Top 5 Pacific Islands You Should Visit This Year


Landing on a Pacific beach feels a lot like stepping onto a postcard. The Pacific has the most picture-perfect natural scenes as well as urban landscapes that rival with the biggest metropolises on Earth. Yet, many postpone their visit, due to the costly airfare or the headaches of the long flights (and layovers).

Yesterday, we said we would realize our travel dreams, this year. Next fall would be a great time to explore the Pacific and its scenic tropical islands. To help you navigate that fantastic part of the world, here are 5 places other than Australia you should travel to, at least once in your life.

1. Tahiti

If you want to escape your urban life, Tahiti will offer you all the seclusion and peace of mind you’ll need. This beautiful Pacific island has more under its belt than its sandy shoreline and turquoise waters. It offers a diverse inland geography begging to be explored. The most adventurous will love to take on its mountains and valleys.

Tahiti is also a rich tropical culture that has given the world the ‘ote’a – the hip-shaking dance with grass skirt often confused with the Hawaiian hula. And as part of the French overseas territories, you can bet on finding the most succulent French cuisine you can get on the cheap.

2. Bora Bora

Like Tahiti, Bora Bora is another part of France lost in the Pacific. This exotic island is well known of newly-weds and luxury travelers who come to stroll its beach shores. Its luxuriant jungles, overlooked by volcanoes, are equally fantastic places to wander through. But Bora Bora’s main attraction is its picturesque lagoon. It homes its famous bungalows on stilts that seat over its crystal-clear waters. The lagoon also hosts fun aquatic activities, including underwater exploration of its rich marine wildlife.

3. Fiji

Fiji is a large archipelago of more than 300 islands and twice as much islets travelers discover all year round. Their white sandy beaches offers scenes out of this world. But the main tourist attraction is definitely the abundant coral reefs, making scuba diving, the activity you must try.

Other than the aquatic adventurers, Fiji attracts honeymooners and nature lovers. There are botanical gardens and national parks to explore, and its welcoming culture is one you will want to discover throughout. Fiji people are the most happy in the world, and their constant good mood rubs onto visitors.

4. Palau

Palau is the gem of the Pacific. This “water wonderland” is one of the top ecotourism destination to visit in 2015. They have outdone themselves to preserve the natural beauty of their undersea world. And they are planting even more trees to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Palau’s pristine waters, beaches and waterfalls make it a dream destination for snorkeling, wading, or just watching dolphins.

5. The Great Barrier Reef Islands

Yes, we said “other than Australia” but the Great Barrier Reef is more than a tourist destination in the Pacific. Its reef systems and islands are part of a world heritage that everyone must see at least once before they die. Its expansion and biodiversity make it an outstanding underwater marvel that never cease to impress visitors.

The islands will host your vacation in the most breathtaking natural setting there is. Relax on its beaches, enjoy all sorts of aquatic activities, or launch your own expeditions into the Great Blue. No surprise that sailing the Whitsundays Islands is among the top 10 once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences world travelers want to have.