Vacation on Perfect Island

[fykodha]

Need your help planning a perfect vacation.

I visited the beautiful Waikiki Beach, Hawaii many years ago. Nowadays, Maui and smaller islands should be more attractive. Take a look at reviews of the best islands and beaches on the planet.

25 Sexiest Beaches in the World
forbestraveler/2006/12/06121402_story.html

The World's Most Romantic Beaches
forbestraveler/2007/02/07021201_story.html

Based on the reviews, there are several islands I would love to visit.

Important elements are scenery, clear blue water and clean sand, and ideal for enjoying sunset surrounded by great restaurants with delicious food. Desirable activities include various water adventures and photography. Some interesting islands are Bahamas, Bali (girls), Caribbean, and Tahiti (Bora Bora). How would you compare these islands?

This 7-10 days vacation is scheduled for summer 2008. Is it more affordable to pay everything (flight, hotel, activities, etc.) separate or to simply select one of the vacation packages to, for example, Tahiti? I am traveling alone, while the price of a vacation package for one person to Tahiti is $1500 more expensive than the price for one couple. Is a vacation to Tahiti islands worth $5000? What are some alternatives? Recommended hotels, activities, restaurants?

Please share your thought and experience of vacation on the perfect island.

[Red Tape]

Welcome to the reality of single travel, the screwing by that single supplement.

Whether a package deal with a single supplement is cheaper than booking things independently depends a lot on the package marketer. I've come across examples of separate booking being cheaper, and others where the package is cheaper. You just have to learn to comparison shop, and add in concepts of value for convenience. For example, a package may include airport transfers which you can put a value on, but then again, if you're going to be met by transport at the airport to your beach (or other type of resort) hotel, that has to be worth something, right?

I've found that as a rule, a solo travel typically is better off with separate bookings, but there are exceptions to that rule.

[fykodha]

Destination is another factor. Vacation package is popular when the destination offers something special. For example, Tahiti has the most beautiful secluded islands on the planet. Some people prefer to experience the only the best, while other travelers like to wonder (probably because they have been to the destination before).

[fykodha]

Vacation package to Fiji islands is considerably less expensive than Tahiti. Some reviews mention about Bora Bora being crowded now. French is the primary language of Tahiti, while English is of Fiji. Have you been to Fiji?

[emjoi]

Fiji has had a bad rep lately because they've had a Military Coup.
Didn't affect the Tourists at all. They were safe in their Resorts.

But they need to bring back the punters, so the prices are cheap.
Similar problem for Bali. Bombs tend to frighten people off.

$5000 is a serious chunk of money to sit on a beach for a week.
Better be a damn good beach, and lots of stuff provided.
Personally, after 2 days, I'd be thinking "Well, what do I do now?"

[fykodha]

I am considering the unparalleled beauty of Bora Bora and vacation cost. I just cannot justify spending $5000 for a vacation to Bora Bora/Moorea to sit around watching couples. Any island alternative whose beauty is almost comparable, but much cheaper and is financially justifiable.

[nuttakorn]

They have some resort in Bora Bora which cost less than 140 EURO per room per night, that is 3 star resort, as I know that is Matira Resort. You can check from this http://www.hotelsguru.com/showhotel-44059.html

[gardkarlsen]

Hi

What about the Maldives? My wife and I went there a few years back and it is the most beautiful beach destination that we have ever been to. Check out my trip report on http://gardkarlsen.com/sun_island_index.htm and you will see that the pictures looks a bit like the postcards that you see from the islands
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[Julia]

Yeah I heard many people who said that Maldives are great and there are many people who go to this destination for vacation!!! I would love to go to either Maldives or hawaii!!!

[TravelRocks]

I am also looking for a place like this to go on vacation. Thanks for all recomendations

[crx]

you have to visit Sardinia in Italy.. that's an isle..
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[macye]

I saw an advertisement on travel channel for this island off Florida. I think the add said it's 1 800 GET LOST and you access it by boat about 3 miles out. The whole island is a one resort and very laid back. I have always wanted to try it out but haven't yet. You might want to check it out.
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[Eco Interactive]

I lived on Maui for 10 years, I loved it, I loved Maui. I have spent a lot of time on virtually all of the other islands and I can honestly tell you that Costa Rica is much cooler then all of them.
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[TravelCharlie]

The Florida Keys look good too. I have never been there, only to some European Islands like Majorca and Gran Canaria. They are nice, but it could be better.

[monique237]

Majorca is a good place to visit and with over 300 days of sunshine a year you're pretty much guaranteed to have great weather whenever you go. There is also loads to do regardless of your age. There are the usual clubs/bars for groups of friends who want to go out drinking yet there are also reosrts that are quiet enough for families and have loads of things to keep kids entertained.
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