The word vacation usually conjures up the thought of white sand beaches fringed by tall palm trees and aquamarine water. That is just how tropical islands embody a dream vacation.
There is something about tropical islands that make them the number one vacation destination for most travelers.
Maybe it is their exotic beauty or the privacy they provide owing to their far-flung location on the global map. Whatever the reason, tropical islands have been a perfect peaceful escape from the day-to-day hustle and bustle.
15 Best Tropical Vacations
Seychelles
})(jQuery);
Grand Anse Beach in Seychelles by @mece via Unsplash
Located far off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles is made up of 115 islands. It is the true definition of a paradise, with its white-sand beaches, blue waters, tall palm trees, and high rising boulders.
Seychelles has everything a dream vacation should have, especially the tons of atolls one can choose from.
Sadly, it is also one of the most expensive destinations on earth – weather you visit off-season or peak season. But this is almost the same for all tropical islands.
Koh Lipe is one of the many islands in Thailand in the southern parts of the country. The island is quite small, and you can walk from one end to the other in just an hour. There are very few roads and no vehicles on this island.
The population is also quite small.
Tourists visit Ko Lipe to snorkel, swim, spot reef sharks, and lounge on its beaches.
Fun fact about the Maldives is that it is made up of 99 percent water. Most of its tourists don’t usually stay or even tour the capital Male; instead, they head out to the remote atolls with floating villas.
Aitutaki Lagoon Cook Islands photo via Depositphotos
Famous for its incandescent aqua lagoon, beautiful beaches lined with palms, verdant peaks, and hospitable people, Aitutaki is a dream vacation and the South Pacific jewel.
Though it is not the largest in the Cook Islands, Aitutaki has been continually ticking the boxes for the best tropical vacation over the years.
Located northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is one of the best exotic tropical vacation destinations in the world.
From luxury villas perched over the blue, clear water, groups of palms bristling along the soft, silver beaches, to sharp verdant peaks and post-card beauty, Bora Bora has it all for a dream tropical vacation.
Kelingking beach at Nusa Penida Island of Bali photo via Depositphotos
Bali has been voted among the best tropical islands in the world for many consecutive years. The island has something for everyone – delicious food, great climate, dental waves for surfing and swimming, beautiful beaches, long history and culture, and super-friendly locals.
Bali is also one of the few tropical islands with both black and white sand shorelines, thanks to the numerous volcanoes in the region.
Dutch-owned Curacao is one of the many tropical islands in the Caribbean Sea. It is a typical exotic island with some of the most charming beaches, clear waters, and picturesque landscapes.
Everything on the island is inspired by the Dutch, including the architecture.
The weather is favorable throughout the year.
Curacao does not offer privacy, though, unlike most tropical islands.
Bermuda is also one of the best tropical vacation islands. However, it is known for being home to tax-evading business and international banks than its exotic and tropical climate. It is also one of the most expensive travel destinations in the world because most of its visitors are usually super-rich who are looking to stash their money offshore.
Bermuda’s waters are shallow and with calm tides, making the island ideal for swimming and diving. In fact, Bermuda is considered the shipwreck capital due to the many shipwrecks in its water, which coincidentally led to its inhabitation.
The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola. Unlike most other tropical islands in this list, the Dominican Republic is affordable and is loved by both budget-minded and super-rich travelers.
The island has some glorious beaches and striking resorts.
The popular beaches on the island include La Romana, Puerto Plata, Samana, and Punta Cana.
The Australian island of Port Douglas is located just an hour from Cairns. Its popularity among adventure-seekers has been surging recently, thanks to its super waters suitable for snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
The town itself is charming with leafy streets and clusters of art galleries, café, shops, and restaurants. But its main attraction is Four Mile Beach.
The Florida Keys is home to the only coral reef in the United States. This small island offers some fun tropical vibe and a plethora of activities such as fishing, sailing, and boating.
The island’s main attractions include Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Bahia Honda State Park, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Book Airbnb
Naxos Island
Naxos Island
A piece of Greek Heaven, Naxos is a stunning and picturesque island giving Mykonos and Santorini a run for their money. While all the three are beautiful in their own ways, Naxos edges it because it usually has fewer crowds.
Naxos is home to some delightful villages and unspoiled sandy beaches.