Extraordinary Islands for Family Vacations
Today’s guest is Holly Hughes, the author of Frommer’s 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up
It doesn’t have to be a treasure island or a pirate hideout — kids just naturally get a thrill from visiting any place that’s surrounded by water, reachable only by bridge or boat or airplane. Here are five islands where my family has had some magical vacations:
1. The Big Island of Hawaii
Where is it: Pacific Ocean
Why it’s great: Volcanoes, rainforest, and stargazing
A great place to revel in Hawaii’s natural beauty – birdwatch in the misty rainforests of the east coast, horseback ride through upcountry cattlelands, or discover ancient rock art on blasted lava-rock shelves amid the golf resorts of the Kohala Coast. Five volcanoes brood over the island, including the world’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea — take a trip to the top to see one of the world’s most important observatories — and the world’s largest, Mauna Loa, where you can hike around the smoking craters of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
2. St. John’s, US Virginia Islands
Where is it: Caribbean Sea
Why it’s great: Snorkeling and steel drum music
A classic Caribbean experience, this tidy U.S. Virgin Island is mostly national park, where your vacation can be as lazy or as active as you please. Hike through jungle-shrouded ruins of sugar plantations, snorkel in the turquoise waters of Trunk Bay, with its fabulous signposted Underwater Trail, or relax at casual open-air restaurants that welcome families to sample West Indian cuisine.
3. Assateague
Where is it: Barrier island off Virginia’s eastern shore
Why it’s great: Ponies!!
Though it’s only 37 miles long, this marshy, windswept barrier island is one big wildlife refuge, a haven for peregrine falcons, great blue herons, snow geese – and shaggy, sturdy little wild horses, running free through the marshes. Take the causeway over from neighboring Chincoteague (packed with its own Chesapeake charm) to follow the Wildlife Drive loop, winding up at a pristine Atlantic beach.
4. Venice
Where is it: Northwest Italy, on the Adriatic Sea
Why it’s great: Gondolas and secret passageways
This most magical of Renaissance cities isn’t just one island but 118 separate islands, ingeniously linked by bridges and small boats, a wondrous maze you’ll gladly get lost in. Centuries of art and intrigue have laid a patina of mystery on its crumbling palaces and shadowy churches, but it’s not all dusty antiques by any means. You’ll find a surprise for kids around every twisting corner – a stray cat, a floating flower market, a gelato stand, or a store full of masks and puppets.
5. Nantucket
Where is it: New England
Why it’s great: Bicycling to the lighthouse
A perfect sand-between-the-toes getaway, just a ferry ride from Cape Cod. On the one hand, there’s the New-Englandy charm of the historic whaling captain’s house in Nantucket town (ice cream cones are a must). On the other, there’s the flat salt-marsh terrain, ideal for cycling out of town to the panoramic Siasconset bluffs or the landmark candy-striped Sankaty lighthouse.
Want to win one of five copies of Frommer’s 500 Extraordinary Islands? Leave a comment here by midnight on March 18, 2010 (U.S. only please). Good luck!
Pony photo courtesy of judithsweet. Lighthouse photo courtesy of dbking.
March 4th, 2010 | by travelsavvymom 71 comments
1. Virginia bed and breakfast | Victorian inn bed and breakfast | Romantic bed and breakfasts on March 4th, 2010
Big Island is my favorite Island. I really adore them. It has great variety tourists’ attractions. There ambiance really lovable. There is also has best and reasonable accommodation and great variety of foods.
Best Regards,
2. Amy @ The Q Family on March 4th, 2010
This looks like a great book. I have no idea about Assateague. Now I will have to check it out. Ponies!!! :)
3. laura on March 4th, 2010
Some of my favorite islands are Crete, Jamaica, Nova Scotia and Cumberland Island! I’d love to take a look at this book.
4. Chris (Amateur Traveler) on March 4th, 2010
I have been two 4 of these but have not yet been to Assateague. Someday, someday…
5. Kim on March 4th, 2010
Jekyll and St. Simons Island in Georgia. Great family fun!
6. Debbie Ferm on March 4th, 2010
I love Cozumel because you can rent a moped (or whatever they’re called these days:) and ride around the entire Island. I’m not a huge risk taker so it makes me feel a little wild!
7. Cyndi on March 4th, 2010
Kauai of course. Unspoiled beauty, laid back pace, lots to do for the family.
8. Jamie Pearson on March 4th, 2010
Technically Great Britain is my favorite island, but my favorite *smallish* island would probably be Kauai.
9. Miss Magpie on March 4th, 2010
Maui. My mother lived there for most of my life. It was like a second home for me. My children have been there many times as well. I love knowing the local Maui, not the tourist Maui. Everyone should drive home from Hana on the backside of the island, pull over in the middle of a field and climb down a cliff to a red sand beach :)
10. pamela on March 4th, 2010
Harbour Island, Bahamas – unspoilt pink sand beaches
Aitutaki, Cook Islands – clear Pacific lagoon, paradise
and Mt. Desert Island and Martha’s Vineyard in New England!
11. Carol on March 4th, 2010
I wonder if Sanibel Island is in there? I love to travel, great giveaway!
12. Lora on March 4th, 2010
The San Juan Islands, in Washington State’s Salish Sea. There’s whale-watching in summer, storm-watching in winter — and the landscape is impossibly green year-round. We love the island’s bike rentals and kid-friendly coffee shops, lavender-flecked cookies and locavore restaurants.
And there’s always the history of the island’s “Pig War.” We almost fought the British. Over a pig. Must’ve been an awesome pig.
13. Lani A on March 4th, 2010
Very tiny but incredibly beautiful Block Island off of Rhode Island.
14. Jen on March 4th, 2010
We are planning on going to Chincoteague this summer…I loved Misty of Chincoteague as a little girl so that is why we have added it to our summer road trip. We will have to take the drive to Assateauge when we go.
15. Kat Gordon on March 4th, 2010
We got married on the island of Anguilla in the British West Indies and it is exquisite. Snorkeling defies description.
16. Christine on March 4th, 2010
Santorini. A sunset over the caldera against white washed buildings and a calm sea. Breathtaking.
17. Craig on March 4th, 2010
Barbados or St. Lucia are awesome. Traveled to both via RCCL and Mariner of the Seas.
18. Fiona on March 4th, 2010
I love the book Frommer’s 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up, and got it for Christmas this year, so I’m sure 500 extraordinary islands will be great.
My favorite island is the Isle of Skye in Scotland, it’s remote, charming and the people are really friendly… but do take a raincoat! On a warmer note, I also love Kauai, and it’s great for kids.
19. Jamie Pearson on March 4th, 2010
@Fiona AGREE! That is a *really* good book, and so bite-sized. I’ve never dog-eared so many pages in my life. I got my copy for $2 at Target too…
20. Laurie on March 4th, 2010
Peaks island Maine in casco bay–great for a
day trip! Rent some cheap bikes andride around
the island in an hour or so. Climb the rocks along
the ocean. Look out for adorable harbor seals– The 20 minute ferry
ride from Portland is part of the fun!!
21. Charlotte on March 4th, 2010
I’d love to win this awesome book.
22. Kimberly on March 5th, 2010
Never been to Assateague – sounds fantastic. Absolutely love Nantucket. My kids’ favorite islands have definitely been the Seychelles, off the coast of south-eastern Africa in the Indian Ocean. Absolutely stunning beaches, giant turtles and purposely limited tourist numbers. Spectacular!
23. Katrina on March 5th, 2010
we love traveling and we visit some islands in florida but nothing extrodinary…yet
24. Elsie on March 5th, 2010
Aloha,
I love the Big Island of Hawaii, brought back many memories of beautiful waterfalls, orchids and gentle breezes!
Looking forward to some armchair traveling and this giveaway is “my cup of tea”!
25. Elizabeth M. on March 5th, 2010
It looks like a fun way to learn about places I’ve never been before.
26. Kim on March 5th, 2010
I WANT TO READ THIS!
27. Joy on March 5th, 2010
I tried to keep track of the best beaches and islands, but I’ve never heard of Assateague. I’m going to check it out.
P.S. How do you pronounce that?
28. Andria on March 5th, 2010
I love Tybee Island
29. Lethea Benson on March 5th, 2010
I’d love to read this as a planning guide & an incentive to start saving more money for our vacation!
30. Darcie K on March 6th, 2010
I would love to visit St. John’s
dmkayes@gmail.com
31. Vicki Wurgler on March 6th, 2010
this looks like a beautiful book
32. Carolina on March 7th, 2010
Kauai will always have a special place in my heart, that is all. Oh and I love her other book, so this one would be a great addition to the library.
33. phxbne on March 8th, 2010
what a cool book! I want to go to Tahiti
34. deb on March 8th, 2010
Oh …I would love to own a copy of this book. I love to travel to islands–preferably WARM island :)
35. Beth Monson on March 8th, 2010
Looks like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win.
36. Marci on March 8th, 2010
Sounds great–the photos must be breathtaking! I’d love to win.
37. Brenda on March 9th, 2010
I’ve never been to any of these islands, but three of them were already on my “list”. The list, by the way, which I started writing after I read the “500 Places to Take Your Kids…” book – I got so inspired to start doing some serious family traveling! So, yes I would love to win the islands book, too!
38. mindy on March 9th, 2010
this looks just wonderful and will allow me to travel even if only in my mind thanks
39. Lorraine on March 9th, 2010
Whoa – I was planning on commenting on the article but it’s generated so much commentary that I’ve got to comment on the comments too! Thx for the island travel inspiration – all tempting ideas. Will also put that $2 book of 500 ideas on my Target list.
40. Bryanna P. on March 10th, 2010
Awesome blog and thanks for the giveaway!….would love love LOVE to win this!…. =]
41. Laurie on March 11th, 2010
This looks like a fantastic book! Are the San Juan Islands in Washington state in it? If not there is a great state park to camp at there and an amazing view from Mt. Constitution, you can see shoreline up to Canada!
42. Aimee W. on March 11th, 2010
Thank you for hosting this fabulous giveaway – I would be SO thrilled to win! Although I do not often get the chance, I do love to travel…especially to various islands.
43. angie on March 11th, 2010
What a fantastic read. Venice sounds wonderful.
44. Heidi B. on March 12th, 2010
Gosh…this book looks amazing. I would love to see all the pictures and learn more about the places. This seems like a very good book. Keeping my fingers crossed on this one. Thanks.
45. Kat on March 14th, 2010
Capri for me….spectacular!
46. Jennifer M on March 14th, 2010
I love Nantucket; I wish I could go there more often.
47. Ashley on March 14th, 2010
i love island traveling so this book looks amazing!
48. Dahl Tours and Safaris on March 15th, 2010
You should add Zanzibar to the islands. It is so nice.
49. karen on March 16th, 2010
Seems like an invaluable resource for vacation planning. Thanks.
50. Marc on March 17th, 2010
I’ve always dreamed of a vacation in Mauritius…perhaps winning this book would bring me one step closer to my dream?!? :)
51. erma on March 17th, 2010
I’d love to have this.
52. Jason on March 17th, 2010
I am going to Hawaii and would love to learn more. Thanks for the chance
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
53. shawna on March 17th, 2010
I’ve never been to any island..maybe someday or I could look at this book and dream!
54. Lisa R on March 17th, 2010
Well if you can only go to a few of them, one can only look at the book and dream a little
sibabe64 at ptd dot net
55. Melissa B. on March 17th, 2010
This sounds like a great book.
56. Pat on March 17th, 2010
What a fabulous book!
57. Ed Nemmers on March 17th, 2010
I like the island of Kauai!
58. Madeline on March 17th, 2010
This looks like a great book. I actually am hoping to go on a vacation to Hawaii this summer with the family, so this would be very useful!
Thanks for the giveaway!
59. Andrea B on March 17th, 2010
I’d love to win. An island I love is Bald Head Island, near Wilmington, NC. No cars allowed, except maintenance vehicles.
60. sheriece on March 17th, 2010
i would love this book, just looking at the cover makes me want to go on vacation.
sheriece1020@gmail.com
61. Tara on March 17th, 2010
This book looks amazing- I actually grew up on a small gulf island. It was beautiful and a fun place to be a kid.
Thanks
62. tina reynolds on March 17th, 2010
Looks like an awesome book full of interesting places. Assateague looks amazing thanks
63. Pam J on March 18th, 2010
Islands are magical to visit. I want to discover more!
64. Mildred on March 18th, 2010
I imagine that there are a number of South Pacific islands on the list
65. Susan D on March 18th, 2010
I wonder how many kids and their parents who’ve read about Misty and Stormy have visited Assateague over the years
66. Lily Kwan on March 18th, 2010
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
67. Chrysa on March 18th, 2010
This book looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!
68. Veronica Garrett on March 18th, 2010
I would love to win. i may never visit the islands but I can dream.
69. Heather C on March 18th, 2010
I would love this!
70. cheap flights to Italy on May 6th, 2010
Venice is my favourite place and I love to see that place. I have read more about that place in my school days. Informative post for family vacations.
71. United States Island Vacations on July 3rd, 2010
I agree that St. John is an awesome island to take the family! The beaches are protected by the National Park Service, so they are not over-developed and crowded. The white sand and snorkeling at Trunk Bay is phenomenal as well. A must see!
71 Responses to “Extraordinary Islands for Family Vacations”