Perfect for a honeymoon, an anniversary, baby moon or family getaway, tropical vacations are the ultimate once in a lifetime trips. The exotic locations of tropical islands make them feel adventurous and special, while temperate climates and beautiful beaches make your stay luxuriously relaxing. 

An island getaway has something for everyone, whether you are looking for exploration, new experiences, peaceful relaxation or immersive cultural experiences. Here the best tropical destinations for your once in a lifetime trip.

The island republic of Fiji is one of the most idyllic tropical getaways imaginable. Made up of 333 islands in the South Sea, Fiji offers crystal-clear waters and bright white beaches, perfectly shaded by lush palm trees. The most popular locations in Fiji are the Mamanuca Islands, for stunning beaches, and the Yasawa Islands, for a taste of the rich island culture. The untouched beauty of Fiji’s islands is so perfect, they were used as the filming location for Tom Hanks’ castaway. There is something for everyone in Fiji, with plenty of island chains to choose from featuring snorkeling, diving, sailing, whale watching, luxury accommodations, simple pleasures and anything in between. Like most tropical islands, there is a season for less than ideal weather, so try to avoid visiting November through January to steer clear of cyclone season.

The quintessential island paradise, Bora Bora is a bucket list destination like no other. Bora Bora is the most popular destination in Tahiti, with pristine beaches, calm blue lagoons and an intimate, secluded atmosphere. Known for its private bungalows built out over the water, the island has all the upscale amenities you could ask for. 

Tahiti may lie on the expensive side for accommodations and travel, but the luxurious options are unmatched. Private chefs will cook you dinner in your glass-bottomed villa over the water. You can book a dinner reservation at an underwater restaurant to eat with the sharks and fish. Chartering yachts, shark diving and private trips to outlying islands are just some of the options for an amazing vacation in Bora Bora. If you go, the weather is pleasant all year round, although May to October sees cooler temperatures.

Hawaii is made up of 137 islands, with 8 major islands being the most inhabited and well traveled. The island of Maui brings the exotic beauty of Hawaii away from the crowds of the Big Island and Oahu, while keeping all of the amenities you could think of. Famous for its differently colored sand beaches, visit the black sand beach made of eroded volcanic material, or the red sand beach made from volcanic cinder cliffs. 

Maui is the perfect place for an active tropical vacation, with world-class surfing, calm stand up paddle boarding, hikes through volcanic craters, and treks to jungle waterfalls, there is every opportunity to get out and explore. The luxury accommodations rival the Big Island, so plan to make your home at one of Maui’s beautiful resorts. 

There are so many amazing places to visit in Thailand, that any trip to the country has to include multiple destinations around the whopping 1430 islands. For a home base that is close to everything, and offers the classic Thailand experience, choose the Phi Phi Islands such as Ko Phi Phi Don or Ko Phi Phi Leh. Day cruises will take you in and around through the popular destinations such as Phuket and Phang Nga Bay. 

Accommodations range from budget to luxury, and there is truly something for everyone. Explore the beach at Nui Beach or visit the elephants at Khao Sok National Park. The can’t-miss activity of any trip to Thailand is a kayak tour through the lagoons and past the iconic limestone cliffs that plunge into clear blue waters. Try to avoid monsoon season, which is usually from the end of May to the middle of October.

Three islands make up the small nation of Cayman Islands, located in the heart of the Caribbean, off the coasts of Cuba and Jamaica. Known for stunning, powder soft beaches and easy island living, Grand Cayman has all the amenities of a luxury vacation as well as all the adventure and relaxation of the ultimate beach vacation. Of all the white sand beaches in the Caribbean, Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman might just be the most breathtaking.

After basking in the sun on Grand Cayman’s beaches, head to Cayman Brac for water sports like snorkeling, paddle boarding and even deep sea fishing. Then, explore Little Cayman, where endangered blue iguanas and rare red footed boobies call home. Hurricane season in this part of the world is the beginning of June to the end of November, so plan accordingly if Grand Cayman is on your bucket list.

The tropical paradise of Zanzibar is located off the coast of Tanzania. Known as the spice island, Zanzibar is located on the Indian Ocean and has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Zanzibar Island (known officially as Unguja) is surrounded by an archipelago of idyllic coral-fringed islands rich in culture and tropical lushness. 

UNESCO historic site Stone Town was once the hub of the spice trade on the Indian Ocean, and visitors can tour the old cobbled streets and visit a still-lively spice bazaar in the town. From there, travel to the beautiful turquoise beaches where the reefs are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Wildlife watching is a favorite excursion here, just like the African mainland, and you can see whales, dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays, as well as land going animals like cheetahs and the rare black rhinoceros. The rainy season in Zanzibar is March, April and May and the climate during the other months is temperate and tropical.