‘A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland': A Londoner Out of His Element
'Literature is made out of the misfortunes of others,' literary critic V.S. Pritchett once noted. 'A large number of travel books fail simply because of the intolerable, monotonous good luck of their authors.'
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Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
These are the top 10 islands to visit, says Expedia
If you're dreaming of escaping to a gorgeous island with beaches and sunshine, you're not alone. Global interest by travelers for island vacations are up on average by 30% this year, according to Expedia's first-ever Island Hot List 2025. The list, which was released Tuesday, ranks the world's best islands to vacation at based on Expedia data and traveler reviews, plus weighing factors like accessibility, safety, sustainability and weather. "Powered by real traveler data, the Expedia Island Hot List gives travelers the inspiration they need to plan a smarter island escape,' Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations, said in a news release. 'Island adventurers want standout stays, affordable prices and seamless flight access." Travelers can find deals for their tropical vacation by visiting during the shoulder season, with the chance to save up to 50% on average for accommodations. A visit to Sardinia in September is 35% cheaper than in August, according to a travel platform. Here are the top 10 islands, according to Expedia. No passport, no problem: 5 US towns that feel like Europe Best for year-round sunshine: Aruba Aruba's reputation as one of the sunniest destinations in the Caribbean makes it the perfect choice for travelers seeking to maximize their beach time during their trip. It doesn't hurt that its Eagle Beach, renowned for its soft sand and turquoise waters, has consistently ranked on Tripadvisor's annual best beaches. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for relaxation: Bali, Indonesia Yogis and surfers have long been going to Bali, known for being a deeply rooted spiritual place with stunning natural beauty, so it makes sense that the Indonesian island was named the best for relaxation by Expedia. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for adventure: Dominican Republic Yes, there are beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic, but the Caribbean island is also an ideal destination for travelers looking to partake in water sports, hikes, ATVs, ziplines and more. With its many all-inclusive properties, travelers can also make the most of their budget. ▶ Best time to visit: April Best for community: Fiji Fiji is one of those bucket list destinations, offering travelers a balance of adventure and relaxation, with surfing, diving and pristine beaches to enjoy. The island country is working toward regenerative tourism with community-based and conservation initiatives, according to Expedia. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for culture: Jamaica Jamaica has stunning beaches, but also a vibrant culture of reggae music, rum, cuisine and more. For those eager to explore the outdoors, travelers can swim in the waterfalls of the Blue Mountains before relaxing on the paradisiacal Seven Mile Beach. ▶ Best time to visit: December Best for affordable luxury: Koh Samui, Thailand While the latest season of HBO's hit show "White Lotus" put Thailand at the top of everyone's bucket list, the destination is underrated for affordable luxury. Koh Samui is known as Thailand's rising wellness capital, with a focus on yoga, spirituality and detoxes, according to Expedia. ▶ Best time to visit: March Best for romance: Maldives Over the last 50 years, the Maldives has risen as a haven for those seeking out a quiet getaway. Its many resorts make travelers feel as if they're on a private island away from the rest of civilization. That is, without giving up luxury, like the famous overwater bungalows, this destination is known for. ▶ Best time to visit: May Best for surfing: Oahu, Hawaii Hawaii is often credited as the birthplace of modern surfing, with Oahu beckoning surfers of all skill levels from around the world. However, this is just one way travelers can engage with Hawaiian culture, as the islands focus on responsible tourism initiatives, such as volunteering. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for nightlife: Paros, Greece While Mykonos and Santorini may be the more famous Greek islands for travelers, Paros is emerging for those seeking out luxury and nightlife with fewer crowds. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for foodies: Sardinia, Italy As a Blue Zone, Sardinia is the destination for travelers seeking luxury with a splash of wellness. Fresh, delicious cuisine, combined with the stunning Italian coastline, has earned this island a spot on the list. ▶ Best time to visit: September This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dreaming of island life? Expedia reveals 2025's hottest picks
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Under-the-radar Island Near Turks and Caicos Has Glow Worms, Turquoise Waters, and No Crowds
Several of the islands within the Turks and Caicos archipelago have that rare combination of being easy to get to—Providenciales International Airport (PLS) offers direct flights from many major U.S. cities—while simultaneously feeling a world away from work emails, other travelers, and any of life's everyday stressors. They also boast some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, with Provo's Grace Bay often taking the top spot as the best of the best. One look at the clear blue waters of Grace Bay may tempt you to plan a trip, but there's a neighboring island that has similar beaches—possibly even better ones, depending on who you ask—but without any of the crowds that form from the main island's roster of resorts and other services catering to tourists. It's also the perfect jumping-off point for witnessing an almost supernatural light show from glow worms, also known as Bermuda fireworms or Odontosyllis enopla , which illuminate a green light during the mating cycle. The 800-acre private island of Pine Cay is just a 20-minute boat ride from Providenciales, and it's home to the eponymous luxury resort, Pine Cay. 'Socially distanced by design, we have 3 miles of privately owned beach to be shared among 30 privileged guests. There are no inhabitants other than our guests,' general manager Christian Langlade tells Travel + Leisure. Yes, you may spot a few fellow travelers on the beach, but everyone has their own dedicated beach chair and tiki hut setup—and you're encouraged to roam the island at your leisure, snorkeling directly off the pristine coast, casting for bonefish, or venturing out to a nearby sandbar. In fact, the only time you may run into other guests, outside of meals, is when everyone sets off on a cruise to see the glow worms in action. 'The glow worms happen every month during the three days after a full moon phase,' explains Langlade. 'We have an organized excursion with a private boat that takes our guests to the most prolific area where the bioluminescent creatures transform dark shallow waters into otherworldly landscapes. This typically happens on the other side of the island, known as 'the flats.'' Although it's certainly visually impressive, it's also rooted in science. 'Spawning females swim in slow circles secreting a bright bluish-green luminous mucus while releasing gametes. Males swim rapidly toward glowing females while emitting short flashes of light in advance of releasing their own gametes,' states a 2018 study published in the PLOS journal by several scientists associated with the American Museum of Natural History. Even if your visit doesn't align with the incredible glow worm light display, there are still several reasons to have Pine Cay on your vacation shortlist. 'December to April offers excellent visibility, flat water, and the opportunity to see migrating humpback whales,' says Langlade, noting that his favorite time is May to August, 'when waters warm up to a perfect temperature and proud mothers introduce their baby bottlenose dolphins.'
Vogue
3 days ago
- Vogue
The Best Beaches in Puerto Rico Still Feel Like a Secret
It's hard not to speak in clichés when describing Puerto Rico. After all, this is a landscape where white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush jungles are kind of the thing. But if those descriptors do in fact appeal to your interests, it might be time to book a vacation to visit this Caribbean coastline. While there are countless destinations and activities to fill your travel itinerary with (from dancing at La Factoria to hiking in El Yunque National Forest), nothing quite compares to the best beaches in Puerto Rico. In addition to the mainland, Puerto Rico is also made up of several smaller islands, including Vieques and Culebra (you'll soon learn some of the most pristine hidden beaches can be discovered in those last two locales). If you're a snorkeler, prepare to spend hours in shallow waters as sea turtles and schools of colorful fish swim around you. For the surfers in the group, head for wave havens like Rincón and Aguadilla. Or, if you're more of a sunbathe and read kind of beachgoer, rest assured Puerto Rico's remote stretches of sand will keep you blissfully distracted from your life obligations for the duration of your tropical getaway. With no need for a passport and toasty temperatures all year round, the best beaches in Puerto Rico await. Continue ahead for 11 sun-drenched spots worthy of a visit. Tortuga Best For: Swimming With Sea Turtles
