How to choose your ideal tropical island? Part 1
In these articles, you will find comparisons between these islands according to travellers’ points of interests.
Honeymooners,romantic couples… don’t let your travel plans to be your nightmare! You decided to have a romantic holiday with your loved one at a tropical island.
This might be your honeymoon or a short escape from daily life. Everybody (yes everybody; included family members, best friends and even the office boy!) has an idea on your travel plans. Some of them try to convince you for their own dreams; some of them have stories about their own experiences.
Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Koh Samui, Phuket, Bali, Bora Bora! Lost in choices? Booking sites, pictures, hotels’ web sites.
Now you found the answer. Don’t forget, taking a decision will take your time. Be sure that read all the articles or watch all the videos. At the end, you will decide where to go without anyone’s opinion included mine.
Let’s make it step by step.
How long are you going to fly?
It is up to where you live. There are some main destinations around the world which are suit your expectations. It is better to study about geography first. Check a world map. Example: If you would like to stay at an over water bungalow you have two main choices. Maldives or Bora Bora. If you live in Europe, Africa or Asia continents you better choose Maldives. If you live in America, Australia continents Bora Bora is closer to you. Choosing a closer destination keeps your time on air and your money to flight tickets.
How to choose your ideal tropical island? Part 2
Concept of the destinations.
Every destination has its own concept and ambiance. You better choose the right one for yourself. Travelling is like taste of food. Everybody has their own choice. Don’t spend your time to listen or read someone else experience’s and advices.
Let’s be more specific on that step:
Maldives and Bora Bora: these are the destinations for relax. Also these two destinations are the almost only one for over water bungalows. So, if you do not expect culture, nightlife or shopping, on the other hand planning to stay at an over water accommodation experience, Maldives or Bora Bora will be your destination.
Of course you will have some activities on these islands. Diving, snorkelling, water sports, exotic massages are the main activities. But you will spend most of your times in your room. Tip: it is better to allocate more shares from your budget to your room type.
Don’t forget: these are the small group of islands. Most of the resorts located in only one island. Be ready to spend your holiday in a resort.
The other tropical islands such as Phuket, Koh Samui, Bali, Seychelles and Mauritius also have their own ambiances. These are bigger islands. And resorts are located in one big island. So you can go out from the resort and spend your time with locals.
If you want shopping, nightlife, Far Eastern culture and exotic food, Phuket, Koh Samui or Bali will be the right choices. While Phuket and Koh Samui are the islands of Thailand, Bali belongs to Indonesia. These two countries are the best tourist destinations in the Far East. Get rid of your prejudices. These islands have everything for all kind of travellers. Honeymooners, party lovers, culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, shopping addicts.
Seychelles and Mauritius are unique destinations with their amazing nature, short but interesting history, and mixed culture. Not only sea – sun – sand, they also have outdoor activities, places to visit and top quality touristic services.
How to choose your ideal tropical island? Part 3
Meal plans.
This is one of the important points for your decision. If you can’t choose right option, you can spend more money then you expected for food and beverages.
Maldives and Bora Bora:
Remember; each resort is located at one island. You will not have choice of dining out of the resort. Meal plan selection depends on people’s travel habits. Which of the following is your food habit on holiday?
Type 1: I am very selective of food and beverages. I would like to see the options on spot. I will choose and pay to the hotel directly.
You better book ROOM ONLY (RO)
Type 2: I wake up late. I would like to get breakfast but I will choose and pay the other meals and drinks to the hotel.
Book BED & BREAKFAST (BB)
Type 3: I wake up late. Get breakfast. Buffet dinner can be include the rate. I can pay for the lunch and drinks to the hotel.
Book HALF BOARD (HB; includes breakfast and dinner. Not beverages)
Type 4: I wake up early. I would like to have breakfast. Sports, swim etc before lunch. I would like to have full lunch. Spend my afternoon at the hotel. Buffet dinner is fine. I am not good with alcohol. I can pay for drinks on spot.
Book FULL BOARD (FB; includes breakfast, lunch and dinner Not beverages.)
Type 5: I eat, I drink, I don’t want to count extra bills.
Choose the ALL INCLUSIVE options. (AI)
Seychelles and Mauritius:
Bigger islands according to Maldives and Bora Bora. This mean there is life out of resorts. You better go out and have some tours around the islands. Many options are offered by the resorts and agencies. Most probably you will not at the resort during lunch times. Half board accommodations are suggested.
Bali, Phuket and Koh Samui:
Again big islands and there is a colourful life everywhere. You will find Far East culture and history, Buddhist temples, shopping options, outdoor activities, nightlife and so on. Breakfast at the hotel will be far enough. Try many different options out of the resorts.
How to choose your ideal tropical island? Part 4
If you read the details at the all articles, you already had some idea about things to do or can’t do.
Maldives and Bora Bora:
Enjoy the magnificent sea! These coral islands offer you best sea experiences. Crystal clear green blue waters, colourful undersea life, diving, snorkelling, water sports. Don’t forget to have massage. All resorts offer many choices of exotic massages. These places are for rest and peace.
These benefits come with some negative points. Do not expect visit cultural and historical sites. Also do not expect shopping or to go out and have fun at the local pub.
The Maldives is the Islamic Republic and topless sunbathing is prohibited in resorts. Also you cannot bring “”your own wine”” or pornographic materials to the country. But do not worry, you can find any kind of alcoholic beverages at the resorts.
Mauritius and Seychelles:
Their unique rock formations and spectacular beaches are some of the reasons you should visit these islands. Due to their location, the islands have hosted different colonies in their history and have different cultures. This situation offers their guests many outdoor activities and sites to visit.
You can find some shopping options but nightlife is rarely found.
Bali, Phuket and Koh Samui:
Here are the islands full of all choices for any kind of expectations. Stunning beaches, reach Far East culture, long and interesting history, Buddhist Temples, every kind of food options, nightlife, wildlife, water and outdoor activities.
Learn and respect Buddhist traditions, stay away from drugs which are very easy to reach. Drugs are illegal, as in many countries, but the legal consequences are worse than others.
As you read main points about these islands, I hope this article would help you to choose your ideal one between them. If you have already selected one, read more detailed articles for each destination.