The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered over an area stretching some 2 million square kilometers in the Pacific Ocean. While the islands are named after 18th-century British explorer Captain James Cook, Polynesians have actually inhabited the islands since at least 1000 CE (Cook wasn’t even the first European to arrive here; the Spanish […]
Search Results for: pacific islands
The 20 Best Tropical Islands in the World
Last Updated: 1/25/24 | January 25th, 2024 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 […]
Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji is a collection of islands spanning over 1,600 kilometers in the South Pacific Ocean. There are two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, and nearly 900 smaller islands and inlets. Settled thousands of years ago by Austronesian peoples, Europeans made landfall in 1643 when Dutch explorer Abel Tasman “discovered” the islands. Over 100 […]
Yasawa Islands Travel Guide
The Yasawa Islands is an archipelago of 20 islands in the northwest Fiji that make up one of the most popular regions in the country — especially among budget travelers. With amazing diving, incredible beaches, scenic vistas, plentiful hiking, and amazing wildlife (including manta rays!), the Yasawas are a postcard-perfect destination for budget travelers in […]
The Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide
The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 islands off the central coast of Queensland, Australia. These incredibly stunning islands are one of the most popular destinations in the country. From backpackers on sailing trips to locals on their own boats to those staying at the luxury resorts that dot the islands, anyone who goes […]
The Perhentian Islands Travel Guide
The Perhentian Islands in Malaysia are hugely popular with snorkelers and divers, as the reefs and crystalline waters surrounding them are home to a wide variety of coral, sea turtles, sharks, and colorful fish. The Malay word Perhentian roughly translates to “stopping point” — an appropriate name considering most travelers who visit here end up […]
Bay of Islands Travel Guide
The Bay of Islands is one of the most popular destinations in all of New Zealand. Mile after mile of beach and rocky coastline surround the bay, which is dotted with 144 islands. It’s a hugely popular summer getaway destination for those around Auckland. The beauty of the Bay of Islands — and its countless […]
Gili Islands Travel Guide
Situated just off the coast of Lombok in Indonesia, the Gilis are a hugely popular island destination for those visiting Indonesia. While there are several Gili Islands (including Gili Asahan and Gili Gede, south of Lombok) we usually refer to three main islands when talking about the Gilis: Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan, […]
Vanuatu Travel Guide
The archipelago of Vanuatu is made up of 83 islands that offer fantastic tropical views, vivid landscapes, lush rainforests, world-class diving, lots of fish, and unforgettable Pacific hospitality. A lot of people visit Vanuatu when they are in New Zealand since the flight time is short and there are the most connections. Prices in Vanuatu […]
How to Backpack the Yasawa Islands
Updated: 03/14/19 | March 14th, 2019 The Yasawa Islands are a picturesque chain of islands in Fiji, full of small resorts and postcard-perfect beaches. There are 20 volcanic islands that make up the group, each one offering incredibly diving (I actually learned to dive here), snorkeling, and hiking. The Yasawa Islands were actually closed to […]
British Virgin Islands Travel Guide
The British Virgin Islands are a picture-perfect paradise. These idyllic islands are home to white-sand beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling, crystal-clear turquoise water, scenic hiking, lots of boating opportunities, and more cheap rum you can handle. However, life here is not just hammocks and piña coladas. From festivals and diving to scenic hiking trails and […]
Caribbean Travel Guide
The Caribbean is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It’s made up of over 5,000 islands, reefs, and cays, each with its own unique attractions and price ranges. Especially popular with North Americans fleeing the winter, the Caribbean is perfect for beach bums, honeymooners, and anyone looking to soak up the […]