic over the culture, dialect and aesthetic, which are distinct from the mainland following centuries of historic isolation. The wooden stilt homes of Chiloé’s capital, Castro, are as colourful as the cast of characters in its local mythology, which includes fish-herding mermaids, sex-crazed forest goblins and lizards who predict the weather. Island meals, meanwhile, pair a rainbow of native potatoes with the fabulous fruits of the sea.

The best beaches in Chile for swimming, surfing and camping

Île de Ré, France

The call of the wild harks back centuries on this chic Breton island, scattered with whitewashed villages in hues of aqua-green and eggshell blue. This might be the hobnobbing hotspot of weekending Parisians in summer, but the roots of tradition run deep in salt-of-the-earth Brittany : sauniers harvest sel from ancestral salt pans, farmers toil in family potato fields and new-gen artisans distil gin and vodka with homegrown fingerling potatoes and organic seaweed gathered along the shore. Grab a bicycle in the quaint fishing port of St-Martin-de-Ré and enjoy the ride!

Isle Of Skye, Scotland

The second-largest of Scotland’s islands , in the Inner Hebrides, is its most spectacular, with a landscape that lurches from quiet coves and inky lochs to jagged pinnacles, tumbling waterfalls and pleated cliffs. Skye’s dramatic mountains and undulating moors are easily reached by a bridge from the mainland, but to access the remotest corners and most impressive views you’ll need to take to the high moorland on foot, cycle precipitous mountain roads or kayak along the puckered and indented coast. Temper it all with a visit to fairy-tale castles, colorful fishing villages and a host of museums, galleries and craft shops in the island’s lively towns. Bring a raincoat, though: the name Skye comes the old Norse sky-a, meaning ‘cloud island’. The weather here is unpredictable at best, but the scudding clouds and brooding skies only heighten the drama.

The ultimate guide to Scotland's magical Hebrides islands

Vis, Croatia

Cut off from the rest of the world from the 1950s until 1989, this former Yugoslav military base is bliss for island lovers seeking peace, tranquillity and untouched natural beauty in spades. Pristine forests, citrus groves, pebble beaches, clandestine nudist coves and dazzling sea caves evoke an island idyll of yesteryear – before tourism was born.

Incongruously, some of Vis’  most beautiful natural spots squirrel away rocket shelters, bunkers, weapon chests and submarine pens – abandoned by the Yugoslav National Army when it packed up camp and left the island in 1992. Remains of Greek and British naval cemeteries, Roman baths and an English fortress are further witness to this enigmatic island’s curious history.

Croatia's best food and drink experiences

Cabo Verde 

Rising from the Atlantic 500km (311 miles) west of Senegal , this glorious island chain has a captivating blend of mountains, beaches and tranquil seaside villages. On Santo Antão , craggy peaks hide piercing green valleys of flowers and sugar cane, ideal for epic hikes. São Vicente is home to the cultural capital of the islands, Mindelo, which throbs with bars and music clubs. On Sal and Maio, undulating windswept dunes merge with indigo-blue seas on unspoiled beaches of powdery white sand. Meanwhile, far-flung Fogo and Brava in the southwest offer their own enchantments, from surreal volcanic landscapes to sparkling bays framed by towering peaks.

São Tomé & Príncipe

Adrift in the Gulf of Guinea, this two-island nation is Africa’s second-smallest and one that blends natural wonders with a gripping history. São Tomé & Príncipe (STP) is a safe and welcoming ecotourism destination, as rich in jungles as it is beautiful. This is especially true on unspoiled Príncipe, which has a population of just 7000. A canopy of green broken by spires of primordial rock, Príncipe is magnificent and wild, offering fantastic beaches, jungle exploration, snorkeling, fishing and birdwatching. A center of cacao production and with a promising economic future as an oil producer, it’s an island nation on the cusp of great change.

Île de Gorée: the perfect Dakar day trip

Socotra, Yemen

Lying offshore from the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, Socotra belongs politically to Yemen and is geographically a part of Africa. The island has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 2008, and its rugged, blistered interior shelters remarkable diversity: more than 700 of the island’s species (including one-third of Socotra’s plant species) are found nowhere else on Earth. Geographers consider Socotra to be one of the most isolated non-volcanic landforms on the planet, and its millions of years of isolation from other land masses is responsible for its famously biodiverse ecosystems.

How to make Ethiopian injera

Malapascua Island, Philippines

Off the north coast of Cebu , this tiny tropical island is famous for its world-class diving. But even if you’ve no interest in marine life, Malapascua makes a brilliant beach destination, with more than a dozen pretty beaches and bays to discover. Curving around the southeastern corner of the island, beautiful Bounty Beach is lined with hotels and bars that buzz at sunset. Behind the beachfront hotels, shanty settlements are the legacy of Typhoon Yolanda, which tore off every roof on the island in 2013. Nearly a decade later, in December 2021, Malapasuca was lucky to escape a direct hit from Typhoon Odette, which decimated southern Cebu. As the only way to get here is by van or bus from Cebu City to the northern village of Maya (followed by a 45-minute ferry ride), visits to Malapascua play a role in the region’s typhoon recovery.

These eco-adventures are the best way to experience the Philippines

Jeju-do, South Korea

Jeju-do , the largest island in South Korea, is presided over by Halla-san, the country’s tallest mountain at 1950m (6398ft) and the only shield volcano in Asia. The island’s volcanic origins are still evident today, in a number of impressive lava formations. At lower altitudes, Jeju-do has a humid subtropical climate, which has made it one of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations; millions visit every year, and the island has earned the nickname ‘Honeymoon Island’. Jeju-do was an independent kingdom known as Tamna (Island Country) until the 10th century, when it became a protectorate of the Korean kingdom of Silla. Today it retains a modicum of autonomy as South Korea’s only self-governing province.

Hokkaidō, Japan

Hokkaidō is Japan’s northernmost major island and also its second-largest, occupying one-fifth of the country’s land mass but home to fewer than 5% of its total population. Hokkaidō is the Japan of wide-open spaces, of big mountains and even bigger skies. To the east and south is the Pacific Ocean; to the west, the Sea of Japan; and to the north, the icy waters of the Sea of Okhotsk. In the center is Japan’s largest national park, Daisetsuzan – which means ‘Great Snowy Mountains’ – a largely untouched wilderness. In the language of Hokkaidō’s Indigenous people, the Ainu, Daisetsuzan is known as  kamuy mintar , which means ‘the playground of the gods’. The Ainu have called the island home for centuries, long before Japanese settlers began arriving in earnest in the 19th century; Hokkaidō was officially annexed by Japan in 1869.

The 7 best national parks in Japan

Kangaroo Island, Australia

Rising from the ashes after having been ravaged by fire in the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20, when nearly half of the island burned, Kangaroo Island (or KI, as locals call it) remains a world-class wildlife and wilderness destination. The island, off the southern coast of South Australia , is home to iconic and charismatic native Australian animals on both land and sea. Add to that a delightfully slow pace of life – it’s the kind of place where children ride bikes to school and farmers advertise for wives on noticeboards – and a small but well-regarded winegrowing reputation, and it’s hard not to fall in love with KI.

Eating on Kangaroo Island: where to find the best feasts

Macquarie Island, Australia

One of the Earth’s more remote islands, Macquarie is roughly halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica . Its leading attractions are its epic colonies of 100,000 seals (mainly elephant seals) and four million penguins, including about 850,000 breeding pairs of royals (which only raise young here and on the nearby Bishops and Clerks islands). That these huge colonies survive is remarkable: sealing (for skins) and penguin-hunting (for oil) historically wrought havoc upon seal and bird populations: after the discovery of then-uninhabited Macquarie in the early 19th century, the wildlife was pretty much wiped out by the dawn of the 20th century. Apart from the hunting, whalers and sealers upset the ecosystem by bringing horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, mice, rats, rabbits, goats, pigs, cattle, ducks, chickens and sheep to Macquarie. Rats, mice and rabbits remain numerous and problematic, but penguin and seal numbers rebounded following legal protections in the 1980s and beyond.

Top 15 beaches in Australia

Stewart Island/Rakiura, New Zealand

Providing a southern anchor to New Zealand , Stewart Island is known in Māori as Rakiura – ‘Glowing Skies’ – in reference to the shimmering aurora australis (Southern Lights) phenomenon that is often sighted during the cooler and longer nights of a Southern Hemisphere winter. A small population of around 400 ensures Rakiura’s night skies remain largely pristine, and the island was awarded Dark Sky Sanctuary accreditation by the International Dark Sky Association in 2019. Beyond a concise and resourceful population living mainly around the Half Moon Bay settlement of Oban, both Stewart Island/Rakiura and neighboring Ulva Island teem with native New Zealand birdlife; many species are sighted by outdoor adventurers.

This article was first published June 2019 and updated November 2022

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• Tropical Vacations

20 Most Beautiful Islands In The World

From bora bora to bali, these are the most beautiful islands in the world to visit..

If you've seen an island on a postcard, it's probably on this list. Some grant access to beaches, bays, boulders and blowholes; others offer caves, coves, cliffs, culture, ruins, reefs, rainforests and rum. Whatever your version of paradise, these 20 islands across the world deliver eye candy galore.

Travel to Capri, Italy, for natural beauty and an unforgettable, elevated vista. Or visit Thailand and, at the same time, the former sets of Pierce Brosnan's James Bond movies. Looking to be more immersed in island culture? Plan a trip to Samoa, and experience the "Fa'a Samoa" way of life. You also can't go wrong with the Greek island of Paxos and its perfect representation of Greek culture and life.

Get ready to be blown away by the most beautiful islands in the world.

Capri, Italy

Who hasn't been spellbound by images of Capri's electric Blue Grotto? This glowing sea cave impresses even veteran globetrotters, and it's only the beginning of one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Ash-white limestone cliffs, hidden slivers of beach, a towering natural arch — it's no wonder Capri has been a tourist hub since ancient Roman times.

Tip: Climb up to the ruins of Emperor Tiberius' Villa Jovis, circa 27 CE, for a heart-stopping vista.

Whitsundays, Australia

The delicate Great Barrier Reef is one of the earth's most extensive coral-reef system, supporting more than 1,600 species of fish, whales, rays, octopuses, dolphins and more. Nestled in the heart of this world wonder are the 74 Whitsunday Islands, all but four of which are protected national parklands.

Bask in luxury at a high-end resort like Hamilton Island , and book a seaplane or helicopter flight to admire sights like Heart Reef and the swirling silica sands of Whitehaven Beach's Hill Inlet at one of the best islands in the world.

Bali, Indonesia

What's most stunning in Bali ? Dazzling beaches like Nusa Dua, Seminyak and Jimbaran Bay? Ubud's terraced rice fields, sacred forest and ancient monuments? Or the island's 10,000 intricate temples, including Pura Empul (the one you bathe in) and Uluwatu sea temple?

Experience all of the above, and decide for yourself. The Land of the Gods also boasts a loveliness that is more than skin-deep, thanks to its warm people and ubiquitous, inclusive spirituality.

James Bond Island, Southern Thailand

A limestone spike rising dramatically from the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island (Koh Tapu; "Nail Island" in Thai) earned its moniker from appearing in two 007 movies: The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997).

Excursions depart from the popular resort areas of Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi on photogenic lontail boats. On the tour, explore secret lagoons, craggy sea caves and a floating village at one of the most famous islands.

Kauai, Hawaii

Christened the Garden Island, Kauai's splendor extends from its vermillion Waimea Canyon, plunging down 3,600 feet, to its rugged Napali Cliffs, stretching up 4,000 feet. Often dotted with dozing monk seals, Kauai's Poipu Beach has appeared on Dr. Beach's esteemed list of America's Best Beaches .

Rivers, rainforests and waterfalls garnish the interior. Don't miss a photo op of Wailua Falls, famously featured in the opening credits of Fantasy Island, on one of the prettiest islands in the world.

Bora Bora, the Islands of Tahiti

Every imaginable shade of blue manifests in the lagoon of Bora Bora , aka the Jewel of the South Seas. Coral motus ring the main island like a sandy sash, and, beneath the surface, dolphins, rays, sharks, turtles and colorful fish throng. Presiding over it all is the moss-green volcanic peak of Mount Otemanu where God descended to the island on a rainbow, according to local lore.

Timeless grass-skirted dancers and overwater bungalows round out the sublime scene on one of the most exotic islands.

The Seychelles' towering beach boulders are a mainstay on computer desktops, but they're more than merely aesthetic: They also fascinate geologists who have identified the Seychelles as the only mid-ocean islands formed of granite.

Other superlatives: The archipelago is the oldest on the planet, and it has the cleanest air. Naturally, celebrities flock here. If you want to vacation a la British royalty, stay on North Island , where Prince William and Kate Middleton spent their 2011 honeymoon.

Santorini, Greece

Possibly the location of the storied island of Atlantis, Santorini is the stuff of screensavers and wall calendars. Red-, black- and white-sand beaches rim its caldera lake — one of the largest in the world — while iconic whitewashed buildings stair-step up the hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Photo ops abound, from centuries-old windmills and ancient ruins to blue-domed churches and colorful wooden fishing boats. Stay in a boutique cave hotel for the full experience.

St. Lucia, Caribbean

Nicknamed "The Helen of the West" (an allusion to the beauty of Helen of Troy), St. Lucia stuns with its signature feature: the UNESCO-listed twin Pitons. Reaching heights of about 2,500 feet, the voluptuous volcanic spires complement the island's other attractions, including verdant jungles, sparkling silver-sand beaches, haunting sugar-estate ruins, and a mineral-rich natural mud bath.

Meanwhile, the island's most famous resort, Jade Mountain, is an architectural gem in its own right.

Drop-dead gorgeous Fiji is a filmmaker's dream. Spy its Mamanuca island chain in Cast Away and Survivor; ogle its Yasawa archipelago in the 1980 version of Blue Lagoon . A dizzying amount of natural beauty — from mountains and mangroves to rivers and reefs — swathes Fiji's 333 islands, and awe-inspiring wildlife (whales, sea turtles, dolphins, parrots) is the icing on the cake.

For scenery with a side of luxury and exclusivity, reserve a bure (villa) at one of Fiji's numerous private-island resorts.

Big Island, Hawaii

The Island of Hawaii (i.e., the Big Island ) contains 10 of the world's 14 climate zones, the only place on the planet with so many condensed into one small region. Lush, tropical terrain rules the green, wet, windward side of the island (see Akaka Falls and Waianuenue/Rainbow Falls) while more arid beauty is on display at Hapuna Beach Park.

You can even enter an ice climate at the mystical summit of Mauna Kea volcano. Also, Lake Waiau is one of the highest lakes in the United States.

Holding the largest number of overwater-bungalow resorts in the world (more than 75 and counting), the Maldives understands its best asset is the gin-clear, abundant waters of the Indian Ocean. When you're not snorkeling , diving or gazing at the rich marine life through the floor windows of your water-top villa, continue enjoying the underwater display while dining at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant — or even while getting pampered in Huvafen Fushi's submerged spa.

Palawan, Philippines

Described as the Philippines' last frontier, Palawan boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (don your dive gear) and the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park (hop in a canoe for a guided tour).

Striking limestone formations, like Ugong Rock and Karst Mountain Elephant Cave, rise starkly from the rice fields of the interior. You can even find overwater bungalows on outlying islands, courtesy of El Nido Resorts .

Hvar, Croatia

With a history dating to the Stone Age, Hvar is as fascinating as it is beautiful. Thirteenth-century walls surround Hvar Town and its red-tiled roofs. The ancient stone ruins of Stari Grad Plain became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. A jaunt to the interior reveals rugged mountains, lush vineyards and fragrant lavender fields.

Embark on a boat trip to the Adriatic to snorkel, swim in sea caves and wander secret beaches and seaside hamlets.

Martinique, Caribbean

Dubbed the Isle of Flowers and crowned by 4,583-foot Mount Pelee, Martinique may be the Caribbean's best-kept secret. Some exploration is required to uncover the island's treasures, like the Balata Gardens' Treetop Trail of suspension bridges, Saint-Pierre's 18th-century theater ruins and the poignant Anse Cafard Slave Memorial.

Cocos Keeling, Australia

A group of 27 coral islands that form two atolls in the Indian Ocean, the Cocos Keeling Islands were virtually unheard of until beach activists Brad Farmer and Andrew Short named Cocos Keeling's Cossies Beach as the best in Australia for 2017.

Called the continent's last unspoiled paradise, the remote destination is as special for what's not there (i.e., high-rise resorts, chain restaurants, crowds, traffic) as what is: pristine white sand and a turquoise lagoon that's home to 30,000 sea turtles .

Paxos, Greece

Take everything you want Greece to be — olive groves and tavernas, fishermen and bakers leading quiet village lives, stone villas and cypress trees and brilliant bougainvillea — and put it on a tiny, Ionian island only reachable by boat: That's Paxos.

On the western coast, sheer cliffs, rock arches and 40 sea caves put on a stunning show. Daytrip to the neighboring island of Antipaxos for powder sand and water so aqua, it rivals the Caribbean Sea.

Known as the Cradle of Polynesia, Samoa is notable for its "Fa'a Samoa" way of life. It's a 3,000-year-old social code that prizes family, tradition and the environment. Happily, the landscape is as lovely as the local culture.

On the main island of Upolu, a plunge into the To Sua Ocean Trench swimming grotto is a must. On Savaii, Samoa's largest island, visit caves, waterfalls, blowholes and the Saleaula lava field, formed by a 1905 volcanic eruption that buried five villages.

Cook Islands

Glass-bottom boats with thatched canopies ply shimmering lagoons. Tanned locals in "pareus," a local garb, play ukuleles. Ridged velvet-green mountains punctuate the skyline. Palm trees reach higher than any roof. This is reality in the Cook Islands, a 15-isle archipelago marooned in the South Pacific.

Go on a mountain safari on the main island of Rarotonga, or head to Aitutaki to stay in an overwater bungalow .

Guadeloupe, Caribbean

The so-called pearl of the French Caribbean, Guadeloupe is a butterfly-shaped archipelago of five main islands where volcanoes tower, and 200-plus beaches come in shades from black and white to red and pink. Basse-Terre's tropical forest and the bay of Grand-Cul-de-Sac Marin were declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1993.

From there, island-hop to discover Grande-Anse Beach on Les Saintes; Marie-Galante's rum estates; and La Desirade's 900-foot plateau.

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The best Caribbean Islands to visit on your next vacation

Whether you want to relax on sandy beaches, snorkel, visit a volcano, or enjoy Caribbean food - there's a Caribbean Island experience for everyone. In this guide, I have selected the best Caribbean Islands to visit along with things to consider when booking. Which will you choose for your next vacation?

Factors to consider when picking a Caribbean Island to visit

With so many Caribbean islands to choose from, there are a few things to consider before deciding on a destination. Let's take a look:

The weather

The Caribbean experiences good weather throughout most of the year. However, it can be cooler in December and January, especially in the mornings. So, if you’re visiting the Caribbean for Christmas or Valentine’s Day, choose one of the hotter islands, such as Aruba . On the other hand, it can get very hot on the beach in the summer. Whenever you have the chance, reserve or rent a cabana. I traveled with my girlfriends to Aruba and we lounged on the beach for most of the day. Those of us who were under the cabana were protected, and the rest of us got sunburned. Many of the beaches and hotels offer cabanas and they are well worth the investment.

Activities and attractions

Looking for buzzy nightlife? If so, popular islands like Trinidad and the Bahamas, where celebrities often visit, might fit the bill. There you’ll find several beachside bars where you can grab a drink. More adventurous types should head to Jamaica , where you can spend time outdoors riding ATVs or ziplining through the forest. If you’re more interested in a quiet vacation, the Turks and Caicos might suit you best. There you can stay at a private beachside villa where you can sunbathe without being seen. The US Virgin Islands is a particularly good place to take children because of its many family-friendly resorts , which include fun activities for all ages.

Getting there

Where are you flying from? If you’re in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, you’re just a short flight from Nassau, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. In fact, depending on what island you’re visiting, you can be there in less than 2 hours. You can also find several flight deals from major cities like New York City to the Bahamas or the Dominican Republic, or from Los Angeles to Jamaica. Hailing a taxi on the Caribbean islands can be expensive, so renting a car is a good option for getting around. If you don’t want to hire a car, many of the islands, including Barbados and St. Lucia, have good public transportation. You can also stay in a walkable neighborhood like Sandy Point in the Virgin Islands, or a beach town like Eagle Beach in Aruba.

Accommodation options

Would you prefer to stay in a large resort or a boutique beachfront hotel with quick access to sandy beaches? There are several large hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico, each with its own restaurant, spa, and convention center. There, you’ll be a short drive from the beach but close to various city amenities like shopping and dining in San Juan. If you want to be just steps from the beach, consider the island of Jamaica, where you’ll find many charming hotels within a short walk of Negril Beach.

Of course, your budget will be important when you’re making your Caribbean travel plans. The cost of hotels and food can fluctuate depending on the island you choose. For example, Trinidad and Tobago, along with Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, have many budget-friendly hotels to choose from. You can also save money by visiting the islands outside of peak season, typically from September to November. Although staying at an all-inclusive resort might be more costly, it will make tracking your spending in the Caribbean easier, because pretty much everything is part of the package (including food and various activities).

Find flights to the Caribbean Islands

The best Caribbean Islands

1. the bahamas, the best caribbean islands to visit for nightlife.

The Bahamas is home to scores of bars, many of which open after hours. Some are on the beach, where you can dance in the sand, while the heart of the city is home to luxurious nightclubs with grand staircases and famous DJs playing the latest hits. Stay at one of the party resorts for a club-like atmosphere that lasts from morning to night. This is also a great way to meet people if you're traveling solo.

• For partying, the best time to visit the Bahamas is around Spring Break (March/April) or later in the spring (May/June).
• For the best nightlife, consider booking your stay in Nassau .

Find stays in the Bahamas

2. Jamaica, the best Caribbean Island to visit for adventure

Jamaica is one of the best Caribbean Islands to visit if you like outdoor adventures. For something a little different, there are several waterfalls where you can go climbing, soak in relaxing waters, or row through caverns. Jamaica also provides opportunities to surf, go ziplining over waterfalls, or horseback ride. Visit Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios to enjoy rainforest bobsledding – no snow required.

• The best time to visit Jamaica is in the winter months to avoid the really hot weather.
• The best cities to visit are Negril , Montego Bay , and Kingston (the capital city).

Find stays in Jamaica

3. Barbados, the best Caribbean Islands for foodies

Foodies will love getting a taste of Barbados . On the island, there are numerous bars, rum shops, fine dining restaurants, and food trucks where you can sample an array of tropical dishes. Don’t leave without trying some of the island’s most popular dishes and drinks, such as fish cakes, guava cheese, chicken feet, and rum punch. Visit in mid-October for the Food & Rum Festival , which takes place on the southwest end of the island, to meet celebrity chefs and try lots of local cuisine. If you fancy brushing up your kitchen skills, why not learn to cook Creole and Caribbean dishes while you’re on vacation, several places on the island offer cooking classes.

• The best time to visit Barbados is in the winter.
• The best places to visit include Bridgetown (the capital city) and Saint James .

Find stays in Barbados

4. Dominican Republic, the best Caribbean Island to visit for history lovers

The Dominican Republic has a rich history, having become independent in 1844. There are several historical sights to discover around this island to help you learn more – these include the El Faro a Colón, a monument in La Isabela near Santo Domingo, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.

• The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is early to late spring when the weather is at its finest.
• Santo Domingo is the best city to visit in the Dominican Republic.

Find stays in the Dominican Republic

5. Puerto Rico, the best Caribbean Island to visit for tropical rainforests

See a variety of plants and wildlife on a tour of El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico . While visiting the park, you can also enjoy a swim, go for a hike on the trail, or hop on a horse to see even more of the forest. Just be sure to take your bathing suit and camera along – this is a photographer’s paradise.

• The best time to visit Puerto Rico is winter or spring.
• The best cities to visit in Puerto Rico are San Juan (the capital) and Ponce.

"One of the most popular events is the Trinidad Carnival, which takes place in February and is a colorful carnival similar to Mardi Gras. Carnival participants often throw mud, paint, and flour for added fun. If you’re into music, there are several Caribbean festivals that you might enjoy, such as the Crop Over Festival held in July in Barbados, which features calypso bands. If you prefer reggae music there’s Sumfest, which also takes place in July on the island of Jamaica."

Find stays in Puerto Rico

Plan your visit to the Caribbean islands

A visit to the Caribbean can be great for a family holiday, an adventure vacation, or a romantic getaway. No matter your reason for traveling to this exotic destination, there’s an island that will suit your travel style and budget. The Caribbean Islands are a beautiful place to make memories, so start planning your island vacation today. Find the best flight deals , hotels , and vacation packages for your preferred island.

Not sure when to travel? Check out KAYAK’s Best Time to Travel tool for personalized recommendations.

Caribbean Island FAQS

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12 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2024

Travel Advice

Updated: December 15, 2023

by Haley Parker

When choosing your next vacation, I’m sure a few things sound as appealing as a wonderful Caribbean holiday. Imagine cocktails, adventure, soft, white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and palm-fringed beaches.

But choosing can be difficult. The whole Caribbean destinations area has more than 7,000 islands, keys, and islets, so I don’t know about you, but choosing the best Caribbean islands sounds like a feat too great for man. 

Narrowing down your options isn’t easy, and that’s where I come in. This is a comprehensive guide to the best islands in the Caribbean , and I promise, there’s an island or romantic vacation for everyone here. 

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in The Caribbean

Sandals Resorts (Adults-Only) and Beaches Resorts (Family-Friendly) offer the best all-inclusive packages across eight islands in the Caribbean. Explore their specials and deals available today.

My Bottom Line Up Front: The Best Island in the Caribbean 

Calling the best Caribbean island winner is no easy feat, with thousands of islands to choose from. After much consideration, there can only be one: St. Lucia . 

St. Lucia’ s beauty is epic. There are loads of activities for everyone – whether you visit while on your honeymoon or with your family. You won’t be bored.

My Selection Criteria for the Best Caribbean Islands 

When I decided to look into the best islands in the Caribbean region, I figured a checklist or selection criteria had always worked well for me, so why not trust this process again? 

To choose the best islands in this part of the world, I considered: 

• You, my dear reader. Every person is different – some want a chilled vacation where they laze and tan about on the beach, while others are into shopping, adventure, or cultural experience. My selection of the best Caribbean islands caters to all kinds of people. 
• How to get there. There are multiple flights from various U.S. cities to these islands, and where there are layovers and needing to take a ferry or boat, it’s more than worth it. 
• Where to sleep. Not everyone has the budget to stay in exclusive all-inclusive resorts, so I wanted to ensure there’s an accommodation option for every traveler – wealthy or on a budget. 
• What to do. The islands I chose offer a variety of activities to keep you and your family engaged – all vacation long. 
• The X factor. I also considered some of the lesser-known and smaller Caribbean islands for my guide. These islands offer something extra special in the uniqueness factor, ensuring they are a must-visit. 

12 Best Caribbean Islands 

Looking for the best island(s) to enjoy your vacation or trip? Here are the 12 best Caribbean islands for you! 

St. Lucia 

Best for: Those who love the outdoors 

When it comes to first impressions, St. Lucia easily wins. With the duo Piton Mountains rising out of the Caribbean sea, the beautiful famous beaches, and tropical rainforests, it’s a sight to behold. 

St. Lucia is ideal for honeymooners, couples, or those traveling with kids. It has something for everyone to enjoy. You can just chill at the beach, book a tour, partake in numerous water sports, hike through lush rainforests, or sample the local culture and Caribbean cuisine. 

Where to Go in St. Lucia  

• Soufrière 
• Anse Chastanet beach 
• Reduit Beach 
• Pigeon Island National Park
• Marigot Bay 
• Rodney Bay 

What to Do in St. Lucia

• Hike up Gros Piton or Petit Piton (or #both) 
• Walk the Tet Paul Nature Trail 
• Join the Gros Islet Beach Party every Friday night 
• Drive into a volcano 
• Take a mud bath in the sulfur spring pools 
• Stroll through the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens 
• Book an ATV tour, a rum tour, or a tour of a sugar mill plantation
• Splash for fun at the Splash Island Water Park 

Consider These St. Lucian Accommodation Options 

• Sandals Regency La Toc
• Sandals Grande St. Lucian
• Sandals Halcyon Beach
• Calabash Cove 
• Stonefield Villas Resort 
• Sugar Beach 
• Royalton St. Lucia Resort and Spa

The Cayman Islands

Best for: A chilled or adventure-filled experience 

The Cayman Islands is home to 66,000 friendly locals. They live on any of the three islands that form the Caymans: 

• Grand Cayman – an elegant island 
• Little Cayman – a tranquil island 
• Cayman Brac – an island ideal for the adventurous spirits 

There’s something for everyone in the Cayman Islands. 

It may feel like you never left the U.S. when you vacay on these 102 square miles of islands; you get a South Florida vibe in the Cayman Islands. But it’s more chilled with less traffic. 

Where to Go in the Cayman Islands  

• Georgetown, the capital 
• Starfish Point Beach 
• Black Pearl Skate and Surf Park 
• Locked Inn Cayman 
• Cayman Craft Market 
• Oasis Aqua park 

What to Do in the Cayman Islands

• Visit the colonial forts like St James Castle 
• Explore the museums that chronicle Carib piracy and British maritime history 
• Be amazed at the stingrays, multi-colored iguanas, starfish, and endangered sea turtles 
• Get your tan on at sun-kissed beaches like Seven Mile  
• Attend al fresco parties at the Sunset House or cocktail parties at Billy Bones 
• Go scuba diving, deep diving in Cayman Trench, or snorkeling 

Consider These Cayman Islands Accommodation Options 

• The Residences at the Ritz Carlton 
• Treasure Cove Guest House 
• Holiday Inn Resort, Grand Cayman 

The Dominican Republic 

Best for: Souls that love nature 

If you know a little about the Dominican Republic (not to be confused with Dominica, which is also located in the Caribbean), you’ll know it’s an international golfers hub. However, this Caribbean island offers much more than getting your “tee” on.

The Dominican Republic shares its island with Haiti, so you may want to visit both if you have the time and resources. Choose to get your share of vitamin sea by visiting the beautiful beaches, or check out the colonial towns, mountains, rainforests, mangrove lagoons, and waterfalls. 

Where to Go in the Dominican Republic 

• La Romana for the best beaches and Bayahibe, an off-the-grid fishing village 
• Santo Domingo, the capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site 
• Punta Cana 
• Bavaro Beach and Macao Beach 
• The 3 Eyes National Park (Los Tres Ojos) 
• 27 Charcos (or waterfalls)

What to Do in the Dominican Republic

• Golf (#ofcourse) 
• Try out some water activities – snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking, or scuba diving 
• Horseback riding 
• Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the capital
• Immerse yourself in the medieval era at Altos de Chavon
• See the stunning waterfalls (#ElLimon) 

Consider These Dominican Republic Accommodation Options 

• Boca Chica All-Inclusive Beach Resort 
• Calle El Conde (Old Quarter) 
• Hotel Riazor 

Jamaica  

Best for: Reggae fans 

Jamaica is one of the most famous Caribbean islands, and it’s for a good reason too. It’s #home to jerk chicken, reggae, and Bob Morley.  With nightlife and the smells of  jerk chicken , honeymooners kick back on beachside decks and sip Red Stripe to the sunset. Jamaica also offers soft, sandy beaches with pristine waters, delicious food at the local markets (soursop, ackee, and fried breadfruit), all-inclusive resorts, and action-packed activities.

Did you know? Rap music was initially created in Jamaica and became popular in the USA. 

Where to Go in Jamaica 

• Kingston, the capital 
• James Bond Beach 
• Seven Mile Beach 
• Frenchman’s Cove
• Bob Marley Museum  
• Blue Hole 

What to Do in Jamaica

• Hike through the Blue Mountains (where some of the best coffee in the world is sourced) 
• Be in awe of the Negril Cliffs 
• Explore the Ocho Rios jungle  or Seven Mile Beach
• See the birthplace of the legendary Bob Marley at Nine Mile 
• Soak up the rum in the Kingston bars while you enjoy the Rasta off-beat tunes
• Climb Dunn’s River Falls
• Enjoy an ATV ride along the beach

Consider These Jamaican Accommodation Options 

• Sandals Montego Bay
• Sandals Ochi
• Sandals Royal Plantation
• Sandals Royal Caribbean
• Sandals South Coast
• Sandals Negril
• Beaches Negril
• Beaches Ocho Rios
• GoldEye 
• The Half Moon 
• Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay

Turks and Caicos 

Best for : Those who are into water sports and stunning beaches 

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory consisting of 40-low-lying coral islands on an archipelago. Only eight of these islands and islets are inhabited. 

The Provinciales, the third largest paradise island, is busy with restaurants and cocktail bars, so if peace and quiet are more your scene, escape to the other islands in the archipelago. 

Combine that with the brilliant,  white sand beaches  that stretch for miles and it’s easy to see why its beauty continually captures the world.

Where to Go in Turks and Caicos  

• Cockburn Town, the capital 
• Grace Bay Beach – is considered to be the best in the world for its exceptional white sand and turquoise waters 
• Grand Turk for diving 
• Chalk Sound National Park  

What to Do in Turks and Caicos

• Try deep-fried conch clams 
• Go on a glass-bottom boat tour 
• Take a boat cruise to Little Water Cay (an iguana sanctuary), Water Cay (secluded beach), or Fort George Cay (sandbars and sunken cannons) 
• Hike through the thick mangrove forests (Bird Rock Trail is a must) 
• Enjoy water sports activities like stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving with more than 200 dive sites to choose from 
• Horse riding at Long Bay 
• Free-dive at the Wall (an underwater plateau)

Consider These Turks and Caicos Accommodation Options 

• Beaches Turks and Caicos
• Grace Bay Club 
• The Palms Turks and Caicos 
• Blue Haven Resort 
• Villa del Mar 

Anguilla  

Best for: The ultimate chic vacation vibe 

Anguilla is a small Caribbean island with more than 30 picturesque beaches you can enjoy , with magnificent  coral reefs , Plus, the water is warm all year. (#coulditgetanybetter?) 

You’ll get all the local Caribbean authenticity you need in Anguilla; there are no high-rise hotels, casinos, or cruise ships (#embargo). So you have access to all the low-key beachfront villas, coral-filled waters, and pretty sandy beaches or white sand beaches. 

Where to Go in Anguilla  

• Heritage Museum
• Prickly Pear Cays  
• Shoal Bay East Beach
• Meads Bay 
• Rendezvous Bay 
• Scilly Cay 

What to Do in Anguilla

• Get a drink and enjoy the music at Dune Preserve, a funky-mellow bar owned by local celebrity and artist Bankie Banx 
• Enjoy a meal at Veya, a treehouse-style restaurant 
• Snorkel at Little Bay 
• Try various water sports like wakeboarding, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding
• Sample the local BBQ in the Valley 
• Have a spa day at Aurora Anguilla, Malliouhana, or Zemi Beach House 

Consider These Anguillan Accommodation Options 

• Belmond Cap Juluca 
• Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels and Resorts 
• Frangipani Beach Resort 

Best for: Those looking to experience the old-world charm 

Saba (pronounced “say-bah”) is a tiny island only five square miles away. The island is a special Netherland municipality. With four main villages (called The Bottom, Windwardshide, Zion’s Hill or Hell’s Gate, and St. Johns, you’ll immerse yourself in old Caribbean charm. 

Saba is “The Unspoiled Queen:” it has fewer than 2,000 residents and no traffic lights, cruise ships, casinos, fast-food joints, or high-rise hotels. 

You can reach the quaint Caribbean island via a 12-minute flight from St. Martin or a 90-minute ferry ride. 

Where to Go in Saba  

• Sea Saba’s Dive Shop 
• Five Square Gallery (for Saba lace ) 
• Jobean’s Glass Art Studio  
• Mount Scenery 
• Tide pools at Flat Point 
• Saba National Marine Park 

What to Do in Saba

• Climb the steps of the Ladder at Well’s Bay 
• Explore Mt. Scenery Trail and make your way to the highest point on Saba 
• See the neighboring islands of Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Eustatius from St. John’s 
• Feel like you’ve time traveled and visit Crispeen Track
• Visit a sulfur mine 
• Check out Sandy Cruise Trail and take in the views of the Saban coastline and Diamond Rock 

Consider These Saban Accommodation Options 

• Queen’s Garden Resort & Spa 
• Juliana’s Hotel 
• The Cottage Club 

Best for: Spices, chocolate, and waterfalls 

Grenada is also called Spice Island. I can imagine the salty ocean air mixed with the wafts of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and other spices. 

If you haven’t heard about this Caribbean island, that’s okay. It is closer to Venezuela and not a tourist hotspot, which makes this island so utterly charming. You wouldn’t have to worry about overcrowded dive spots, beaches, or nutmeg plantations. 

Grenada has one main island and six smaller ones. Besides being known for its spices, Grenada is famous for its beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, chocolate, and colonial cities. 

Where to Go in Grenada  

• Sandals Grenada
• St. George 
• Grand Anse Beach 
• Morne Rouge Beach 
• Levera Beach 
• Seven Sisters Waterfall  

What to Do in Grenada

• Take a tour of one of the spice plantations (and buy some spices for home use) 
• Explore the Underwater Sculpture Park 
• Get to the tallest point in Grenada by climbing Mt. Saint Catherine 
• Hike through the Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve 
• Tube down Balthazar River 
• Shop at Market Square 
• Laze around on black and white sandy beaches 

Consider These Grenada Accommodation Options 

• Mount Cinnamon Resort 
• Spice Island Beach Resort 
• Royalton Grenada Resort and Spa
• Montserrat 

Best for: Ecotourists and nature lovers 

Montserrat , called the Emerald Isle, may sound like a French Caribbean island, but it’s British. It’s one of the least visited Caribbean islands, with around 8,000 visitors annually . In 1995, a volcanic eruption destroyed a lot of the island, which is still recovering. The severely affected areas aren’t open to tourists and form part of an exclusion zone. 

But that isn’t to say 10-mile-long Montserrat shouldn’t be one of the best Caribbean islands. The island sees mostly day visitors, but you can stay for longer too. 

Get to Montserrat via ferry or plane from Antigua. 

Where to Go in Montserrat  

• Montserrat Soufrière Hills Volcano Observatory  
• Plymouth, the former capital (the Caribbean’s Pompeii) 
• Lime Kiln Bay 
• Marguerita Bay 
• Foxes Bay 
• Bunkum Bay 

What to Do in Montserrat

• Indulge in a frothy Guinness at one of the pubs 
• Marvel at the volcano from Jack Boy Hill, or check out Garibaldi and views of Plymouth, Old Towne, and Salem 
• Enjoy a drink at the Runaway Ghaut 
• Hike any one (or all!) of the nine marked trails, like Dry Waterfall Trial (check out the Montserrat Petroglyphs), Oriole Walkway Trail, and Blackwood Allen Trail, and immerse yourself in the fauna, flora, and animal-life 
• Beachcomb at Woodlands Bay and spot the washed-out driftwood 

Consider These Montserrat Accommodation Options 

• Tropical Mansion Suites 
• Gingerbread Hill 
• Grand View Bed & Breakfast

Dominica  

Best for: A quiet getaway 

Dominica is like the Garden of Eden for the Caribbean because it’s so lush with rainforests, peaks and valleys, rivers (more than one for every day of the year), volcanic beaches, hot springs, and waterfalls. The undeveloped landscape will appeal to you if you love nature and are into green tourism. 

Where to Go in Dominica  

• Morne Trois Pitons National Park  
• Mero Beach 
• Scotts Head 
• Batibou Beach 
• Soufrière Bay Beach 

What to Do in Dominica

• Take in the Boiling Lake and go for a dip in one of the nearby waterfall pools 
• Go birdwatching at Caroni Bird Sanctuary or the Syndicate Parrot Reserve 
• Relax on the black sandy beaches 
• Swim in the Emerald Pool 
• Check out Victoria Falls 
• Enjoy the Caribbean sea turtles as they nest or hatch 

Consider These Dominican Accommodation Options 

• Jungle Bay 
• Fort Young Hotel 
• Beau Rive 

Guadeloupe 

Best for: Tourists and adventurers 

Like some other islands on this list, you may not have known about Guadeloupe’s existence. But you will surely now remember it. 

The Guadeloupe island is shaped like a butterfly, with wings spread over the two main islands (the largest ones) – Grande Terre and Basse Terre. Between the islands, you’ll find a few man-made bridges.

Grande Terre is the more touristy of the two islands, while Basse Terre is the wilder one. 

Where to Go in Guadeloupe  

• Pointe-à-Pitre, the largest city 
• Anse des Cayes 
• Plage de la Caravelle
• Pointe des Châteaux (Castle Point) 
• Damoiseau (rum) Distillery 

What to Do in Guadeloupe

• Explore the nightlife of Gosier 
• Be brave and check out Morne à l’eau’s haunting graveyards 
• Relax and get some vitamin sea at the Caravelle beaches 
• Hike to the tallest point in the Lesser Antilles – La Grande Soufrière (the Tall Lady; an active volcano)
• Find your inner Indiana Jones by sightseeing the ancient Arawak archaeological sites 
• Dive at one of the many spots on Basse Terre 

Consider These Guadeloupe Accommodation Options 

• Marco Polo Resort 
• Hotel Bakoua Les Trois Ilets 
• Le Jardin Malanga 
• La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa

Best for: Sampling Curaçao

I’d never have guessed that Curaçao is part of the Netherlands; it’s such a Spanish-sounding name! The Caribbean island is famous for Curaçao since it’s the birthplace of this delicious orange-flavored liqueur. The Lahara orange peels are used to make the liqueur, and it’s indigenous to the island. 

Curaçao is blessed with great weather all year round: perfect temperatures, sunny days, and cool trade winds. 

Where to Go in Curaçao  

• Chobolobo Distillery (where Curaçao is made) 
• Willemstad , the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site 
• Shete Boka National Park 
• Fort Amsterdam
• Jan Thiel 
• Christoffel National Park 
• Playa Lagun 

What to Do in Curaçao

• Explore the Hato Caves 
• Take in the multi-colored Dutch mansions in the capital 
• Fawn over the diverse fauna, flora, and more at the national park – the Lady of the Night orchid, cottontail rabbits, deer, hummingbirds, divi-divi trees, and the massive stone peak 
• Cross the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge that links Otrobanda and Punda, the two halves of the capital 
• Go on a SCUBA excursion

Consider These Curaçao Accommodation Options 

• Sandals Curacao
• Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort 
• LionsDive Beach Resort Curaçao 
• Curaçao Avila Beach Hotel 

Caribbean Island FAQs 

Question: what is the nicest of the caribbean islands .

Answer: There are many nice Caribbean islands, but the nicest are St. Lucia, Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua, the Cayman Islands, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Grenada, Jamaica, Saba, and Turks and Caicos. 

Question: What are the top 5 safest islands to visit in the Caribbean? 

Answer: Unfortunately, some Caribbean islands have gotten a rep for being unsafe, but it’s always up to you to stay safe when visiting another country. Nonetheless, the safest islands to visit in the Caribbean are: 

• Anguilla 
• St. Martin 
• St. Barts 
• The Cayman Islands 

Question: What is the least touristy Caribbean island? 

Answer: A few islands in the Caribbean offer an authentic, non-touristy vibe. These are Montserrat, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Saba, Curaçao, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

My Final Thoughts on the Best Caribbean Islands 

You can visit thousands of Caribbean islands, and if that’s your #bucketlist, you won’t ever get bored. There’s plenty to do, see, and experience in the Caribbean. 

I love St. Lucia because it’s a versatile island – whether you want to be in awe of the mountains and the green forests, do something adventurous, or just chill and sip a cocktail (or three). 

Plus, the other guides on EpicCaribbean.com will further help you and give you the necessary information. Check out: 

• 4 Places to visit in the Caribbean without a passport
• 21 Best beaches in Jamaica  
• The ultimate guide to Caribbean island hopping  

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Islands to Visit

I magine sipping a coconut under a shady palm, the gentle hum of waves in the background, and a soft breeze carrying the scent of the ocean. Sounds like paradise, right? But with thousands of islands in the world, choosing the perfect one can be overwhelming. Fear no t, dear traveler, for we have the definitive list to guide you to island nirvana!

• The top three islands according to 2020 Traveler's Choice Awards: Bali, Ko Pha Ngan, and Maui.
• Unique features like the Maldives' incredibly low altitude offer distinctive travel experiences.
• Islands hold a special emotional connection for many, becoming not just destinations, but lifelong memories.

The Creme de la Creme of Island Getaways

When Kevin Erickson, our globetrotting expert, set out to curate the list of must-visit islands, he delved deep into the essence of what makes each island stand out.

Bali: The Island of the Gods

Renowned for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, and coral reefs, Bali is an island that captivates the heart and soul. Its vibrant arts scene, including traditional dance, sculpture, and handcrafts, brings culture enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

Ko Pha Ngan: The Party Island with a Gentle Side

While many flock here for the legendary Full Moon parties , Ko Pha Ngan has serene beaches and hidden waterfalls waiting for those in the know. Kevin recommends the Than Sadet Waterfall for an afternoon of relaxation and natural beauty.

Maui: The Valley Isle

From the sunrise at Haleakalā to the scenic Hana highway, Maui is an island that beckons to be explored. With its lush landscapes and pristine beaches, it's no wonder it’s consistently ranked among the best islands worldwide.

Maldives: A Threatened Paradise

With its average ground level of just 1.5 meters above sea level, the Maldives offers an intimate encounter with the ocean. Overwater bungalows allow guests to step directly into the clear waters and experience marine life up close.

Islands: The Heart's True Desire

As British author Jeanette Winterson puts it, "Islands are metaphors of the heart, no matter what poet says otherwise." These pockets of paradise offer solace, adventure, and memories that last a lifetime. It's more than just a journey; it's an experience deeply embedded in our souls.

A Deeper Dive into Island Magic

Many consider islands to be the jewels of our planet. They represent the epitome of escape, a slice of paradise detached from the vast continents, each with its own unique charm, ecosystem, and cultural tapestry . Kevin Erickson, having traveled extensively, believes that island hopping isn't just about crossing places off a list, but about immersing oneself in distinct worlds that offer transformative experiences.

The Canary Islands: Volcanic Majesty

A Spanish archipelago off northwestern Africa, the Canary Islands are more than just a sun-seeker’s paradise. These islands boast volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, and rich biodiversity. Kevin particularly recalls the unique whistling language of La Gomera, a testament to the islands' rich cultural heritage. Whether you're hiking in Teide National Park or exploring underwater volcanic tubes while diving, the Canary Islands beckon with adventure and wonder.

Santorini, Greece: Sunset Lover's Dream

Santorini, with its white-washed buildings and iconic blue domes, is the stuff of postcards and dreams. Nestled in the Aegean Sea, this island is famed for its sunsets, which paint the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. Kevin Erickson mentions the local wines, nurtured by the island's volcanic soil, as a must-try. Indulge in the island’s unique gastronomy, and let the blend of flavors take you on a culinary journey.

The Cultural Enigma of Sardinia, Italy

More than just stunning beaches, Sardinia holds secrets that have baffled historians for years. The island is dotted with thousands of ancient stone structures called "nuraghi." While their precise function remains a mystery, they stand as a testament to the island's ancient civilization. Kevin suggests visiting the complex of Barumini to get a firsthand view of these enigmatic structures and to immerse oneself in Sardinian history.

In essence, islands offer more than just beautiful landscapes. They are hubs of biodiversity, culture, history, and adventure. Every island whispers its tales, waiting for travelers to listen and weave their own stories in its tapestry.

In Conclusion

Islands, with their unmatched beauty and serenity, are havens for every traveler . Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, there's an island out there waiting just for you.

What makes an island a top travel destination?

The unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and the sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland life.

How does one choose the perfect island?

Consider what you're seeking - be it adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences. Research and read travelogues to find an island that resonates with your desires.

Is it expensive to vacation on popular islands?

It varies. Some islands offer affordable options while others are luxury destinations. Plan and budget accordingly.

How do islands contribute to the global ecosystem?

Islands play a crucial role in biodiversity, often housing endemic species. They also act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from the fury of the seas.

Why is the Maldives' altitude significant?

Its low altitude makes it vulnerable to rising sea levels, emphasizing the urgent need for global climate change action.

Protect Your Trip »

Which hawaiian island is the best to visit our 2024 ranking.

Though it can be easy to assume the six most visited Hawaiian Islands offer similar experiences, they are more diverse than you can imagine. From Waimea Canyon to Waikiki Beach, Hawaii’s wealth of natural beauty (think: cerulean waters, verdant vegetation and stunning white sand beaches ) is just waiting to be explored. To help you decide which Hawaiian Island is ideal for your next vacation, U.S. News took into account sights, expert opinion and reader input to determine the best Hawaiian Islands to visit. Vote for your favorite island below to have a say in next year's list. 

Kaua'i

Hawaii - the big island, honolulu - oahu.

Though it's perhaps most famous for the fabulous coastlines of Ka'anapali Beach and Wailea Beach, Maui is a great option for both couples and families looking for variety in their vacation. Away from the sand, you can drive the Road to Hana, enjoy a bird's-eye view during a helicopter tour , see one of the world's largest dormant volcanoes at Haleakala National Park and get up close to marine wildlife while snorkeling in Honolua Bay or around Molokini. Then, for an experience you won’t forget, relax on the volcanic coastline of Wai'anapanapa State Park, where jet-black sands meet vibrant sapphire waters.

With a more easygoing environment than other islands like Oahu and the Big Island, the Garden Isle lets its wild, natural beauty speak for itself and is perfect for an adventurous getaway. The main attractions here are Koke'e State Park and Waimea Canyon, otherwise known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." But you also won’t want to miss Kaua'i’s breathtaking Wailua Falls or dreamy Po'ipu Beach. And if a challenging hike is what you’re after, it doesn’t get more scenic than the Kalalau Trail along the rugged Napali Coast. Just remember to pack galoshes and a rain jacket – Kaua'i is one of Hawaii's rainiest islands.

The island of Hawaii's bevy of one-of-a-kind attractions and family-friendly activities makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a jam-packed itinerary. Not only does the Big Island offer white and black sand beaches , including the famous Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, it is also home to lush rainforests and two active volcanoes at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. History buffs will love visiting Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site (home to one of Hawaii's largest restored temples) and Kealakekua Bay (where British explorer James Cook first arrived in 1779). Or, head to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park to see petroglyphs, ancient Hawaiian fishponds and green sea turtles.

The least-developed island on this list, Moloka'i was made for those who don’t mind going off the beaten path. With lush rainforests, miles of beautiful beaches and some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world, Moloka'i is a great place to reconnect with nature, whether you’re staying overnight at one of Moloka'i’s quiet oceanfront cottages – there is only one hotel on the island – or visiting on a day trip from one of the other Hawaiian Islands. Top activities here include soaking up some sun on secluded Papohaku Beach, snorkeling Moloka'i's 28-mile reef or joining a guided cultural hike through Halawa Valley.

Dubbed The Gathering Place, Oahu is home to plenty of famous sites and a great jumping-off point for first-time visitors to the Hawaiian Islands. On the South Shore, you'll find Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Le'ahi (Diamond Head) State Monument, all in or near the capital city of Honolulu. Meanwhile, the North Shore is home to a more laid-back vibe, as well as the renowned waves at Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, which host major surfing competitions every year. After exploring along the coast, head inland to the tranquil Byodo-In Temple, a replica of a Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan.

For a secluded, nature-centric escape, set your sights on Lana'i. Centrally located between Maui and Moloka'i, this remote hideaway makes a great home base for inter-island travel. Travelers can take a four-wheel-drive vehicle to spots like Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach) and Kaunolu Village, a prehistoric fishing village that was once frequented by King Kamehameha I, or spend their days sunbathing on Polihua Beach. In winter, head to Hulopo'e Bay for terrific whale-watching opportunities. Then, make your way to Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), an enchanting rock garden that was once part of a native dryland forest, for a breathtaking Lana'i sunset. 

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Top 5 Islands in Iceland

5. Videy Island

4. flatey island, 3. drangey island, 2. grimsey island.

• 1. Vestmannaeyjar (The Westman Islands)

You might think of Iceland as a singular island, but the country actually consists of many smaller islands that dot its shores. Read on for our selection of the top five islands in Iceland.

As you probably know, Iceland is a large island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, filled to the brim with natural wonders and sweeping sceneries, such as mighty glaciers , bubbling hot   springs and active volcanoes .

This map has the five islands marked in green and the ports from which to reach them in yellow.

What you might not know, however, is that Iceland is surrounded by multiple smaller islands, all of which are well worth a visit for their amazing wildlife, beautifully tranquil sceneries and fascinating histories.

Top Westman Islands Tours

Scenic 1 hour small island boat tour in vestmannaeyjar with transfer from heimaey harbor, scenic 2 hour rib boat tour of the westman islands with transfer from heimaey harbor, westman islands super jeep day tour from reykjavik.

Here is our selection of the top five islands in Iceland.

The island of  Viðey  is conveniently located within the Capital Region , and easy to reach via ferry from the Reykjavík Harbour . At 1.6 km 2 , it's also small enough to walk around within the scope of a couple hours. That doesn't mean there isn't plenty to see—since the island is dotted with scenic trails and beautiful bird sanctuaries.

• See Also: Birds in Iceland and Puffins in Iceland

The beaches of Viðey are calm and serene, as well as being an excellent location to spot seals popping their heads out of the water. Besides from its stunning wildlife, Viðey is also a historically important location, boasting many interesting archaeological findings from the 10th century.

The island has one historical building, an old stone house known as Viðeyjarstofa, formerly the workstation of Iceland's historical sheriff Skúli Magnússon but since converted into a café that is frequently rented for weddings and parties.

Yoko Ono had her  Imagine Peace Tower built on this island, a shining and symbolic beacon of light dedicated to both world peace and her late husband John Lennon. The tower gets switched on every winter from October 9th to December 8th—the dates of Lennon's birth and untimely death.

Ferries to Viðey run on Saturdays and Sundays during the winter, and in mid-May, the summer schedule offers daily trips. Holders of the Reykjavík City Card are granted unlimited trips with the ferry, and seeing as the island is located a little over 700 metres from Reykjavík's harbour, you could go on several trips if you'd want to!

Between the wondrous Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the West Fjords is Flatey , a tiny island that rests in the fjord of Breiðafjörður. In the long winter months, it's near deserted, with only a few resident farmers and their sheep.

But in the summer, it's a bustling little tourist town where all the locals inhabit their summerhouses and run a few restaurants, shops and accommodation services out of their more-than-century-old homes.

• See Also: Best Shops in Reykjavík and Best Restaurants in Reykjavík

You can get there with the  Baldur Ferry from the quaint little town of  Stykkishólmur , or from the old farmstead Brjánslækur in the North. Sailing through the archipelago in Breiðarfjörður is definitely its own highlight.

The best thing to do there? Go bird watching around the Flatey Nature Reserve and admire some colourful beaked puffins, or, if you're feeling frisky, go sea swimming in Stykkishólmur when you're waiting for the ferry.

• See Also: A Local's Guide to the Secluded Flatey Island

Drangey is a majestic island-rock in the middle of Skagafjörður in North Iceland, made famous by the Saga of Grettir. The hero of the saga was known to defeat his enemies with enormous strength and cunning wits, but in medieval Iceland, he was labelled an outlaw due to his rebellious and deadly behaviour.

• See Also: The Most Infamous Icelanders of History  and Icelandic Literature for Beginners

The story goes that Grettir lived on Drangey with his brother, his slave, and some sheep. This enabled him in surviving attacks from his revenge-seeking enemies since there was only one way to reach the island. It's a steep and slippery slope, so if you're not sure-footed or if you are afraid of heights, I wouldn't recommend making the trek.

Today, Drangey is a common tourist destination, and the crumbling path up to its cliffs has ropes, chains and ladders to make it accessible to most. The primary reason for visiting is to catch a sure glimpse of the adorable North Atlantic Puffin, but they nest on the island during the summer season. There is also a small hut build on the island where hunters sometimes camp.

• See Also: Where to Find Puffins in Iceland

To get there, drive north from Sauðárkrókur to Grettislaug , where they've built a campground and two natural hot water pools. There, a man named Siggi and his son take a small fishing boat to the island daily during high season. Check out Drangeyjarferðir for more info.

Some visitors to Iceland think that the country is in the Arctic, while in reality, it rests right by the edges of the Arctic Circle. However, there is one part of Iceland that is actually located in the northernmost circle of latitude on this planet, and that part is the island of Grímsey .

The jagged cliffs forming the dramatic coastline of the island are home to many nesting birds. These include the ever-popular puffins, but also auks, razorbills, fulmars and others. Bird populations have flourished in Grímsey, both due to the lack of predators, and the locals diminishing the practising of egg-hunting.

You can find a small wooden church located on the island, belonging to the parish of Akureyri . The church was built in 1867 with local driftwood that had washed ashore. Grímsey, in fact, boasts approximately a hundred residents, and because of the advent of tourism, the island now houses modern guesthouses and cafés, making it any travelling bird watcher's dream come true.

To get to Grímsey, you can take the Sæfari Ferry from Dalvík (which connects with a bus to Akureyri), or fly from Reykjavík or Akureyri via domestic airlines.

Top Akureyri Tours

• See Also: Ultimate Guide to Flights in Iceland

1. Vestmannaeyjar (The Westman Islands)

My father is from Vestmannaeyjar , and so are all true Viking Icelanders. Well, I might be biased, but the residents of these isles are considered some of the hardiest fishermen in the country and live on the oldest inhabited part of Iceland.

• See Also: Where Did Icelanders Come From?

Vestmannaeyjar is an archipelago of over ten islands, but Heimaey  is the only one currently inhabited, boasting a population of 4000 people. These are people who historically survived gruesome 17th-century pirate raids and were sold to slavery in North Africa, as well as a devastating volcanic eruption in 1973 that lasted more than five months, buried many homes under lava, and extended the island by a few kilometers.

From the mainland, you can see the islands as a group of spectacular rocks rising up from the sea, huge and steep, topped with lots of green grass and white fluffy speckles being sheep. The archipelago is more accessible than ever with a new harbor in Landeyjahöfn. Now, the trusty  Herjólfur Ferry  only takes 35 minutes to cross, instead of the former, often sea-sickening, 3-hour journey.

Alternatively, you can book a flight from Reykjavík to the Westman Islands airport.

In June 2019, two Beluga whales, named Little White and Little Grey, made the 9,000km journey from Singapore to Westman Isles. With a combined weight of almost 2 tonnes, these Russian beluga whales eat around 20kg of herring and capelin a day and are far less ‘little’ than may be expected. The adorable mammals can be visited daily while in quarantine at the beluga whale sanctuary  and will soon be released into the sub-Arctic habitat of Klettsvik Bay.  

If you decide to visit in August, there is the ever-popular event of Þjóðhátíð , an annual camping festival held on the weekend of an Icelandic Bank Holiday. Then, Heimaey comes alive with local music, parties, bonfires and fireworks, as well as colossal amounts of alcohol.

You can choose to either camp with the locals at the festival or stay in accommodation in Heimaey . Just make sure to book well ahead of time, as rooms sell out fast for this weekend!

If you would rather enjoy the serenity of the islands, we recommend you go during any other time of the year!

• See Also: Top 10 Festivals in Iceland and Iceland in August

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the five islands around Iceland most worth visiting! Here is a map that showcases the locations of each of the islands listed.

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The Best US Islands: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

By Caitlin Morton

Now in its 36th iteration, our annual Readers’ Choice Awards continues to capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises , islands , and luggage . This year, you traveled farther and deeper; seeking out remote properties; sailing on smaller, more intimate ships; and prioritizing destinations you’ve been waiting years to visit. At least that’s what a staggering 526,518 of you told us in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey.

Now, you can use the results to decide where you’re going next—these are the best islands in the US, as voted by our readers.

View the Readers’ Choice Awards winners for best islands in the world here .

15. Key West, Florida

Singular among the Florida Keys, our readers love Key West for its eclectic residents, laid-back vibe, and candy-colored houses. Closer to Cuba than Miami , the island is packed with culture and history, not to mention world-class diving and fishing in crystal-clear water. Work on your tan at Smathers Beach before getting your literary fix at The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum , where you can take a tour guided by a Key West local.

Pro tip: If you’re itching for adventure, take the 2-hour ferry ride from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park . With its incredible marine life and lack of crowds, it’s easily one of the most underrated national parks in the country.

Getting there: The best way to get to Key West is by taking the 4-hour drive from Miami along the Overseas Highway.

14. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Martha’s Vineyard is a favorite summer escape, lined by rugged Atlantic beaches and dotted with quaint towns. The island is generally divided into two regions, each with its own set of experiences: “Down-island” is the more developed region on the east coast, where you’ll find all the seafood restaurants and preppy clothing stores most tourists flock to. “Up-island” on the southwestern tip is much more rural, with storybook fishing villages and dense woods. Whichever area you decide to visit, you’re sure to find a wealth of fun activities—and plenty of lobster rolls.

Pro tip: Try to align your visit with the annual ‘Round-the-Island Race, one of America’s oldest distance sailing races typically held in mid-June.

Getting there: From May through October, passenger ferry service is available from various towns in Massachusetts, Quonset Point in Rhode Island, New York City, and Northern New Jersey. Cape Air also offers daily, year-round flights from Boston.

13. Lanai, Hawaii

Private and exclusive, Lanai has drawn the likes of Oprah, Cindy Crawford, and Tom Cruise over the years. But the main draw here is the scenery, not the celebrity sightings: Polihua and Kaiolohia (also known as Shipwreck) beaches offer a taste of luxe isolation, while Kanepuu Preserve, a protected dry-land forest, is home to rare plant specimens endemic to Hawaii.

Pro tip : It may not be on the beach, but the mountaintop Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort is an idyllic spot to recharge, with daily exercise classes, meditations, massage treatments, and a Nobu restaurant.

Getting there: There are no direct flights to Lanai from the continental U.S. You’ll have to fly to Honolulu International Airport (HNL) or Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui, where you can take a local airline to Lanai Airport (LNY).

12. Marco Island, Florida

The areas of Naples and nearby Marco Island make up Florida’s Paradise Coast, which feels tropical due to an abundance of mangroves and mangoes. The Gulf Coast island is the perfect place for a weekend getaway, with beautiful beaches and parks, tons of outdoor activities, and great hotels, like JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort .

Pro tip: As part of your trip, make sure to visit one of the most renowned outdoor spaces in the U.S.: Everglades National Park . The Gulf Coast Visitors Center entrance is in Everglades City—an easy road trip of less than an hour southeast of Naples.

Getting there: From Naples, take the straight drive from US-41 to Collier Boulevard. Or if you’re flying into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, it’s about a one-hour drive via I-75.

Olivia Morelli

Gianluca Longo

Charlie Hobbs

11. Block Island, Rhode Island

Block Island is a New England getaway at its best, complete with lighthouses, seagrass-lined beaches, and 30 miles of hiking trails. The island’s only town, New Shoreham, is filled with boutiques and restaurants worth exploring, though it won’t take you very long. Spend the rest of your time at Block Island Beach House . With its floral wallpapers, decorative surfboards, white-washed rooms, and rentable bikes, the hotel feels like your own private beach house—with none of the upkeep.

Pro tip: There are several nature conservatories on the island, the most popular being the 190-acre Clay Head Preserve on the northeast coast, which features a series of unmarked, interconnected walking paths known as “the maze.” It's worth visiting any time of year, but it happens to be one of the island’s best leaf-peeping spots in the fall.

Getting there: The Block Island Ferry provides year-round service from Point Judith and is the only ferry that can take vehicles from the mainland to the island. You can also take the Block Island Hi-Speed Ferry for a 30-minute trip, but that boat only runs from mid-May through the end of November. (The scenery along the ride is so gorgeous, you’ll probably want to take the slow route anyway.)

10. Big Island, Hawaii

Think of the Big Island as the ultimate adventure playground. While it’s not exactly Hawaii’s best beach destination, the island stands out for its stunning national parks and volcanoes. The active Kilauea volcano and surrounding 505-square-mile Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the place to experience lava flows, craters, and steam vents. Waipi‘o Valley (known as the Valley of the Kings) is another staggering display of nature, with verdant walking trails dotted with waterfalls.

Pro tip: After a busy day spent outdoors, refuel on the Aka roll with shrimp tempura and spicy ahi at Aka Sushi Bar in Waimea. You’ll thank us later.

Getting there: Most major air carriers offer daily flights to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) in Kona. If you can’t find a direct flight, fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu and take a 40-minute flight to the Big Island.

9. Kauai, Hawaii

The lushest and greenest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai more than earns its nickname, “The Garden Isle.” Most spots worth visiting require a bit of effort, as you can only reach one-fifth of the island on foot or in a car, but it’s more than worth it. You’ll need a four-wheel drive to get to Polihale Beach, for example, which is accessed via a rough and rocky five-mile road. But it’s arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii, with sweeping sand dunes, incredible sunsets, and unforgettable stargazing thanks to the lack of light pollution. Another tough-to-access-but-worth-it spot is Honopu Beach, which you can only reach by swimming from an offshore boat or from neighboring Kalalau Beach (a quarter-mile swim).

Pro tip: It would be a sin to visit Kauai and not spend a day on the Napali Coast . Get the best vantage points on an open-door flight over the cliffs and valleys, or join a kayak tour to paddle to its isolated beach.

Getting there: Most airlines offer non-stop flights to Lihue Airport (LIH). There is also the option of flying into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) and hopping on a half-hour flight to Kauai.

8. Mackinac Island, Michigan

A long-beloved vacation spot for Midwesterners, Mackinac Island was a welcome addition to last year’s list—and it looks like the appeal hasn’t wavered a bit this year. Most of the island (80 percent, to be exact) lies within the protected Mackinac Island State Park, meaning it’s both well-preserved and filled with natural beauty. The island is perhaps most famous, however, for the iconic Grand Hotel , with its sprawling, 660-foot front porch looking out to the water and equally indulgent five-course dinners.

Pro tip: The island is completely car-free, meaning you’ll need to rely on biking or walking to get around. But you should definitely treat yourself to a horse-drawn taxi ride from Mackinac Island Carriage Tours , the oldest continually operating service in the country.

Getting there: Two ferries service the island seasonally: the Star Line Mackinac Island’s Hydro-Jet Ferry , departing from St. Ignace, and the Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry , departing from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. There’s also an on-island Mackinac Island Airport for private charter flights.

7. Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is the most-visited of Hawaii’s islands—it has Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, and the North Shore, with its world-renowned surf breaks and garlic-shrimp vendors, to thank for that. Many of the tourist-heavy attractions are actually worth visiting, like Pearl Harbor and Doris Duke’s Shangri La , but you can dodge the crowds if you know where to look. The North Shore is usually your best bet, with places like Mokulei Beach Park offering excellent snorkeling, whale watching, and calm waters—and few other visitors.

Pro tip : You’d be missing out if you didn't head for a meal in Honolulu’s red-hot Chinatown. Stop by Wing for some shave ice, Char Hung Sut Restaurant for pork buns, and Livestock Tavern for the perfect bacon cheeseburger.

Getting there: Hawaii’s main airport in Honolulu is easily reachable from many U.S. cities.

6. Sanibel, Florida

Separated by hurricanes in 1921 and 1926, the sister islands of Sanibel and Captiva have long drawn visitors with their biking trails, wildlife, and calm Gulf Coast beaches. Sanibel is particularly famous for being the seashell capital of the world—you could spend an entire day with a picnic and bucket at conch-heavy spots like Bowman’s Beach.

Pro tip: Lazy Flamingo has a cook-your-catch policy, letting visitors bring their own freshly caught fish for the chefs to whip up into a delicious meal. The clam chowder and grouper sandwiches are also pretty great.

Getting there: Both islands are just about a one-hour drive from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers via Interstate 75.

5. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Travelers return to this quintessential summer getaway every year to walk among the narrow rows of wood-paneled houses and bike out to the lighthouses that ring the island. Although crescent-shaped Nantucket may be small, it has a mix of terrains, from sand dunes and salt marshes to craggy bluffs, making it nearly impossible to take a bad photograph on the island.

Pro tip: If you’re in Nantucket, you’re eating seafood. For a good old-fashioned clam bake, head to Sayle’s Seafood , where $46 will get you piles of lobster, oysters, mussels, clam chowder, corn, and potatoes.

Getting there: Nantucket is easily accessible via plane from most airports in the Northeast. But we’re fans of the relaxed ferry rides from Cape Cod (one hour) and New York (six hours), where you can enjoy the coastal scenery.

4. Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii’s second-largest island is known for its volcanic beaches, oceanfront resorts, and the towering Mount Haleakala, a traveler favorite to scale for sunrise. It’s the place to be for snorkelers , hikers, and food lovers alike. It also happens to be a great place to travel with kids, with tons of family-friendly resorts and activities for all ages: Think ziplines, turtle-spotting canoe tours, luaus, and even a pretty awesome goat farm .

Pro tip: To catch as much of Maui’s natural beauty as possible, drive the Road to Hana , a 52-mile scenic route featuring dramatic waterfalls that includes the spectacular Seven Sacred Pools.

Getting there: Many mainland airlines offer direct routes to Maui from airports on the West Coast. Otherwise, it’s about a 40-minute flight to the island from Honolulu International Airport (HNL).

3. Amelia Island, Florida

Whether it’s the seemingly endless green spaces or the unbelievably hospitable locals, this Florida island has certainly charmed our readers. The 13-mile strip of land is located off Florida’s northeastern coast, and it feels far more untouched and natural than most of the state’s other beachy locales. After soaking up the sun on nearly deserted beaches, hike a trail through Fort Clinch State Park or explore the downtown area for shopping and local restaurants.

Pro tip: Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is one of the best hotels on the island, with a beachside address and delicious breakfasts. Spend one morning spent eating French toast and gazing at the ocean from the lodge’s wraparound porch, and you’ll soon declare Amelia Island your new favorite destination.

Getting there: Amelia Island is easily accessible, located only 30 minutes by car (over the Intracoastal Waterway) from Jacksonville International Airport.

2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Kiawah Island is seemingly custom-made for escaping the drudgery of the work week. Bring the family to the barrier island for a weekend at the luxe oceanfront Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island , rated by our readers as one of the top resorts in the South, for some friendly rivalry on the golf course and tennis court (and plenty of water time in the many pools).

Pro tip: Kiawah Beachwalker Park at the southwest tip of the island is a rare public beach on Kiawah, and one of the best beaches near Charleston —enjoy sand as soft as talcum powder for only a $5 to $10 fee in season.

Getting there: It’s about an hour’s drive from Charleston International Airport (CHS) over a causeway from the mainland.

1. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Remaining in the top spot for several years running, Lowcountry’s loveliest island is a world away from mainland South Carolina on the other side of the bridge. This is the kind of getaway that satisfies all travelers: You could spend a weekend beach-bumming (pick your spot on 12 miles of pristine sand), shopping locally-made handicrafts, eating out at restaurants that compete with those in major cities, or sweating it out on a bike trail, paddleboard, or golf course.

Pro tip: Check into Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort , voted the second-best resort in the South by our readers this year.

Getting there: It’s only about a one-hour drive from Savannah, Georgia, which shares an airport with Hilton Head.

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Best things to do in Rhode Island: March 29-April 5

This week: egg hunts and easter bunnies, narragansett’s spring restaurant week, the annual rhode island home show, old-fashioned barn dance, and more.

I thought March was supposed to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb. Opposite year, I guess. But fear not, neighbors. I’ve curated a sunny list of fun in the 401 — from baby goats to whale tales, egg rolling to egg-decorating for people who can’t decorate, a beach luau to a wall of doughnuts. (It’s real.) Let’s rock.

FALCONS’ EASTER EGGS

That traditional Rhody rite-of-spring passage: the Providence Peregrine Live Stream is back thanks to Audubon Society of Rhode Island. This is the “thing to do” from your home and you should: I zen out by checking it a few times a day. There are now three eggs! #GoFalcons. Watch here .

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A RHODY PREMIERE

In case you’re reading this March 28: “Food, Inc. 2″ — the sequel to the 2008 Oscar-nominated and Emmy-award winning doc “Food, Inc.,” — screens Thursday night at Newport’s Jane Pickens Theatre & Event Center. Hosted by NewportFILM and Aquidneck Community Table, the event includes post-screening discussion with Adena Marcelino of Black Beans PVD and Pat McNiff of Pat’s Pastured. $15. 49 Touro St. Doors 6 p.m., film 7 p.m. Film trailer and event details here .

August Wilson’s “Fences” runs at Trinity Rep now through April 28. From the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning playwright, directed here by Christopher Windom, “Fences” is set in segregated 1957 Pittsburgh. Troy Maxson is a former Negro League baseball player who is now a sanitation worker. “Fences” focuses on his strained relationship with his wife and two sons. 201 Washington St., Providence. Details here.

LAST CALL FOR RESTAURANT WEEK!

Sop up the last of the deals: Narragansett’s Spring Restaurant Week runs through March 29. Find special menus and discounts around the area. For example: Spain of Narragansett offers a $52.34 dinner — perhaps start with chicken empanadas, before digging into pork osso bucco. For dessert? Maybe lemon blueberry cheesecake. Details here .

EGG-DECORATING IF YOU’RE NOT AN ARTIST

Join fellow Rhode Islanders in South Kingstown March 29, when Sons of Liberty Spirits Co. hosts “I Suck At Decorating Easter Eggs” where we’re invited to “embrace our lack of artistic talent and have a blast painting Easter eggs together,” according to billing. I love this spirit. Ticket includes one drink, treats, four eggs and decorating supplies. 21+. $25. 1425 Kingstown Road South Kingstown. 6-9 p.m. Details here .

WILL DAILEY IN PVD

Eight-time Boston Music Award winner and two-time New England Music Award winner Will Dailey brings the tunes to Askew March 29, with guests Aubrey Haddard and Bethany Killian. Dailey also hosts a podcast, “Sound of Our Town,” and yes, has an episode on PVD. 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show. $17.31. 150 Chestnut St. Providence. Details here and here .

BABY GOAT CUDDLE

Sure there’s baby goat yoga and baby goat hiking — but sometimes baby goats just want to cuddle. Head to Middletown’s Simmons Organic Farm for a “Baby Goat Pet & Cuddle.” (I’m already in line.) March 29-31. Various time slots. $13. 1942 West Main Road. Details here .

EGG HUNTS & BUNNY PICS

Listing all the egg hunts in the state would take up a whole article — and tickets would sell as fast as I could list ‘em. Two quick highlights with tickets available as of this writing:

With admission to Roger Williams Park Zoo on March 29 and 30, kiddos can snag a pic with ol’ EB. (The Easter Bunny, that is.) 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $5. Tickets must be reserved online in advance. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. Details here .

Egg roll: Not dinner, the old-fashioned game. The Preserve Resort & Spa in Richmond hosts an egg roll race “where children push an egg through the grass with a long-handled spoon.” There’s also an egg hunt, treats and pics with the Easter Bunny. March 31, 10 a.m. $35 per child. Details here.

BLACK VIOLIN

I can’t wait. You’ve never heard classical instruments played like this. For the uninitiated, viola player Wilner Baptiste (aka Will B) and violinist Kevin Sylvester (aka Kev Marcus) are Black Violin : a duo from Florida known for their unique merging of classical and hip-hop. The two-time Grammy nominees defy genre: They’ve opened for Wu-Tang Clan and Tom Petty, performed with Alicia Keys and with Aretha Franklin, and gigged for Obama’s Presidential Inaugural Ball. See here for a sense of their live shows. YouTube “ A Flat .” It’s earned 14 million views since 2012, and shows, in a nutshell, their vibe. You will move . March 30 8 p.m. at the Vets. Tickets from $30.50. 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence. Details here and here.

FUNCTIONAL ART

Unleash your inner artist with Slow Bloom Ceramics. Paint-your-own ceramic cup and sip wine March 30. No experience required, just bring your imagination. Nonalcoholic drinks available. 4 Aurora St., second floor, Providence. 3-5 p.m. From $40. Details here .

BARN DANCE AT THE MEETING HOUSE

I love that that subhead could be from 1790.

For some old-fashioned fun, head to Tiverton’s historic Four Corners for a Barn Dance at the Meeting House March 30 “to celebrate the coming of spring and the daffodil bloom in the tradition of New England’s earliest settlers,” according to billing. No experience is necessary to join in the contra dance, complete with caller and live tunes. 4-6 p.m. at The Meeting House. 3850 Main Road, Tiverton. $15. Details here .

RHODE READS

As a Rhody book lover, I started this subsection because every week, there are great Rhode Island author and book events. This week in Rhode Reads…[cue my Rhode Reads jingle.]

PVD SEQUEL: In 2022, I interviewed PVD’s Vanessa Lillie about co-writing the 1980s-Providence-set audiobook-only, “Rich Young Widows,” written with other genre writers Kimberly Belle, Cate Holahan and Layne Fargo. Guess what? They wrote an audio-sequel. “ Desperate Deadly Widows ” is on Audible now.

Meanwhile, that first book is headed to print April 2. All four authors appear at Warren’s Ink Fish Books for an ‘80-themed book launch April 3. Expect themed drinks, ‘80s costume contest with prizes and ‘80s tunes. 6:30 p.m. 488 Main St., Warren. Details here . My interview with Lillie here .

BRISTOL’S WHALE TALE: Bristol’s BookFest selection this year is Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick.” BookFest is April 5 at 5 p.m. at Colt School (570 Hope St., Bristol) and Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Linden Place (500 Hope St.) April 5 events are free — including a keynote speaker and reception at Rogers Free Library (525 Hope St.) April 6 program is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $40. Registration and details here .

HOME IMPROVEMENT

No, not the Tim Allen TV show. I’m talking about the 74th Annual Rhode Island Home Show April 4-7 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Billed as the largest home improvement and consumer show in Southern New England, it’s essentially five shows rolled into one:

The 11th Annual Energy Expo, a Garden Experience, the Inspiration Showcase, the Specialty RI Flower Show, and the brand-new House of Brews, in partnership with the Rhode Island Brewers Guild. Find hundreds of exhibitors and vendors to get your gears turning on interior design, decorating, landscaping, and more. Thursday and Friday noon to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $12, seniors $10, kids 15 and younger free. Tickets good for all four days with wristband. Details here .

It’s luau on the beach in April. The Misquamicut Business Association hosts its 19th annual Aloha Luau at The Windjammer Surf Bar with food, music, raffle and silent auction. Proceeds benefit beach area cleanup and events, according to billing. April 5, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. $25 advance, $30 door. 321 Atlantic Ave., Westerly. 401-322-0504. Details here .

Until next week, Rhody: Keep rockin.’

Lauren Daley can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter @laurendaley1 .

Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024 facts: Path, time and the best places to view

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality.

Scroll down to see the list of U.S. cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible, the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

"Eclipse Across America," will air live Monday, April 8, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu as well as network social media platforms.

On April 8, 2024, a historic total solar eclipse will cast a shadow over parts of the United States, prompting a mass travel event to the path of totality -- from Texas to Maine and several states and cities in between.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA .

The track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the path of totality, and to witness the April 8 total solar eclipse, viewers must be within the 115-mile-wide path. To discover when to see the solar eclipse in totality or the partial eclipse in locations across the U.S. outside of the path, check out NASA's Eclipse Explorer tool .

Eclipse travel

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality, bringing the celestial phenomenon to their doorsteps, Michael Zeiler, expert solar eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told ABC News.

MORE: Eclipse glasses: What to know to keep your eyes safe

But for individuals outside of the path, investing time and money are needed to experience the event in totality.

Eclipse chasers, or umbraphiles, are individuals who will do almost anything, and travel almost anywhere, to see totality, according to the American Astronomical Society .

"There's a very active community of solar eclipse chasers and we will go to any reasonable lengths to see solar eclipses anywhere in the world," Zeiler said. "All of us are united in pursuing the unimaginable beauty of a total solar eclipse."

MORE: The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse

Bringing together both eclipse experts and novice sky watchers, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is projected to be the U.S.'s largest mass travel event in 2024, according to Zeiler, who likened it to "50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation."

"When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation, from Texas to Maine," he said.

Eclipse map, path of totality

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

Best times, places to view eclipse

Below is a list of some American cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be most visible -- pending weather forecasts -- the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

• Eagle Pass, Texas, 1:27 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Uvalde, Texas, 1:29 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 16 seconds
• Kerrville, Texas, 1:32 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Austin, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 1 minute, 53 seconds
• Killeen, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 17 seconds
• Fort Worth, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
• Dallas, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 47 seconds
• Little Rock, Arkansas, 1:51 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 33 seconds
• Jonesboro, Arkansas, 1:55 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
• Poplar Bluff, Arkansas, 1:56 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1:58 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 6 seconds
• Carbondale, Illinois, 1:59 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Mount Vernon, Illinois, 2:00 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Evansville, Indiana, 2:02 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 2 seconds
• Terre Haute, Indiana, 3:04 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 57 seconds
• Indianapolis, Indiana, 3:06 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 46 seconds
• Dayton, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 46 seconds
• Wapakoneta, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 55 seconds
• Toledo, Ohio, 3:12 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 54 seconds
• Cleveland, Ohio, 3:13 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

Pennsylvania

• Erie, Pennsylvania, 3:16 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 43 seconds
• Buffalo, New York, 3:18 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
• Rochester, New York, 3:20 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Syracuse, New York, 3:23 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 26 seconds
• Burlington, Vermont, 3:26 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 14 seconds
• Island Falls, Maine, 3:31 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 20 seconds
• Presque Island, Maine, 3:32 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 47 seconds

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

Advertisement

Map: 4.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes New Jersey

By William B. Davis ,  Madison Dong ,  Judson Jones ,  John Keefe ,  Bea Malsky and Lazaro Gamio

Shake intensity

A light, 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck in New Jersey on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake was felt across the New York City metropolitan area, and from Philadelphia to Boston.

The temblor happened at 10:23 a.m. Eastern about 4 miles north of Whitehouse Station, N.J., data from the agency shows.

As seismologists review available data, they may revise the earthquake's reported magnitude. Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.

Aftershocks in the region

At 5:59 p.m. Eastern on Friday, a light aftershock with a magnitude of 3.8 struck near Gladstone, New Jersey, according to U.S.G.S. (The agency initially gave the quake a preliminary magnitude of 4.0.)

An aftershock is usually a smaller earthquake that follows a larger one in the same general area. Aftershocks are typically minor adjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the initial earthquake.

Quakes and aftershocks within 100 miles

Aftershocks can occur days, weeks or even years after the first earthquake. These events can be of equal or larger magnitude to the initial earthquake, and they can continue to affect already damaged locations.

How this quake compares

The U.S.G.S. has logged 188 earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or greater within a 250-mile radius of New York City since 1957. In that timeframe, only seven have had a magnitude at or above 4.5. Today’s quake had the third-highest magnitude in the available data.

Today’s earthquake

Magnitude 4.8

250-mile radius

from New York City

Source: U. S.G.S.

By Lazaro Gamio

Source: United States Geological Survey | Notes: Shaking categories are based on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake. All times above are Eastern. Shake data is as of Friday, April 5 at 10:44 a.m. Eastern. Aftershocks data is as of Sunday, April 7 at 3:08 a.m. Eastern.

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• Where to Go in 2024 Overview: Where to Go in 2024

The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024

• An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included
• This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024
• 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather
• T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur
• This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’
• Where to Go in 2024 The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024 An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’ CLOSE Part of Where to Go in 2024

Where to go in 2024, according to Travel + Leisure editors — for cultural immersion and major travel bragging rights.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Well, you knew it was coming. This year, more than 20 Travel + Leisure staffers weighed in to create this hand-picked list of the places that thoughtful, curious travelers should consider in 2024.

These are the destinations that have captured our imaginations, the spots where T+L editors want to spend their own time in the year ahead. Among the picks are Canada's Métis Crossing, which headlined our October 2023 issue ; Istanbul, for which our editor in chief makes a compelling case ; and Paris, because there's a little thing called Les Jeux Olympiques coming up.

Other, lesser-known places are on the rise. Consider the small towns of Sonoma County, where new businesses are doing big things ; a remote corner of Australia, where expedition ships are the way in; a Himalayan hideaway where visitors are left breathless and not just because of the altitude.

We hope this list inspires you to see the world in a new way in the coming year. We'll see you out there.

— Edited by Paul Brady and Maya Kachroo-Levine  

Travel + Leisure

Destination by Category

For cultural immersion, ålborg, denmark.

Alexander Farnsworth/Getty Images

It rates as Denmark’s fourth-largest city, with around 120,000 residents, but out-of-the-way Ålborg might seem an unlikely international-travel hub. That's not stopping Scandinavian Airlines, which is betting on the compact, alluring city with newly launched flights from Newark Liberty International, which will run three times a week from April through October. The cobbled streets of Ålborg’s old town are lined with half-timbered houses and pastel exteriors; the attractively refurbished waterfront — where you’ll find the newly renovated Pier 5 Hotel — is another walkable district. The city’s rich cultural scene includes a modern art museum , an architecture center, and, a short drive away, Regan Vest , a Cold War museum that opened in a former bunker in February 2023. Indeed, Ålborg is a gateway to the wider region of North Jutland, with its dramatic coastline around the town of Skagen, long a draw to Danish artists; windswept dunes of Thy National Park ; and 2,000-year-old Viking ring fortresses which have, at long last, been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site . — Peter Terzian

Cartagena, Colombia

Sofia Jaramillo

A perennially hot destination, Colombia is coming into its own as a luxury escape these days, thanks to a ton of excitement in and around Cartagena, on the country’s Caribbean coast. In 2023, the city welcomed Casa Pestagua , a 16-room boutique hotel within a restored 17th-century building, in the historic center. Now, the same owners are working to open bungalows on Isla Barú, a popular day-trip spot, before the end of 2023. Sustainability minded travelers can find their fit at Blue Apple Beach , an eco-hotel on Tierra Bomba Island, just off the coast, that’s B Corp certified and generates half its power from solar, as T+L recently reported . In 2024, Disney's “Encanto”-themed tour of Colombia will debut, shining more light on Cartagena, one of the many stops on the itinerary. And there’s even more growth in the pipeline: Delta Air Lines is adding new nonstop flights to Cartagena from Atlanta in December 2023, a Four Seasons hotel is on the horizon, and the nation is investing in an airport expansion that will serve an ever-increasing number of visitors. — Susmita Baral

Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train

Courtesy of Belmond

After a four-year pause, this luxury train that crisscrosses Southeast Asia will ride again in February. Several new itineraries will be available on the revamped Express, which has 15 cherry wood–clad cabins and vibrant Malay-inspired decor. The Essence of Malaysia journey, for example, takes travelers from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, with side trips to Langkawi, for snorkeling in Pulau Payar Marine Park, and Penang, among the greatest food cities on the planet. Alternatively, a Wild Malaysia option includes a stop at Taman Negara National Park, where visitors might spot a Sumatran rhino or tiger. “These ‘slow travel’ journeys give our guests the opportunity to rest their mind, rekindle, and reconnect,” said Dan Ruff, the CEO of Belmond. Much like a storied ocean liner, the majestic Eastern & Oriental Express is a destination unto itself, with a sultry piano bar car; an open-air lounge with wicker furniture where passengers can watch the Malaysian jungle rush by; and two restaurant carriages serving Peranakan food. You may not have had "eating laksa on a luxury train" on your 2024 bingo card, but you really should. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Christian Kain

For one month between June and July, soccer — or should we say fußball — will take over Germany, as the nation hosts the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. Held every four years, the tournament for men’s national teams will take place in 10 cities across Germany, including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. “This will be an incredible, not-to-be-missed moment,” said Sofia Markovich , a travel advisor on T+L's A-List who specializes in Austria and Germany. “I expect interest to go through the roof as this is a major sports event — second only to the World Cup.” Even casual fans should find the atmosphere thrilling, Markovich said, particularly those who happen to pass through game-day destinations while cruising the country’s rivers . One host city deserves a particular spotlight thanks to the new Rosewood Munich , which opened in October. Set across two buildings (one, formerly the headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria, the other, a Baroque residence), the 132-key property is steps from the charms of Old Town, including the leafy Maximiliansplatz, and walkable to one of Europe’s most surprising surf spots: the rapids of the Isar River . — Liz Cantrell

Métis Crossing, Alberta

Amber Bracken

“This is not a place where you look at old things behind glass,” said Juanita Marois, the CEO of Métis Crossing, one of Canada’s most compelling Indigenous tourism projects. “This is an immersive destination where you experience the culture and the warmth of the Métis people through our land, water, skies, buildings, food, and programs.” The 688-acre retreat, which writer Carleigh Baker detailed in T+L’s October 2023 issue , is today home to a 40-room lodge, a cultural center, and campgrounds. Depending on the season, visitors can learn about traditional crafts, enjoy festivals held on-site, or head out for bird-watching, canoeing, or snowshoeing. A new addition to Métis Crossing is a collection of eight Sky Watching Domes , luxe stand-alone suites with panoramic skylight windows. From the Domes, Marois explained, “guests can listen to Indigenous stories of the night skies, see the stars, and view the aurora borealis." — Jalyn Robinson

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Georgia

Getty Images

It’s not every day the U.S. gets a new national park, but 2024 could see this central Georgia destination enter the fold. Presently managed as a national historical park, Ocmulgee is home to large earthen mounds, including temple complexes, created by numerous Native American peoples over thousands of years. Should Congress approve the new designation in 2024, Ocmulgee will become the first national park in the state and the first in the U.S. to be co-managed by a nation whose ancestors were removed from the area: the Muscogee (Creek) were forcibly relocated from central Georgia as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. “We now have an opportunity to come back and not feel like we are visiting, but to feel like we are coming home,” said Tracie Revis, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the director of advocacy for the Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative, a community group. The gateway to the park is the city of Macon, where the Muscogee (Creek) Nation flag flies alongside the Stars and Stripes, and the street signs are being replaced with ones written in both Muscogee and English. A particularly opportune time to visit will be in September, for the town’s annual Indigenous film festival . — Liz Cantrell  

Rajasthan, India

Aparna Jayakumar

India’s northwestern state of Rajasthan, with its wealth of iconic hotels and cultural attractions, is one of the best-known among U.S. travelers. It also promises new delights in the coming year, with several new addresses in Jaipur worth planning a trip around. There's Villa Palladio , a delightful nine-room hotel on the outskirts of town created by the Swiss-Dutch team behind Bar Palladio , an Instagram favorite in the city center. The Johri is a beautifully designed five-room property with a chic cocktail bar and organic vegetarian restaurant on the ground level, tucked away in a heritage townhouse in Jaipur's Old Town. Meanwhile, the Anantara hospitality group is set to launch its first-ever property in India next year. The 150-room, new-build Anantara Jaipur Hotel is designed with India's ballooning market for destination weddings in mind: it will have event facilities that can accommodate as many as 2,500 guests. In the meantime, the city and wider region are becoming more accessible than ever, thanks to a new six-lane expressway that connects Jaipur to New Delhi, a major hub for international flights. — Flora Stubbs

Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal

Courtesy of Shinta Mani Mustang

A once-forbidden kingdom is now home to some truly palatial digs. Nepal’s Mustang district, which opened to outsiders in 1992 , is a place to watch in 2024 thanks to this stunning, 29-suite hotel, which welcomed its first guests in August. Shinta Mani Mustang, the latest property from the Bensley Collection, delivers the luxurious wellness experiences and thoughtful design that devotees of the brand have come to expect. Guests can spend their days trekking the surrounding Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, searching for rare wildlife like the Pallas’s cat and Tibetan wolf, horseback riding, and visiting local villages. “What caught my attention was that the outstanding aesthetics and architecture are in sync with sustainable and responsible tourism,” said Carole Cambata, an advisor on T+L's A-List and expert in Himalayan travel. “They sourced local building materials and used Indigenous construction methods.” The noteworthy opening comes at a time of positive change: in April, the Nepal Mountaineering Academy and the Nepal Tourism Board partnered on a program to educate the country’s first-ever class of LGBTQ+ trekking guides, CNN reported , in an effort to make Nepal’s hiking and climbing industries more inclusive. “Nepal is one of Asia’s most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ people due to laws that forbid gender identity discrimination,” said John Clifford , another A-List advisor. “Visitors to the country can even select ‘other’ as an option for gender identification on their visas.” — Samantha Falewée

Tallinn, Estonia

Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

This country’s literacy and secondary education rates consistently rank near the top in Europe, especially among women, so it should come as no surprise that Tartu, the university city to the southeast of Tallinn, has been designated Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2024 . Still, for first-timers to the Baltics, there’s no better place to get schooled than the country’s capital city, Tallinn: its walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of Medieval architecture in the world. PoCo Art Museum , which opened in May with pop art by Andy Warhol, Banksy, David Hockney, and Jeff Koons, is now one of nearly 50 art institutions in the city, joining Fotografiska (world-renowned photography), Kumu Art Museum (contemporary Estonian art), and Kadriorg Art Museum (early European and Russian art). After soaking in the culture, head for the Noblessner district , an industrial shipyard area turned seafront hot spot that’s now bursting with stylish cafes, shops, and Estonia’s first restaurant with two Michelin stars, 180° by Matthias Diethe . (You might also try a “ smoke sauna ” at Scandi-chic Iglupark .) As for where to stay, the new Nunne Boutique Hotel has views over Old Town’s Towers Square . —  Nina Ruggiero

Warsaw, Poland

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

The thriving contemporary art scene in Warsaw, which is home to art-circuit stalwarts like the Foksal Gallery Foundation and Raster Gallery , will get a big boost in 2024, when the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw finally moves into its own headquarters. Founded in 2005, the museum has burnished the city’s art reputation for two decades, with its holdings of both foreign and Polish work, despite operating out of temporary spaces. The new HQ will be part of a 22-acre arts district centered on the existing Palace of Culture and Science, a Stalinist skyscraper that towers over the city. The museum, along with a new 800-seat TR Warszaw Theater nearby, was designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners , the architecture firm behind other notable institutions, including the Glenstone Museum in Maryland and portions of New York’s Corning Museum of Glass . — Denny Lee

For the Food and Drinks

The austrian countryside.

Journey south of Vienna and you’ll find two of the regions that give the countryside of Austria its fairy-tale quality. Styria has rolling hills and hiking trails, with the medieval city of Graz at its heart. Mellow, rural Burgenland is home to Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both regions have a long, rich history of winemaking, and in recent years, have become the site of a burgeoning natural wine scene. Cult producers such as Winery Maria and Sepp Muster and Alice & Roland Tauss should be at the top of any visitor’s list, as should Burgenland’s beloved vintners Gut Oggau and Meinklang . Then, round out a visit to the country with a stay at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl , a meticulously restored 15th-century castle opening on the shores of a small lake near Salzburg in spring 2024. — Peter Terzian

Mérida, Mexico

Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure

The capital of Yucatán, this city has long been popular with Mexican travelers drawn to its Maya ruins, cerulean-blue cenotes, restored haciendas, and incredible food . But it has a growing acclaim among international visitors — especially LGBTQ+ travelers, who often describe Yucatán as very gay friendly . Mérida’s historic beauty and laid-back cantina culture might explain why LGBTQ+ retirees have embraced the city in recent years, buying homes and bringing their friends along. Those not ready to make a full-on move will find lots of designer hotels carved out of stately mansions, not to mention wonderful shopping and plenty of food tours, both in the city and in the surrounding countryside, which is punctuated by haciendas, many of which host pop-up events or even overnight guests. Plans for a sprawling new “ Yucatán Central Park ,” with a food market and amphitheater, remain hazy, as does an exact timeline for the arrival of the ballyhooed Maya Train , which is nearing completion and should make it easier to hop between Mérida and popular seaside spots such as Cancún and Tulum. — Denny Lee

Sonoma County, California

Gentl & Hyers

More than double the size of Napa, Sonoma might offer twice as much to do. It’s not just about the wine — though with the addition of a new American Viticultural Area (AVA) called West Sonoma Coast last year, Sonoma County now has 19 AVAs slinging chardonnay, pinot noir, and zinfandel at established wineries, such as Flowers and Scribe , and new ones, including Vérité Wines . There’s also a long coastline to explore, from Bodega Bay up to Sea Ranch, where the dreamy, cliff-top Sea Ranch Lodge is newly renovated . Inland, the opening of Dawn Ranch shines a spotlight on Guerneville , a crunchy town along the Russian River known for its LGBTQ+ scene and proximity to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Tear yourself from the 22-acre haven, with tree house–like cabins, creekside glamping tents, and alfresco redwood tubs at the idyllic spa, to bike into town where the reimagined Piknik Market serves one of Oprah’s favorite biscuits . The changes coming to Sonoma County in 2024 are largely shaped by the area’s most famous chefs: in Healdsburg, California, Noma alum Stu Stalker debuted the plant-based restaurant Second Story, above Little Saint and down the street from Michelin three-starred SingleThread and chef Dustin Valette’s The Matheson . Restaurant powerhouse Charlie Palmer plans to launch his hotel brand, Appellation , in Healdsburg by the end of next year. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Big-city Thrills

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

“It’s a classic Asian megacity: frenetic, neon-lit, and overwhelming to the senses,” said Jack Tydeman , a Southeast Asia specialist at Audley Travel and member of T+L's A-List. But change is coming to Bangkok, in the form of many megaprojects, including Dusit Central Park, which is slated to open in 2024, with the 259-room Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel and a multi-terraced roof park. Also coming soon will be King Rama IX Memorial Park, a park that honors the sustainability initiatives of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Meanwhile, Lumpini Park , Bangkok’s original public green space, is getting a massive refresh next year that will add a new food hall, a vegetable farm, and a sports club ahead of its centennial. Even while sprinting to finish these new developments, Bangkok is finding time to slow down and prioritize wellness. Luxury travel network Virtuoso recently named Thailand as just one of five “emerging self-care destinations” worldwide, noting that “travelers are seeking a more spiritual journey, turning to Thailand for more than the traditional Thai massage.” The forthcoming Aman Nai Lert Bangkok , slated for 2024, is sure to deliver, with 52 spacious suites overlooking Nai Lert Park and a multifloor wellness sanctuary. — Susmita Baral

Courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The year ahead has the Land set to shine, thanks to national and international events, world-class cultural expansions, and the rebirth of historic hotels. It all starts in April, when the NCAA Women’s Final Four comes to the state-of-the-art Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and a total solar eclipse sweeps over the city on April 8, 2024. Cleveland will see even more action when the Pan-American Masters Games crisscross the city July 12-21. And in November, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which was held in Brooklyn in 2023, will return home. Meanwhile, many institutions are in the midst of revitalization. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is nearing completion of its multiyear $150-million expansion, with updated exhibits and new public spaces in University Circle. Karamu House , the nation’s oldest Black producing theater, will debut a new restaurant, outdoor stage, and an additional venue in the Fairfax neighborhood. The city’s oldest hotel will reopen in 2024 after extensive renovations as a Marriott Autograph Collection called Hotel Cleveland. Also coming is the Fidelity Hotel, a new boutique property with a speakeasy that's slated to launch in a landmark building downtown. There’s development along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, too, where paved hiking and biking trails are livening up a waterfront that has, for many decades, been underutilized. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Fort Worth, Texas

Mariah Tyler

Offering classic Western experiences like bull riding, cattle drives, and stock shows, Fort Worth, Texas, is booming, bringing in $3 billion in tourism revenue last year alone. With all of the renewed interest in the city, luxury hotels are flocking to Cowtown’s Cultural District. The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth opened in November, home to the first-ever wellness club by Canyon Ranch and a Mediterranean restaurant by Food Network chef Preston Paine. Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection , is slated to open its doors December 2023, with a tree-lined pool terrace, chic spa, and upscale chophouse called Bricks and Horses. Walking distance from both hotels is The National Cowgirl Museum , which will run a 2024 exhibit honoring the Mexican female horseback riding tradition of escaramuza charra . Looking ahead, the National Juneteenth Museum is scheduled to open in the city’s Historic Southside neighborhood in 2025. — Mariah Tyler

Turkey’s style capital is seeing a resurgence of life along the Bosphorus, thanks in part to the Galataport, the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal with a pedestrian promenade and the Renzo Piano–designed Istanbul Museum of Modern Art just above. Another neighborhood anchor is the 177-room Peninsula Hotel , spread out over four buildings, three of which date to the early 1900s. Highlights include a glittering pool facing the Hagia Sophia; a sprawling, subterranean spa; and Gallada, a rooftop restaurant from whiz kid chef Fatih Tutak, whose eponymous restaurant is Turkey’s first to earn two Michelin stars. The hotel staff wears posh uniforms courtesy of Arzu Kaprol, a designer who has a boutique in the nearby Paket Postanesi, a historic post office turned chic shopping mall. Also on the waterfront, in Beşiktaş, the lavish Çırağan Palace Kempinski has been reimagined by local interior designer Serdar Gülgün, with rooms that lean into Ottoman-era grandeur (think tulip-pattern motifs and mother-of-pearl furniture). Finally, don’t miss The Basilica Cistern, open again after a five-year closure, and now hosting contemporary art exhibits amid the ancient columns. — Jacqui Gifford

Kansas City, Missouri

Jonathan Tasler/Courtesy of Visit KC

World famous for barbecue and jazz, KC is now staking a claim as a global leader in sports and entertainment — and not just because of Taylor and Travis . In March, the Kansas City Current, of the National Women's Soccer League, will open the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women’s pro sports. “It will be a destination for sports lovers and will inspire generations of girls to follow their dreams,” said Katie Mabry van Dieren, CEO and curator of The Strawberry Swing , a brand that organizes events and pop-ups in the city, as well as Shop Local KC , a string of boutiques. The stadium’s construction has spurred other developments around the city, including the forthcoming Origen Hotel KC , a 118-room boutique property; the massive Berkley Beer Garden; and an extension of the free KC Streetcar that will serve the Berkley Riverfront area. Also coming soon is the country’s first entertainment district of its kind, the Rock Island Bridge , a reclaimed rail crossing over the Kansas River. “Visitors will be able to enjoy two levels of entertainment with food from two restaurants and three bars, plus a covered event space with a dance floor and open veranda seating overlooking the river and city,” a source told T+L of the High Line–inspired project that will connect Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. — Jalyn Robinson

Raf Willems/Getty Images

Just when you think Sin City can’t get any bigger, louder, or glitzier, Las Vegas turns it up another notch. On the heels of blockbuster residencies from Adele , Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, U2 kicked off their inaugural stint at the long-anticipated Sphere this fall. Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky’s immersive sci-fi production “Postcard from Earth” will also show off the new arena’s 16K LED display, beginning this fall and continuing through 2024. Formula 1 and Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive captured a growing American audience for the international racing circuit, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix will hit The Strip Nov. 16-18, 2023, and again Nov. 21-23, 2024. It won’t be the only megaevent on the sports calendar: Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium, marking the first time the game will take place in Nevada. Still not enough? The 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas will open in December with 3,700 rooms and a ton of buzzy restaurants, including a Casa Dragones Tasting Room and a Chinese noodle den from the restaurateur behind Wagamama and Hakkasan. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Louisville, Kentucky

Nick Simonite/Courtesy of Hotel Genevieve

The Kentucky Derby will celebrate its 150th anniversary on May 4, 2024, as well as the debut of the redesigned Churchill Downs Paddock, which is coming off a multiyear, $200-million renovation. Those that can’t make race day can brush up on the event’s history and culture year-round at the Kentucky Derby Museum , which has interactive exhibits on subjects like Black horsemen’s contributions to racing . Continue on theme at Derby City Hotel, a Canopy by Hilton property, which will open in downtown Louisville this summer with 168 rooms plus a rooftop pool and bar, or opt for another new property, such as The Myriad Hotel, Common Bond Hotel Collection , or the trendy Hotel Genevieve by Bunkhouse Group. Also coming in 2024 is “Ali,” a musical about the Louisville icon, which opens at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in the fall. There’s news on the spirits scene, too, including the launch of Bourbon and Belonging – Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, a statewide celebration running Oct. 3-6, 2024, that will have events in Louisville and beyond. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

As close as you can get to Europe without the transatlantic flight, this island city of nearly 2 million is newly relevant in the year ahead, thanks to forward-thinking infrastructure that’s made it one of the greenest and most visitor-friendly spots in North America. The Réseau Express Métropolitain, or REM, is a new automated light rail system that Canada’s Globe and Mail calls “ Montreal’s biggest public transit project in more than half a century ,” with a growing number of stations coming online in the years ahead. (All of them are or will be “ universally accessible .”) The Grand Quay, the city-center pier that many cruise ships use, has a new attraction in the form of the Port of Montreal Tower , a blocky observation spire that echoes the look of the famed Habitat 67 nearby. Meanwhile, the city’s bike-sharing program, Bixi, which launched back in 2009, is still going strong and now offers an all-you-can-bike monthly pass for just $14 that makes using the system a no brainer; the city’s 560 miles of bike lanes help, too. The recently renovated Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton , and the new-in-2023 Honeyrose Hotel, Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel , join the four-year-old Four Seasons in adding a touch of luxury that had, perhaps, been missing in the heart of the city. That said, Montreal has more than 24,000 hotel rooms — and plenty of Airbnbs — across the metro area, which will make it an ideal last-minute destination for eclipse watchers who want to be in the path of totality on April 8. — Paul Brady

When Paris hosts 329 distinct sporting events next summer, the whole city will be on display: the first-ever Olympic Games breakdancing competition will be at Place de la Concorde; beach volleyball courts will skirt the Eiffel Tower; and the opening ceremony’s Parade of Nations will sail down the Seine River. The host city of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympic Games (August 28-September 8) will welcome visitors with a flurry of new hotels and restaurants. Chateau des Fleurs is an extravagant new stay in the eighth arrondissement with 19th-century style and an haute Korean restaurant. Celebrated hotel designer Martin Brudnizki just unveiled two projects : the 50-room Grand Mazarin , in the Marais, and La Fantaisie in the ninth. And the hoteliers behind the Hôtel Dame Des Arts , which appeared on T+L’s 2023 It List , unveiled their train-themed Hôtel des Grand Voyageurs in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in October. The legacy establishments have new life, too: Hotel Plaza Athénée , named the best hotel in Paris by T+L readers, has a French restaurant, Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, which recently scored two Michelin stars, to say nothing of the property’s brand-new Dior Spa. And the sumptuous La Tour d’Argent restaurant just got a sensational facelift. Meanwhile, “numerous museums and institutions will host sports-related exhibitions, films, performances, workshops, and kids’ programming throughout the summer,” writer Lindsey Tramuta reported in T+L’s November 2023 issue. For those in need of a sports break, La Galerie Dior and Fragonard Musée du Parfum are two new additions to the scene worth checking out. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Moments on the Water

Coastal alaska.

Cruising is back in a big way, and Alaska's Inside Passage is leading the charge. In 2023, the state saw ships including Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer and Carnival’s Luminosa for the first time, while Royal Caribbean recently sent Brilliance of the Seas north for the first time in years. The new Klawock port, on Prince of Wales Island, is poised to welcome large ships in the 2024 season with food and retail outposts, exhibits detailing Indigenous culture and history, and nature trails. Skagway, a well-known port that’s home to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the scenic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, is getting a 550-foot floating pier, which will allow the port to host two megaships simultaneously beginning in the 2024 season. Lately, that season has been getting longer: most companies run trips May to September, but Norwegian Cruise Line had October sailings in 2023, which gave passengers a look at Alaskan life during a quieter season. Considering Alaska is projected to notch 1.65 million cruise travelers on around 700 voyages this year, opting for a shoulder season trip in 2024 might not be a bad idea. —  Nina Ruggiero

Coastal Norway

Sebastian Lamberg Torjusen/Courtesy of Salmon Eye

Long known for its cutting-edge design and architectural marvels like the Oslo Opera House, Norway has lately doubled down on building big. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a surge in new attractions,” confirmed Katrine Mosfjeld, the chief marketing officer for Visit Norway. In seaside Oslo, the new luxury hotel Sommero is a study in adaptive reuse, inside a landmark building from 1930 originally designed by famed Norwegian architects Andreas Bjercke and Georg Eliassen. Four hours southwest, in Kristiansand, the Kunstsilo , or Art Silo, is another repurposed wonder: the one-time industrial complex will reemerge in 2024 as a museum devoted to Nordic modernist art. Up the coast, in Bergen, Iris Expedition Dining is a new tasting-menu destination located in Hardangerfjord, inside a floating sculpture known as the Salmon Eye. North of the Arctic Circle, the long-awaited Six Senses Svart promises to be one of the hottest openings anywhere when it finally debuts. The ring-shaped resort, at the base of the Svartisen glacier, aims to be off-grid, carbon-neutral, and emissions-free, with a zero-waste dining program and a “design lab,” as the hotel calls it, meant to foster further innovation. — Taylor McIntyre

Douro River, Portugal

Courtesy of Tauck

As recently as a decade ago, almost nobody was talking about wine tourism in Portugal. These days, “you have to see the Douro River,” said Sheree M. Mitchell , a T+L A-List advisor based in the country and the president of Immersa Global. “It’s non-negotiable.” Mitchell’s preferred way to do it is on a yacht charter, which gives guests the chance to spend a few hours or days hitting quintas , or wine estates, and dining at Michelin Guide–approved restaurants like Castas e Pratos . Cruises are a more affordable option, and lines are expanding their presence on the river, which cuts across Spain and Northern Portugal before reaching the Atlantic in the city of Porto. Tauck , a favorite among T+L readers, unveiled the Andorinha in 2021, which will sail 33 wine-country itineraries in 2024. Another T+L reader favorite, Viking, will have four ships on the Douro in the year ahead, visiting towns such as Peso da Régua and Pinhão, in the heart of port country. And AmaWaterways recently announced a special November 2024 departure that will “explore the history of the Black and African diaspora in Lisbon and along Portugal's stunning Douro River,” according to the brand. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Faroe Islands

This remote, starkly beautiful archipelago in the North Atlantic just got way more accessible. Summer 2023 saw Atlantic Airways launch nonstop flights from New York Stewart International, 70 miles north of New York City, to Vágar Airport, in the islands. “This direct flight is not only about easier transport to our great ocean nation, but a means of creating a bridge between two worlds,” Jóhanna á Bergi, CEO of Atlantic Airways, told T+L. The news seems to have been warmly received by U.S. travelers. Melissa Lee , a Northern Europe specialist on T+L’s A-List said she has seen an uptick in interest in the Faroes. "Previously, you could only get there from Copenhagen, or Reykjavik, Iceland.” Once there, a world of adventure awaits, with activities including cold-water surfing , traditional knitting , and hiking to places such as Sørvágsvatn, the so-called lake above the ocean . Then there’s the top-flight dining: the restaurant Roks in Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands’ capital, is an offshoot of Koks, the Michelin two-starred restaurant in Greenland which is presently on hiatus. — Liz Cantrell

Kimberley, Australia

Bruno Cazarini/Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

This destination in northwest Australia, also called The Kimberleys, is home to ancient wonders: dinosaur tracks; striated geological formations, some 350 million years old, known as Bungle Bungles; waterfalls and reefs that seem unmoored from time; and Aboriginal history from what some call the world’s oldest continuous culture . Lately, though, some of the world’s top cruise lines have caught on to all the upside and are racing to offer thrilling expedition-style itineraries that combine all this history with modern-day adventures, such as sightseeing flights by helicopter, paddling, Zodiac tours, scuba diving, and cultural excursions. Silversea will have its Silver Cloud in the region from May through September, doing 10- to 17-day trips, with a maximum of 200 passengers. Seabourn is also bullish on the destination, and its newest expedition ship, the 132-suite Seabourn Pursuit , will spend June, July, and August cruising the region. (Both lines are perennial favorites among T+L readers .) Also operating on this remarkable stretch of coast are several Australian companies , including Coral Expeditions and True North Adventure Cruises , as well as private yacht charters like those organized by Yotspace . — Paul Brady

The Mississippi River

Courtesy of Viking

New ships are bringing fresh interest to one of America’s most storied waterways, meaning now’s the time to consider river cruising closer to home. “The Mississippi River is such an important part of American history,” said Adam Peakes, president of Hornblower Group, the parent company of American Queen Voyages. The line will have two ships on the Mississippi in 2024, both of which are already booking up for summer. “Many of our cabin categories are nearly at capacity almost a year in advance,” Peakes added. Other brands are also betting on the river: the Viking Mississippi launched in 2022, with 193 Scandi-chic suites, all with private verandas; American Cruise Lines has launched three new ships on the Mississippi in the past three years. There are new draws on land, too. In Memphis, the newly completed riverfront Tom Lee Park has an installation by artist Theaster Gates and a pavilion named for Tyre Nichols; the expansive riverfront attraction — a collaborative effort from Studio Gang, Scape Studio, and numerous other architectural and design firms — sits just south of Beale Street and is connected to the city via the River Line, a walking and cycling path. Meanwhile Natchez, Mississippi, is these days “filled with surprises, thanks in large part to a cohort of young natives who wandered away and then returned home with new ideas,” according to Southern Living ; come December, the town hosts holiday markets akin to those in Central Europe, as T+L recently reported . In St. Louis, the newest 21c Museum Hotel recently opened in a renovated, century-old YMCA building, with numerous permanent art installations as well as rotating shows and a beautiful, all-day cafe. And, of course, there’s always New Orleans . — Paul Brady

Courtesy of Cunard

Few voyages are as iconic as a transatlantic crossing aboard a Cunard ocean liner. So when the new Queen Anne departs Southampton, England, in May 2024, expectations will be sky-high for the first new Cunard ship to launch since the Queen Elizabeth in 2010. The 1,498-cabin vessel is slated to sail to Lisbon and will then spend its first summer in the Mediterranean. It will also represent an evolution for the 183-year-old brand: Queen Anne will have four new restaurants, including an omakase venue and an Indian dining room, alongside more familiar options such as the Princess Grill and Queens Grill, all overseen in partnership with U.K. chef Michel Roux, Jr. A top-deck wellness studio, with yoga and other fitness classes, will be another noteworthy addition to the ship. A third distinction: Queen Anne will be captained by Inger Klein Thorhauge, the first woman to hold that rank for Cunard. For all the new, some familiar traditions will remain, including proper high tea service and, naturally, an outpost of the Golden Lion pub pouring Cunard’s own microbrews. — Paul Brady

Seven Seas Grandeur

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Slated to launch in November 2023, Seven Seas Grandeur will be the sixth ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a luxury line that T+L readers consistently say is one of their absolute favorites thanks to no-nonsense, all-inclusive pricing and fabulous suites. The newcomer will feature fresh takes on the elevated dining, shore excursions, and entertainment already found on ships such as Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer , said Andrea DeMarco, the brand’s president. “ Grandeur is inspired by our rich heritage, but we’re reimagining signature restaurants and offering 15 exceptional suite categories to only 746 guests,” she explained. Among the no-expense-spared features of the new ship will be a multimillion-dollar, 1,600-piece art collection that counts among its trophies a handful of Picassos and a custom Fabergé Egg. (Fittingly, the ship’s godmother is Sarah Fabergé, the director of special projects for the jewelry house.) Grandeur ’s inaugural season will be in the Caribbean, but it will head for the Mediterranean in April before returning to the U.S. in August. — Elizabeth Rhodes

For Nature Lovers

Amboseli national park, kenya.

Courtesy of Angama

This 151-square-mile expanse, close to the border with Tanzania, is famed among safari insiders for its big-time wildlife: Amboseli has a well-earned reputation for elephant spotting, with massive herds roaming the dusty plains, along with all sorts of other charismatic creatures including cheetah, giraffe, and zebra. Camps and lodges surrounding the park tend to be basic, which is one reason the fall 2023 opening of the richly appointed Angama Amboseli is so exciting. The second? The 10-suite lodge is the first spinoff of the Angama Mara , a destination hotel that's among the best safari lodges in the world, according to T+L readers . The new property, located about 45 minutes driving from Amboseli National Park, on a private wildlife conservancy, will offer game drives as well as cultural experiences organized in partnership with local communities. Another draw: Angama Amboseli will have unparalleled views of the peak of nearby Mount Kilimanjaro, including from private patios attached to every suite. — Paul Brady

Aspen Mountain, Colorado

Jesse Hoffman/Courtesy of Aspen Snowmass

The legendary ski destination is getting its biggest makeover in four decades this season, with the opening of a new lift, a high-speed quad known as Hero’s that will make accessible a fresh 153 acres of fluffy powder. The project will increase the mountain’s skiable terrain by some 20 percent, adding more than a dozen new chutes, glades, and trails for intermediate and expert skiers. “The quad is a game-changer for Aspen,” said Maureen Poschman, a spokesperson for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association. “The new terrain is a big area, it’s high-altitude skiing, and it’s a bit of a hedge against climate change,” she noted. Not that you have to be a pro skier to find something to love in ever-evolving Aspen, which experienced an influx of residents the past few years . The cultural calendar is as packed as ever; Balenciaga and Hermès now have shops in the heart of town; and scene-y restaurants, including a Sant Ambroeus coffee bar, keep popping up. Where to stay? Mollie Aspen is the newest luxury hotel in town, slated to open in December with 68 rooms designed by Post Company, plus a rooftop plunge pool and terrace, right in the middle of it all. — Denny Lee

Big Sky, Montana

Mark Hartman

Just an hour from Yellowstone National Park, this wild, wide-open area offers heart-pumping activities such as fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and skiing at every turn. So, thankfully, a new retreat from hospitality brand One&Only is slated to bring some rest and relaxation to Big Sky in 2024. Situated between Lone Mountain and the Spanish Peaks, the 73-room Moonlight Basin will provide convenient access to 5,850 skiable acres, with a dedicated gondola connecting guests to Big Sky’s terrain, plus a private ski lodge and a Chenot spa. (The resort will also have 19 villas and 62 private residences.) The first U.S. outpost of One&Only, Moonlight Basin arrives a few years after another five-star resort, Montage Big Sky , which opened in 2021, with 139 rooms, six dining venues, a bowling alley, a huge spa, and, naturally, ski-in, ski-out access. — Alisha Prakash

Hokkaido, Japan

Courtesy of Club Med

Travelers are flocking back to Japan , but in the year ahead, they should look beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, has a sterling reputation for food — its biggest city, Sapporo, is famous for miso ramen — and its Shiretoko National Park is a natural wonder with excellent hiking and photogenic waterfalls. Hokkaido is also, insiders know, one of the world’s premier ski destinations thanks to simply phenomenal snow . The center of the action is the village of Niseko, which has plenty of hotels, homestays, and resorts — but has gotten a touch easier to visit thanks to the 2022 opening of Club Med Kiroro. The something-for-everyone property has two distinctive concepts, Club Med Kiroro Peak , for guests age 12 and older, and the new-in-2023 Club Med Kiroro Grand , a family-friendly alternative. These all-inclusives are helping to eliminate the intimidation factor when booking a Japanese ski week, by rolling up everything from accommodations and equipment rentals to off-the-mountain entertainment and kids' clubs. Another perk? Club Med Kiroro Grand will also have the brand’s first-ever Japanese onsen alongside other wellness facilities including soaking tubs and saunas. — Danielle Pointdujour

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Sven Musica/Courtesy of Madwaleni River Lodge - Babanango Game Reserve

This out-of-the-way South African province, sometimes shortened to KZN and located on the country’s eastern coast, is moving into the spotlight. “KwaZulu-Natal has two World Heritage Sites — the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park — and is popular for its beaches, safari parks, green hills, and temperate weather,” said Julian Harrison , a safari expert and longtime member of T+L’s A-List. It’s also home to an ambitious rewilding project backed by the Emcakwini Community Trust , which began reintroducing once-endemic species including black rhino, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and lion in 2018; today, it’s known as Babanango Game Reserve . Harrison also points to other conservation efforts, such as those underway at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve , which is monitoring critically endangered Temminck’s ground pangolins. The newly opened Madwaleni River Lodge is the place to stay, said Raza Visram , another A-List expert. “The intimate lodge has 12 beautifully designed tents that overlook the White Umfolozi River,” he explained. There’s also Sala Beach House , an oceanfront escape on Thompson’s Bay that writer Heather Richardson detailed in T+L’s September 2023 issue . Coming soon in KZN will be The Homestead , a 12-suite eco-lodge in the province’s western Nambiti Game Reserve. — Samantha Falewée

Mababe, Botswana

Dana Allen/Courtesy of Wilderness

Long considered one of Africa’s most exclusive safari destinations, Botswana has a huge array of five-star lodges, operated by the likes of African Bush Camps, andBeyond, and Great Plains Conservation. But the most compelling new place to stay isn’t one with high thread count sheets or over-the-top amenities: Mokete, a new safari lodge from Wilderness , is worth the trip because it will only exist until 2026, when the operator pulls down the tents and carries away any sign the nine-suite escape was ever there. The temporary enclave will be situated east of the famed Okavango Delta, in the heart of a 124,000-acre tract known as the Mababe Concession, which has considerable populations of lion, elephant, and buffalo, plus a huge variety of birds. Wildlife watching is the thing here, with all-day game drives and guided nature walks. Mokete is all about an elemental connection with the outdoors, down to the design of the guest quarters: each tent will have a retractable roof so guests can stargaze from bed — and hear the calls of hyenas from the surrounding bush. — Paul Brady

New Zealand

It’s time to take it off your once-in-a-lifetime list and just go : earlier this year, Delta launched service from Los Angeles to Auckland, and United Airlines plans to start a San Francisco to Christchurch route in December. That’s on top of an existing Air New Zealand nonstop between Auckland and New York City that launched in 2022 . “Any time of year is a great time to visit,” said Sarah Farag , a member of T+L’s A-List and the Auckland-based owner and director of Southern Crossings , a luxury travel firm. “Our summer months are always popular,” Farag said of the December to March period, “but those who come at other times are well-rewarded with captivating colors during autumn harvest season, snow-capped adventures and spectacular stargazing in the winter, and fabulous fishing and hiking in spring.” There’s a growing number of enticing stays, including the new exclusive-use villas at Flockhill Lodge , set on a working sheep station, and the Clifftops at Anderson Cove , a tented camp above the Northland coast. Christchurch has recently seen the opening of two new boutique properties, the sleek, modern Mayfair and the artsy Observatory Hotel ; meanwhile the beloved Huka Lodge in Taupo is getting a makeover. If the outdoors are a priority, turn an eye to the North Island’s Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve , the country’s second, which was certified earlier this year, or the new Tom Doak–designed golf course which just opened at Te Arai Links . — Peter Terzian

For Beach Vibes

Anna maria island, florida.

Flavio Vallenari/Getty Images

Compared to some brand-name Florida destinations, this island south of Tampa Bay is way under the radar. But it's cultivated a loyal following, thanks to its no-high-rises shoreline, incredible sunsets, and small-town feel. Case in point: Anna Maria Island is a place where most people tool around by golf cart or beach cruiser, and almost all the sherbet-hued clapboard homes are vacation rentals. In an effort to keep things copacetic, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which works on the island, inked a partnership with Leave No Trace this summer, making Anna Maria the first destination in Florida to work with the nonprofit. Meanwhile, new developments fit right in with the vibe: Mello on the Beach , a hotel that opened in July, offers vibrant retro-style apartments on the Gulf of Mexico, while the villas of Joie Inn , which opened in 2021, still feel super-fresh. On the dining scene, the cocktail bar Doctor’s Office recently added a “dining room” to its string-lit outdoor garden, and coming soon to the island is Bohemian, a restaurant from repeat James Beard semifinalist Jeannie Pierola. Getting there has gotten easier thanks to growth at Sarasota-Bradenton International, which added nonstops to four new domestic destinations in 2023. A planned terminal expansion looks to be right-sized, too: the airport aims to add five gates next year. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Coastal Campania, Italy

Courtesy of Hotel La Palma

It’s no wonder Campania — the southern Italian region that’s home to Amalfi, Capri, Positano, and Sorrento — is having a bit of a hotel boom: visitors have been flocking to this splashy coastal destination over the past few years. The renaissance kicked off with Il Capri Hotel , which opened on the island last spring, offering travelers a boutique option inside a neo-Gothic villa reminiscent of a Venetian palazzo. Next, Oetker Collection, the luxury hotel brand behind the celeb-loved Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, debuted its first Italian hotel in June: the glamorous, 50-room Hotel La Palma is a fresh take on a property that originally opened in 1822. Then there’s the new Convento di Amalfi , a 52-room Anantara with a cliffside pool, set in a 13th-century Capuchin convent. Airlines have also taken note of the increased demand: American Airlines and Delta are both launching new routes to Naples next year, the former from Philadelphia, the latter from New York City. Lindblad Expeditions, meanwhile, will have its new Sea Cloud II in southern Italy this coming May, for an 11-day itinerary that will take guests to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast’s most beautiful seaside villages, with a focus on Italian food and wine. —  Nina Ruggiero

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The land of pura vida just keeps getting better, which is why Costa Rica was just named T+L’s 2024 Destination of the Year . Surfers can find their bliss at the new, boho-chic Sendero hotel, which opened in February in oceanside Nosara, on the Nicoya Peninsula. A few hours north, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo has added the new Virador Beach Club, updated its golf course (while cutting water usage), and opened Wellness Shala, a spa that offers healing treatments with local ingredients like cacao, coconut, and volcanic mud. Nearby, the community of Las Catalinas has announced a new mixed-use space, La Rambla, which will promote spending time outside and car-free living. Forward-thinking tour operator Intrepid Travel has launched new trips that shine a light on the Terraba community, one of Costa Rica’s eight Indigenous groups. Meanwhile local outfitters such as UrriTrek are now offering guided hiking trips on the 174-mile Camino de Costa Rica , a trail connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. — Samantha Falewée

The self-declared Nature Island, Dominica has been voted the best island in the Caribbean for the past two years in T+L’s World’s Best Awards , thanks in part to its serene tropical rain forests, enticing hot springs, and gushing waterfalls. There’s also an ever-growing number of resorts and hotels, such as the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa , which opened this year, and the forthcoming Anichi Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection , and Tranquility Beach Resort — Curio — a Collection by Hilton . Also of note is the new 32-nautical-mile Waitukubuli Sea Trail, which takes sea-kayakers along the island's western coast from Scott’s Head to Capuchin; Soufrière Outdoor Centre can supply equipment, an itinerary, and a guide. And there’s another element to Dominica’s story that’s capturing the attention of travelers who care about sustainability. The volcanically active country plans to commission its first geothermal power plant in 2024, and in the meantime gets about a quarter of its overall power from hydroelectric sources. It’s also home to what T+L has called one of the world’s most eco-friendly resorts, Coulibri Ridge . — Annie Archer

Hawai’i Island

Courtesy of Rosewood Resorts

“We welcome mindful visitors to Hawai‘i Island,” said Ilihia Gionson, the public affairs officer of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, in an interview with T+L. Commonly known as the Big Island, the destination is planning for a meaningful 2024, with the help of returning visitors. “Travelers have the opportunity to help mālama , or care for, our natural resources and support our community to ensure a regenerative model of tourism that is sustained for generations,” Gionson said. The theme of mālama is more significant than ever this year following the devastating fires that impacted both Hawai’i Island and Maui in 2023. Those looking to support relief efforts have many choices, including the Hawaii Red Cross, the Lāhainā Restoration Foundation, and more . Travelers ready to return might consider Kona Village, an iconic hotel that reopened in 2023 as a Rosewood Resort following its closure in 2011. “Each villa feels like your own little beach house,” Nicole Hollis, the interior designer of Kona Village, told T+L . Various events are on the island’s cultural calendar in the year ahead, including the Kona Brewers Festival in March and the Big Island Chocolate Festival in April. — Christine Burroni

Los Cabos, Mexico

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With its rugged desert-meets-ocean landscape, 350 days a year of sun, and stunning five-star resorts, Los Cabos isn’t exactly an unexpected choice for a dreamy vacation. But 2024 promises to be a big year for the Baja California destination, thanks to all the new resorts coming to Cabo del Sol, the 1,800-acre community just east of Cabo San Lucas with two miles of beach and two 18-hole golf courses. Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol and Soho House Beach Club are expected to open in the first part of 2024; Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol will join them by the end of the year. On the southern shore of the peninsula — and not far from the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal , a T+L reader fave — there’s even more happening: the resort community of Quivira Los Cabos will welcome the 120-room St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira by late 2024, with access to 2.5 miles of beach and its own Jack Nicklaus golf course. — Danielle Pointdujour

Mallorca, Spain

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The sparkling waters, delicious food, and laid-back atmosphere are all still here — and Americans are loving United’s summertime nonstop service from Newark Liberty International. In the year ahead, though, they’ll be visiting for the booming luxury hotel scene, which is poised to help this island steal the spotlight from its western neighbor, Ibiza. One must-see is Son Bunyola , a Virgin Limited Edition retreat on Mallorca’s northwest coast, with three miles of beautiful coastline backed by olive groves. Sir Richard Branson first purchased the property in 1994, as T+L recently reported , but it only opened to guests this summer, with 26 rooms and suites, plus three villas. Nearby is The Lodge Mallorca , a Small Luxury Hotels of the World retreat that opened in May, which has wood-fired dining and extensive wellness programming. Then there’s the first hotel from 22-time Grand Slam champion and Majorcan Rafael Nadal, whose new Zel lifestyle brand has opened — what else? — Zel Mallorca , an approachable, beachy hotel in partnership with Meliá, the Spanish operator. Coming soon, said Clare Watkins, an expert in the Balearic Islands at Red Savannah , are more exciting properties: Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor will be a top-to-bottom refresh of a century-old hotel, while Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca, will have 131 rooms, plus 44 suites and nine bungalows, overlooking the sea just outside Palma. — Danielle Pointdujour

For Adventurous Travelers 

Alula, saudi arabia.

Didier Marti/Getty Images

Of all the ambitious tourism developments in Saudi Arabia, AlUla may be the most enchanting, which may explain why Qatar Airways recently launched new flights to the destination from its Doha hub. This huge sweep of red rocks and desert in the country’s northwest is home to Hegra, a 2,000-year-old archeological site filled with soaring tombs carved by the Nabataean civilization, the same one that built Petra, in modern-day Jordan. After touring ancient history, visitors can retreat to decadent contemporary hotels, including a forthcoming 36-room luxury resort at Hegra that will sensitively incorporate parts of an old railway station and fort. A short drive away, in AlUla’s Old Town, the contrast of old and new continues; the new 30-room eco-hotel Dar Tantora , for example, eschews electricity in favor of candlelight. In the year ahead, more fresh thinking will touch down in AlUla, courtesy of Wadi AlFann, or Valley of the Arts, a permanent showcase of works from big-name international artists. The best way to see it might be from on high, duringca April’s “AlUla Skies” festival, when helicopters and hot air balloons will soar above Instagram-worthy monuments. —  Jacqui Gifford

Bahia, Brazil

Marta Tucci

This coastal state, situated between the Amazon and Rio de Janeiro, is the sort of place most Americans never quite get to — and that’s a shame. Its coastline offers some of the most mythical surf-and-sand spots in the world, including Itacaré, which is home to the community-minded Barracuda Hotel & Villas , and the boho-chic enclave of Trancoso, a place that “first captured the imagination of the international creative set back in the 1980s,” as T+L reported in the September 2023 issue . “The beaches are some of the most picturesque in Brazil,” said Paul Irvine , an expert in the country and member of T+L’s A-List. But, he added, there’s more to Bahia than the coast. “We’ve started sending our more adventurous clients to the Chapada Diamantina National Park ,” he said, “which has its own vibrant, off-grid hippy culture.” While high-end hotels in the area are in short supply, more villa accommodations are popping up all the time. One thing to keep in mind for 2024: Brazil stopped requiring a visa for U.S. citizens back in 2019, but the country’s tourism officials have said that the mandate will return on Jan. 10, though further details on how to apply and any fees have yet to be announced. — Paul Brady

Northern Pakistan

Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

The northern reaches of this South Asian nation have a growing profile in the adventure-travel world, thanks to striking topography, high-elevation lakes, and precipitous peaks. Consider that, in 2023, Intrepid Travel launched a 12-day women-only expedition to the region, a first for the tour operator, which has similar trips in places such as Jordan, India, and Morocco. Intrepid will return in 2024 — with departures in May, September, and October — taking women to ancient villages, alpine lakes, and historic forts; travelers will have ample opportunity to meet with locals in areas that would be off-limits if men were part of the group, according to Intrepid. Other outfitters are heading to Northern Pakistan as well. Wild Frontiers will debut a brand-new, 14-day walking adventure that will no doubt challenge the bodies and minds of those who are up for it, with several full-day hikes, some above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). The payoff comes in the form of staggeringly beautiful landscapes — not to mention the chance to make connections with people you meet along the way and see historic gems in Islamabad, the trip’s jumping off point. — Alisha Prakash

Peru's Trekking Routes

In a country where all roads seemingly lead to spectacular scenery and historic finds, there’s much more to explore beyond majestic Machu Picchu. These days, travelers have more options for getting off familiar routes thanks to the efforts of companies such as Alpaca Expeditions , an Indigenous-owned outfitter that will lead its first-ever, all-women hiking trip on the Salkantay Trail in 2024. Operated by women — including guides, porters, drivers, chefs, and other staff — for women, the seven-day adventure will include stays high in the Andes and cultural experiences such as cooking classes and farm visits that aren’t typical on more popular Inca Trail trips. Meanwhile the tour operator Intrepid Travel debuted in 2023 a 12-day expedition on the Great Inca Road in northern Peru. Starting in Huaraz and culminating at the Inca site of Huanuco Pampa, the trek will immerse hikers in this less-visited region’s nature and culture, including plentiful archeological sites. — Alisha Prakash

South Australia

ROBERT LANG/Courtesy of South Australia Tourism Commission

Visitors to this low-key state may feel like they’re in on a big-time secret with all that’s happening lately. The biggest news may be Australia’s new national park, Nilpe­na Ediacara , which opened in April and gives travelers a look at the oldest known fossils on the planet. “They’re about 550 million years old,” Mary L. Droser, an American paleontologist, explained in a recent interview with T+L . Across South Australia’s wine country, meanwhile, hotels such as Le Mas Barossa , Sequoia Lodge , and The Vineyard McLaren Vale are gateways to the hundreds of vineyards and cellar doors just outside of Adelaide, the state capital. “South Australia is known as the wine state for a reason,” said Tim Duval, the winemaker at John Duval Wines . Travelers can learn about small-batch wineries (including Duval’s) at Artisans of Barossa ; sample eco-conscious shiraz at Bird in Hand ; and enjoy a tasting in The Cube, a five-story structure fashioned after an unfinished Rubik’s Cube, at d’Arenberg . Another notable stay can be found on Kangaroo Island, where the famed Southern Ocean Lodge is slated to reopen in December after the disastrous bushfires of 2020. — Samantha Lauriello

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This small South Asian island nation has big things on offer. “You can cover a lot of ground in two weeks, with loads of variety in the landscapes, from gorgeous beaches to lush jungles to high mountains to historic cities,” said Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands, a luxury travel firm. This year, the tea company Dilmah opened two boutique stays under its Reverie brand, Kayaam House and Ahu Bay ; Sri Lankan–owned hotel group Uga is debuting Uga Riva in Negombo this November; and for foodies, Red Savannah recently rolled out a culinary tour of Sri Lanka. Political unrest in 2022 took the destination off the table for many travelers, acknowledged Rachel Cooper , a South Asia travel expert at Red Savannah. But, she added, "the new government has introduced measures to protect and encourage a positive traveler experience throughout the country.” — Susmita Baral

Where to Go in 2024