Tropical islands where to spend your next holidays?

From Aruba to Barbados, there are countless tropical islands where you can escape on your next holiday to forget reality for a while. Choosing which one suits you best will depend on what it is that you feel you want to experience when on holiday, be it a luxury break, or a retreat into nature, and also how far you’re willing to go. With too many to pick from, these are a few of the most well known. 

Aruba

Aruba is a small island that sits around 15 miles off of the coast of Venezuela, with a population of approximately 100,000 inhabitants. Despite its size, this is a destination where you’ll be able to find every cuisine imaginable, from sushi to tacos, and there’s no need to buy bottled water either. Moreover, as a large majority of its tourism hails from America, menus will be in English. The high season falls between mid-December and mid-April, nonetheless, you’ll find warm weather year-round. Average day-time temperatures tend to sit at about 28°C, so this is something to bear in mind if you want to avoid crowds. It’s also fortunately located outside of the hurricane belt, so tropical storms shouldn’t be of any concern, though expect to find rain between the months of October and January. Alongside the numerous places to visit, recommended by travelfree.info, don’t miss out on the chance to take a UTV or bus tour around the desert terrain, if you’re feeling adventurous. 

The San Blas Islands

The San Blas Islands are a protected natural beauty that will give you a more outdoorsy, intimate experience with the local nature, situated northwest of Panama. This type of holiday is not for creatures of comfort: you’re not likely to find internet access here, and you won’t be able to pay by card either, with US dollars being the only currency that is accepted as a form of payment. As far as accommodation goes, you’ll get to stay in eco-friendly thatched huts, though with no heated water for showers. Sailing between the islands, which are under full control of the native Kuna’s, is an opportunity to explore picturesque landscapes, shielded from overtourism, and try local food like freshly caught red snapper. Remember to do your research on the best time of year to visit, as well as the local laws, which include it being forbidden to catch your own fish or collect coconuts, to avoid any cultural faux pas and hefty fines. 

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia, located in the Caribbean Sea, is an island that has something for everyone. Whilst the north is harder to reach after arriving at the airport, it’s become a popular location for tourists to stay whilst holidaying there. During your time on the island, you can explore Rodney Bay, local beaches and go snorkelling, swimming or even kayaking. Afterwards, if you have the energy for some more sightseeing, you can head out on a hike to see some of the many waterfalls around the island. For those after a more relaxed island break, take advantage of the Sulphur Springs and treat yourself to a mud bath. The island, as a culinary hotspot, is also perfect for foodies. You’ll be spoiled for choice, with top-notch Lucian cuisine, and beyond so that you can really indulge. If a less crowded, and more reasonably priced holiday in Saint Lucia is something you’re after, April to June is the time of year to aim for, though be prepared for the rainy season which begins in June and lasts until December. 

Fiji

In Fiji, you’ll have the advantage of soaking up the sun and learning about a new culture on a more secluded tropical island. Bear in mind that this can bring additional expenses with it. Holidaymakers on a budget should factor in both the cost of getting to Fiji, as well as the additional amount you’ll spend on travelling by boat when exploring some of the islands. To cut costs, you could opt for a package deal or even look into backpacker hostels, if sharing a dorm isn’t an issue for you. The best time of the year to make the most of your time in Fiji is generally the peak season, from July to September, though temperatures are always relatively warm, averaging at 26°C. If you’d prefer the low season to avoid higher prices, remember that November through to April is the time of year that runs the risk of tropical storms. For cultural expeditions to local villages, ensure you do your research on the traditions and ceremonies or book a tour with an ethical tour operator that can help guide you through the experience. 

Barbados

With over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, Barbados promises warm temperatures across the year, though its dry season lasts from January to June. As a cosmopolitan country, accommodation won’t be lacking when booking your stay, with options ranging from guest houses, to rentals, to hotels, depending on your budget. There are a variety of places to visit, including the country’s 7 wonders, which you can discover on your own, or you can book a tour to get to know some of the locals and support the local tourism industry. In terms of day-time activities, you can try your hand at surfing, or if that sounds a little daunting, a submarine tour is a great alternative, or perhaps just a day of sunbathing at one of the many beaches. In the evening, check out Barbados’ nightlife and make your way to one of the lively bars to unwind. 

Whichever tropical island you choose for your next holiday, the sheer variety of destinations means that there’s something to explore for everyone. If remote working and island-hopping are what interests you, check out this blog post to learn more about the numerous online teaching companies that can facilitate that dream. Ultimately, ensuring you have the best experience possible on your tropical holiday will come down to doing your research, planning in advance and remembering, above all, to relax.