As a travel writer specializing in tropical destinations, I've been lucky enough to have visited 30 islands around the world. Because of my extensive travels, people often ask me which islands I'd return to.
This isn't surprising, considering how many people plan to travel across the globe each year — in fact, 30% of Americans have international travel plans in 2024. However, it's not always easy to figure out which tropical destination is the best vacation spot for you.
Each island I've been to was idyllic and unique, but a few lingered in my salt-spray-tinged memories long after my tan faded. Here are the five islands I always recommend to other travelers.