How to Get to the World’s Best Islands (Ranked by Travel + Leisure)

Ah, Bali. This dream escape is hard to get to from the States, but I can personally attest that it's worth the trip. From secret surf spots to weaving rice paddies, there's no shortage of exotic activities on this Indonesian island.

How to Get There: G Adventures' Classic Bali Tour, from Sanur to Candidasa, 8 days, $999.

"This well-packed adventure offers up the perfect blend of the island’s highlights and free time to get off the beaten path—where the people on the beach are just as likely to be fishermen as other travelers. With its excellent food, artists, and an island steeped in culture, Bali is truly an unforgettable experience."

Nicknamed the Garden of Isle, Kauai is the second Hawaiian island to make Travel + Leisure's list. From waterfalls to volcanic craters, Kauai is smaller and less-visited than most of the other islands in the archipelago.

How to Get There: Intrepid Travel's Hawaii Discover Tour, from Honolulu to Lahaina, 11 days, $3,164.

"Hawaii is a tropical paradise and this island-hopping tour takes in the best that the area has to offer. Kick back on the beach at Honolulu and soak up the sun, and then jet over to Kauai and exploring the Na Pali Coast, the Wailua River and Waimea Canyon. This island tour takes in Kailua-Kona where you can swim in Kua Bay or trek up Mauna Kea, and on The Big Island you can check out Kilauea, an active volcano, and walk around the largest in the world, Mauna Loa. Enjoy some leisure time on the beach in Maui and relax into the truly Hawaiian way of life with a barbecue on the beach."

South Carolina is having a moment. Charleston was ranked the best city in the world in Travel + Leisure's "The World's Best Cities" category, and the state's islands are quickly growing in popularity for out-of-towners. Hilton Head in particular is quieter and more relaxed than other S.C. destinations, and is well-known for its fishing, beaches, food, history, and golf courses.

How to Get There:  Contact the Hilton Head Island Visitor and Convention Bureau for information on itineraries or to book a group tour.

"From heritage tours and shopping extravaganzas to nationally televised sporting events, Hilton Head Island is the perfect resort destination for your next gathering. We welcome group tours with a wide array of rewarding tour itineraries, exciting group activities, and delightful dining and entertainment options. Choose from themed and niche itineraries based on your group’s interests and length of visit, or we can customize an itinerary to your exact requirements from a full menu of South Carolina adventures and activities, hosted by some of the leading tour operators and venues in the Lowcountry."

Maui appears on this list year after year, and for good reason. From the golf courses, resorts, beaches, and natural attractions, there's plenty to do (or not do, in favor of relaxation) on this Hawaiian island.

 How to Get There: Intrepid Travel's Hawaii Discover Tour, from Honolulu to Lahaina, 11 days, $3,164.

"Hawaii is a tropical paradise and this island-hopping tour takes in the best that the area has to offer. Kick back on the beach at Honolulu and soak up the sun, and then jet over to Kauai and exploring the Na Pali Coast, the Wailua River and Waimea Canyon. This island tour takes in Kailua-Kona where you can swim in Kua Bay or trek up Mauna Kea, and on The Big Island you can check out Kilauea, an active volcano, and walk around the largest in the world, Mauna Loa. Enjoy some leisure time on the beach in Maui and relax into the truly Hawaiian way of life with a barbecue on the beach."

Cebu is the busiest sea port in this Southeast Asian country, and is home to historical landmarks, adventure activities, natural wonders, and bustling markets. Its dirt cheap prices attract frugal travelers too, offering up fun activities at low costs.

How to Get There: G Adventures' Islands of the Philippines on a Shoestring Tour, from Manila to Manila, 8 days, $1399.

"For travelers looking for a strange and beautiful adventure, this unique eight-day island-hopping trek through the Philippines will show you the best of the country’s nature, beaches, and cultural life. Roam Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills (not suitable for consumption), dive with massive whale sharks in the clearest of clear blue waters, roam through exotic Manila and historic Cebu, and chill out in mystic, laid-back Siquijor. From interacting with local communities to lots of free time built in, this trip is both meaningful and liberating. So go on and feel free."

If you follow even one travel-related Instagram account, you've likely seen the white-washed churches atop Santorini's hills that overlook amazing sunsets. On many traveler's bucket-list, Santorini is best visited by boat.

How to Get There: G Adventures' Sailing Greece Tour, from Santorini to Mykonos, 8 days, $1599.

"Relax on white-sand beaches, swim in brilliant turquoise waters, try your hand at sailing (or just relax on the deck), wander through whitewashed villages, taste traditional Greek food and wine. Sail for eight days aboard our 52 feet yachts, with time for hiking, snorkeling and relaxing. Explore ancient archaeological sites and taverna-lined harbors."

Only a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is known as the "Island of Wine and Adventure." Home to vineyards, restaurants, and adventure activities like zip lining and mountain biking, you must visit if you're planning a trip to New Zealand's North Island.

How to Get There: Fullers offers full and half day tours of the island, like Waiheke Zip, Wine, and Dine (full day tour, $259) or Taste of Waiheke Tour (half day tour, $140).

"A great way to make the most of a day trip is to combine your ferry ticket with one of our great value island tours – there’s a tour to suit everyone. For the more adventurous, other activities on the island include zip lining, ocean kayaking and mountain biking. Waiheke Island’s micro-climate is perfectly suited to wine making, with over 30 vineyards on the island, many with restaurants and cafes. If wine isn't quite your thing, there’s plenty of natural beauty to explore, with scenic walking tracks and beaches minutes away from arriving at Matiatia Wharf."

All of the islands in the Bay of Naples are incredible, but Ischia is by far the best. I had the privilege of traveling to Ischia about five years ago, and it's still one of my favorite places in the world. From natural beauty to picturesque pastel buildings and thermal spas that rival those of more famous Italian islands, every traveler should experience Ischia.

How to Get There: Intrepid Travel's Sail Italy Tour, from Procida to Amalfi, 4 days, $770.  

"Set sail across the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean on an Amalfi Coast Sailing adventure. Cast off from the oldest island in the Bay of Naples, Procida, which has featured in a number of films thanks to its pastel-colored houses and quaint, atmospheric streets. Explore the medieval fortress Castello Aragonese near the vibrant island of Ischia and bathe in ocean hot springs. View original artifacts from Pompeii at the Archeological Museum in Naples before roaming through the 2,000-year-old city itself, and end the adventure on a high – on a cliff top in Amalfi, gazing out across the azure seas and bright blue skies."

Boracay is home to some of the whitest beaches in the world, as well as one of Travel + Leisure's Top Resort Hotels in Southeast Asia: Shangri-La's Boracay Resort. If the tree-house villa and sprawling ocean views don't do it for you, then I don’t know what will.

How to Get There: G Adventures' Philippines-Manila to Boracay on a Shoestring Tour, from Mnaila to Boracay Island, 10 days, $1299.

"These ten days in the gorgeous northern half of the Philippines will stay with you forever. Meander down the streets of Manila, trek through remote villages to see stunningly green rice terraces, learn about unusual and historic traditions like the hanging coffins of Sagada, and then wrap it all up by blissing out on the tiny beach paradise of Boracay Island, which may honestly have some of the best beaches you’ve ever seen. We swear."

Palawan first topped this list in 2013 and has since had a tourism boom, especially as Thailand is becoming overrun by tourists. Its limestone caverns, five-mile underground river, and turquoise waters are perfect for snorkeling, and make Palawan truly unlike any other place on Earth.

How to Get There: G Adventures' Southern Philippines Palawan Adventure Tour, from Manila to Manila, 9 days, $1599.

"It would take several lifetimes to explore the 6,000-plus islands that make up the Philippine Archipelago, but since you’ve only got one to spare, spend it in the South. A haven for sunbathers and spelunkers alike, the Southern Philippines are a thrill to discover – both above ground and under. Blessed with miles of pristine, uncrowded beaches, intriguing caves, and the two-tiered Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, the Palawan province is perfect for travelers eager to try their hand at a variety of experiences in an underexplored part of Southeast Asia."