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Written by Kavya Chandrasekharan on October 20, 2017 Share on

Top 8 tropical island vacation destinations

Looking for a tropical island vacation? Whether you’re an adventure-seeker looking to trek in the mountains and swim with the sharks, or you’re looking for a place where you can just unwind and relax near the beach on a Caribbean islandEscape the monotony of life and raise a cheer to the traveler in you. Read about the top 8 tropical vacation destinations, and get your passports stamped right awayHit the beaches, lie in the sun, and party all night!

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#1 Fiji

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Beaches. Adventure. Culture. Amazing food. Fiji is that one-stop destination for those who want it all.

This island is a must-visit for world-class snorkeling experiences, as it houses one of the world’s richest corals! And with a whopping 333 islands, it also makes for one of the most memorable scuba diving experiences in the world. The south pacific region is also doted to have few of the best spas in the world. Best for unwinding and relaxing!

Other must-visits are the Bouma National Heritage Park, with beautiful waterfalls, and also the Yasawa Islands for the best cliff-hiking experience in the world! The local open markets are great for someone looking to pick up a souvenir or two.

Best time to go: July – September

Visa: On arrival, for a maximum of 30 days.

#2 Haiti

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Haiti is probably a very unique travel destination by itself.

It’s in the Caribbean and has its own share of beaches and adventure and a rich culture paired with diverse landscapes which truly makes it worth taking the off-beaten path!

Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital city, is located near the Gulf of Gonâve. The points of interest here are the Musée de Pantheon, Place des Héros, and the Central Square. Inside the Musée National is a collection of historical relics such as the suicide pistol used by King Henri Christophe, and an anchor retrieved from Christopher Columbus’ voyage ship Santa Maria.

Nature lovers are advised to head to the southern peninsula’s mountains and waterfalls. Some highlights include Bassin Bleu, a waterfall with deep swimming pools;  Pic de Macaya, a high mountain populated by rare flowers and bird; Étang Saumâtre, a blue saltwater lake is known all over the world for housing more than 100 species of waterfowl and other birds.

Best time to go: November through March

Visa: A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days.

#3 Seychelles

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`Ever dreamt of sitting under the sun on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world? Well, then Seychelles is the place that one needs to go!

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Just over a mile southwest of Praslin, lies the Nature Seychelles reserve. The bird population here exceeds 300,000 on an island that is less than a mile! One can discover the flora and fauna of the tropical island as they walk through the thick forest covers. Vallee de Mai – a national park and world heritage site, is home to a stunning number of flora and fauna species, as well as the world’s largest seed, the Coco de Mer (Or the Love Nut!) This is one of two places in the world where the seed can be found. Located in the Morne Seychelles National Park, a great and challenging hike through tea plantations and dense forest-like covers all the way to a panoramic view spot on the top of the island!

Best time to go: April-May

Visa: Obtained on arrival, for a maximum of 30 days.

Also read: 12 places to visit in Seychelles

#4 Bora Bora

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A dream destination for most, Bora Bora is a gem of an island in the South Pacific ocean!

One can take a walk down the famous Matira Beach. Apart from the fact that it is beautiful, It is the only beach that is open with easy access to the public!

Mount Otemanu is one of the main volcanoes in the area. Visit there and feel the warmth of the surroundings! The best place has to be the breathtaking Coral Gardens. One has to get to the southern end of the islands and witness amazing corals and fish.

Last but not least, one can only get the most exciting view of Bora Bora by para-sailing!

Best time to go: November-April

Visa: Visa free for Indians

#5 Sri Lanka

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Though Sri Lanka may look like a small island, it has a lot more to offer than what one might think! The jewel-shaped island nation is truly a tropical paradise.

Anuradhapura and Sigiriya are two towns that have ancient historical ruins, and Galle is a beautiful old Dutch fort town. Kandy is the place to visit for fun-filled with hiking treks, Temple of Sacred Tooth, and a beautiful butterfly garden. The town of Tissa is the entrance to the Yala National Park, which is famous for its elephants and leopards!

Also read: 10 offbeat things to do in Sri Lanka that will make you fall in love with the country

Best time to go: May-September

Visa: Online Visa is required for Indians

#6 Hawaii

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Hawaii is a beautiful American archipelago, and one of the most preferred tropical tourist destinations in the world.

From surfing on Oahu island beach to the volcanic wonders of Maui, and the Lunar gardens on Lanai, Hawaii proves to be perfect for the great tropical escape. There are beautiful beaches, breathtaking jungles, mesmerizing waterfalls and much more. Climb through old lava tubes, and watch the lava ooze into the ocean.

It is a great destination for people of all age groups!

Best time to go: December-March

Visa: Visa is required as Hawaii is a part of the US. Get an on-spot US visa after an interview at your nearest Consulate!

#7 Cook Islands

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The Cook Islands appeal to all travelers alike, looking for a tropical getaway.

Located in the South Pacific Ocean between French Polynesia and Samoa — these 15 small islands are perhaps one of the Pacific Ocean’s best-kept secrets.

The Southern Group of Islands includes Palmerston, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, Rarotonga, Mangaia and a few more. Rarotonga and Aitutaki are two of the easiest islands to access. Atiu is known for its amazing limestone caves and diving locations and, like Mangaia.

Whilst at Aitutaki, it is highly recommended that one takes the lagoon tour, enjoy a magnificent view and also for a stop at the One-Foot island!

Best time to go: June-August

Visa: Not required for a stay of up to 31 days, for tourist and business purposes.

#8 Phuket

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Phuket has lots of attractions to offer, but most visitors only go to see the James Bond island and the beaches. Once closely explored, it might be one of the best tropical escapes in the world!

The Phra Phuttha Mingmongkhon Akenakkhiri (45m tall Buddha statue) is one of Phuket’s biggest landmarks. On the way to the Big Buddha, you will pass many viewpoints, like a great view at the Karon Beach or at the Chalong Bay.

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The Promthep Cape or Laem Promthep forms the southernmost tip of Phuket is a very famous tourist spot. The viewpoint is the most beautiful at sunset! Also, the Naka Weekend Market is one of the biggest of its kind in Phuket and takes place every Saturday and Sunday. The market has so much to offer and if one loves shopping, that’s the place to be. Not to forget the amazing food it offers!

Best time to go: November-February

Visa: The Thailand Tourist Visa allows tourists to stay for up to 60 days.

Also read: The perfect 4-day itinerary for a family vacation to Phuket

There is a multitude of amazing tropical destinations in the world, and it would perhaps take forever to visit them all. However, we recommend these places mentioned above to be a good start! What are your favorites?

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