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World's Best Islands
Guess what? There actually are people who don't like islands. I know, I know, it seems crazy to me, too, but these are probably the same people who dislike ice cream, tax refunds, and heaven. For the rest of us... we'll always have islands.
T&L recently compiled a list of their favorite islands. As you'd expect, the list includes some real hum-dingers:
- Santorini, Greece
- Cocoa Island, Maldives
- Mount Desert, Maine
- Capri, Italy
- Kauai, Hawaii
- Vancouver Island
- Anguilla
- Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- Virgin Gorda, BVI
- Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Of course, for the "real people" out there, I thought I'd drop in 5 more islands that are beautiful, accessible, and not bank-breakers -- at least for those people living in the US:
Sanibel and Captiva are a boomerang-shaped pair of islands off Florida's southwest coast. Known for their plentiful shells, warm waters, excellent kayak opportunities, and laid-back atmosphere, the islands are an easy jaunt for most people in the southeastern US. Sanibel is nice -- but in my opinion, Captiva has more spark, and more of a "feel." With its tightly-clustered village center, Captiva is among the most romantic islands on the planet.
Tybee Island, Georgia, is big enough to have options, but small enough to not feel overdeveloped. With a rich history and plenty of options for sightseeing, Tybee also features kayak opportunities, dolphin excursions, and the chance to dangle your worm in the water. Don't let the island's "barrier island" status fool you: it's wild but comfortable.
California's Channel Islands -- known as America's Galapagos -- are a haven for wildlife and a dream come true for campers and hikers alike. With numerous opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and whale watching in the waters among the islands -- which Traveler refers to as a Paradise Found -- there are alos plentiful routes for you to explore on sea kayaks.
The hundreds of islands that make up Washington's San Juan Islands, feature beaches, mountains, cliffs, and forests. The area also boasts plenty of fog, which gives it a dreamy quality. Between the flightseeing, horseback riding, boating, shopping, hiking, and kayaking, I'm pretty sure you can keep busy.
Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Outdoor adventurers can hike, sail, paddle, fish, and swim around the island. History buffs can inspect the local castles (castles!), or tour the island's numerous museums. A hodgepodge of cultures, explorers can sample both French and Celtic culture on the same trip.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John Zaput Jun 28th 2009 1:35PM
I agree that culebra is very afordable. I stayed at Mamacitas guest house www.mamacitasguesthouse.com and loved the place.
John
Nancie May 15th 2007 4:46PM
Don't forget the fantastic music of the Cape Breton Island. Some of the best fiddlers in the world call it home.
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Mark Jul 22nd 2007 6:29AM
Greetings -
For the past four and a half years I have lived in the British Virgin Islands, which is where you will find your number nine, Virgin Gorda. I must say, while these are great islands, if you are looking for an affordable location please come visit us at http://www.palmettoculebra.com/ located on Culebra, Puerto Rico. American citizens do not require a passport and the beaches are unreal!!
Best,
Mark