14 Mar Five Fantastic Island Getaways
Type the words “island escape” in your Google search, and you’re hit with over 1.2 million entries. Not surprising. But try the same for “island culture” or “island adventure” and that number is slashed in half. My hypothesis is that we associate travel to the islands with radical ejection from our own worlds: Island vacations are equivalent to pulling the escape latch on the crashing planes of our hectic lives. Often times, there’s little regard for the fantastic adventure that we can experience with total immersion into a new culture and environment. We love the idea of feeling completely swept away. But utter removal from our own culture can also mean steeping ourselves in a new one, and that type of adventure is simply unforgettable. Rest assured, on all of these journeys, there’s time to find your languid lounging too, maybe even with a sundowner in hand.
Bali
© Backroads/Robert Houser
Bali by bike is the way to go if you’re interested in taking in as much as possible in a short amount of time, and want to remain outdoors for the entire journey. On this Backroads journey, you’ll meander through unforgettable scenes of verdant rice paddy terraces and vibrant temples, stop at sights for snorkeling with the parrotfish, and immerse yourself in Balinese culture. You are led behind the scenes with a friend and local guide, Wayan Narta, who will teach you about this culture rich with spirituality and mythology, and introduce you to local artists in their studios. You also visit Tenganan, known for its beautiful textiles. You have the chance to prepare classic mie goreng in a private cooking class, and of course there’s time for relaxing on tropical beachside retreats and getting massages, too.
Learn more: http://www.backroads.com/trips/BBLI/bali-biking-tour
Cuba
© Adam Vaught
A trip to Cuba is a special treat thanks to the coveted people-to-people license that GeoEx holds. Trip plans are crafted by GeoEx’s Adam Vaught who was recently named Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialist for Cuba. Knowledgeable local guides take guests to view a wealth of contrasts on this island nation at the doorstep of change: classic Chevys honking at bicycle rickshaws and people smoking cigars on the steps of their dilapidated homes near newly renovated hotels. The countryside captivates as well: This is where you meet the most warmhearted, resilient people eager to share their stories and opinions with American travelers. Throughout the trip, you dine in some of the best paladares, or privately run restaurants, in the country. You have a chance to converse with artists, architects and chefs. You even have the pleasure of an open discussion with Carlos Alzugaray, Cuba’s former ambassador to the European Union.
Learn more: http://www.geoex.com/destinations/cuba/custom-travel
Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands
© Michael Nolan
While there’s no chance for sandy beaches on this Lindblad Expeditions polar adventure, there’s true promise for majestically spectacular wildness and unimaginable numbers of animals (penguins, albatross and elephant seals to name a few). That’s not to say there’s no time to relax. While this island-hopping expedition provides a host of activities led by naturalists, as well as some great opportunities to learn from a National Geographic photo expert, there is also plenty of time for relaxing moments aboard the medium-sized ship, the Explorer. The panoramic windows afford you the live viewing pleasure of passing galactic glaciers, while you stay cozy inside with a massage, or long, delicious meals and social time with neighboring guests.
Learn more: https://www.expeditions.com/destinations/antarctica/antarctica-south-georgia-falklands/
Samoa and Easter Island
© GibasDigiPhoto
The idea of Polynesia spans hundreds of islands, roughly the size of Europe, so it’s no easy feat to choose which to see on any particular trip. But the landscapes are calling: turquoise waters, coral reefs, lush volcanoes, beautiful beaches. This Off the Beaten Path trip to Independent Samoa promises canoeing through mangroves, hiking a lush rainforest for breathtaking waterfalls, and snorkeling reefs teeming with tropical fish. You are privy to cultural insights and experiences like the traditional fire-knife dance and an opportunity to stay overnight as a village guest to learn traditional arts. The portion of the trip on Easter Island teaches travelers the mysterious history of Rapa Nui, with a prominent archaeologist explaining the story of its isolation and the myth of the 887 moai figures, poignant proof of this island’s claim to having “one of the largest bodies of archeological sites in the Pacific.”
Learn more: http://www.offthebeatenpath.com/territories/south-pacific/private-custom-journeys/polynesia/
The Galápagos
© Justin Bailie
Imagine days spent snorkeling, beachcombing and island-hopping by catamaran to get to know the natural habitat of the Galápagos. On this O.A.R.S. journey, you travel with a professional sea kayaking guide and naturalists who teach you about the abundant wildlife of Darwin’s enchanted archipelago. You start with a day in mainland Ecuador hiking and exploring before boarding your floating home, the S/V Nemo (with a maximum of 12 people in a group). Island highlights include a visit to Santa Cruz Island, the prominent egg-laying site for the Pacific green sea turtle, and the chance to behold vast colonies of sea lions as well as blue-footed boobies, pelicans, egrets and marine iguanas. For the amateur ornithologist in you, there are too many birds to mention, and there’s the opportunity to snorkel with gentle reef sharks and swim with sea lions, too. It’s enough to get the kids on board.
Learn more: http://www.oars.com/galapagos/galapagosseakayak.html
Homepage and cover image © IakovKalinin.
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