Great Escapes: Holiday Travel

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Beautiful photos of 30 island escapes from CNN iReporters

Marnie Hunter
By Marnie Hunter, CNN
Updated 2:30 PM EST, Wed December 9, 2015
We asked readers to share their dreamiest island experiences. <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1221665">CNN iReporter Eric Hanscom</a> has the right idea. The patent attorney and his family live in Carlsbad, California, during the school year and spend the rest of their time running Thai-West, a resort they own on Koh Siboya Island in Thailand's Krabi Province. The uninhabited island of Koh Kah, pictured, is about 2 miles west of Koh Siboya. Hanscom captured this shot of the island's southeastern corner using a drone flying about 200 feet in the air. Click through the rest of the gallery for a relaxing virtual vacation.<br />
Hit the water —
We asked readers to share their dreamiest island experiences. CNN iReporter Eric Hanscom has the right idea. The patent attorney and his family live in Carlsbad, California, during the school year and spend the rest of their time running Thai-West, a resort they own on Koh Siboya Island in Thailand's Krabi Province. The uninhabited island of Koh Kah, pictured, is about 2 miles west of Koh Siboya. Hanscom captured this shot of the island's southeastern corner using a drone flying about 200 feet in the air. Click through the rest of the gallery for a relaxing virtual vacation.
Eric Hanscom/CNN iReport
St. Thomas is one of three Caribbean islands purchased by the United States from Denmark in 1917 to become the United States Virgin Islands. <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1220061">iReporter Faith Konidaris</a>, her mother and her 11-year-old daughter visited St. Thomas on a Disney cruise in 2014. "The local people of St. Thomas were very laid back, friendly and proud of their beautiful island," she wrote.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands —
St. Thomas is one of three Caribbean islands purchased by the United States from Denmark in 1917 to become the United States Virgin Islands. iReporter Faith Konidaris, her mother and her 11-year-old daughter visited St. Thomas on a Disney cruise in 2014. "The local people of St. Thomas were very laid back, friendly and proud of their beautiful island," she wrote.
Faith Konidari/CNN iReport
A national park covers 60% of the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John. <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1220355"> iReporter Blair Stewart </a>was taken with the island's pristine natural beauty. "We bribed our way onto the ferry in St. Thomas and spent the day touring, swimming, snorkeling, eating and seriously thinking of never leaving," he said.
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands —
A national park covers 60% of the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John. iReporter Blair Stewart was taken with the island's pristine natural beauty. "We bribed our way onto the ferry in St. Thomas and spent the day touring, swimming, snorkeling, eating and seriously thinking of never leaving," he said.
Blair Stewart/CNN iReport
"Incredible scenery, quaint villages, fabulous beaches, wineries, great food and some of the finest sunsets you will see." That's what Santorini has going for it, according to <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1221238">iReporter Robert Pozner</a>. This shot was taken around sunset in the village of Oia.
Santorini, Greece —
"Incredible scenery, quaint villages, fabulous beaches, wineries, great food and some of the finest sunsets you will see." That's what Santorini has going for it, according to iReporter Robert Pozner. This shot was taken around sunset in the village of Oia.
Robert Pozner/CNN iReport
<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1220098">Jonathan Baker</a>, 30, quit his job in aviation and logistics to travel the world. He took this shot of Paradise Beach near El Nido, Palawan. Palawan, the most southwestern large island of the Philippines, is surrounded by some 1,800 smaller islands and islets, including the lovely Bacuit Archipelago, where this shot was taken.<br />
El Nido, Palawan, Philippines —
Jonathan Baker, 30, quit his job in aviation and logistics to travel the world. He took this shot of Paradise Beach near El Nido, Palawan. Palawan, the most southwestern large island of the Philippines, is surrounded by some 1,800 smaller islands and islets, including the lovely Bacuit Archipelago, where this shot was taken.
Jonathan Baker/CNN iReport
"Living on island time" is how <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1222559">iReporter Tim Jeror</a> captioned this shot taken in Key West, Florida. The little island known for Ernest Hemingway's house, six-toed cats and rum-soaked sunsets is about 160 miles from Miami at the end of U.S. Highway 1.
Key West, Florida —
"Living on island time" is how iReporter Tim Jeror captioned this shot taken in Key West, Florida. The little island known for Ernest Hemingway's house, six-toed cats and rum-soaked sunsets is about 160 miles from Miami at the end of U.S. Highway 1.
Islands aren't all sand and sun. <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1220337">Jill Thornton</a> shot this photo of Duart Castle, the centuries-old home of the Clan Maclean, on Scotland's scenic Isle of Mull. "I figured I'd throw in a darker, more medieval kind of choice for a favorite island," Thornton wrote. She took the ferry from Oban on the west coast of Scotland out to Mull, which is in the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides.
Isle of Mull, Scotland —
Islands aren't all sand and sun. Jill Thornton shot this photo of Duart Castle, the centuries-old home of the Clan Maclean, on Scotland's scenic Isle of Mull. "I figured I'd throw in a darker, more medieval kind of choice for a favorite island," Thornton wrote. She took the ferry from Oban on the west coast of Scotland out to Mull, which is in the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides.
Jill Thornton/CNN iReport
<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1222529">iReporter Adam Fredeus</a> snapped this photo of his girlfriend during a day-trip to a sandbank near Hanimaadhoo in the Maldives. Fredeus, who lives in Antwerp, Belgium, said that by staying in smaller, less expensive local resorts, they were able to experience the Maldives "in a natural way with knowing the locals and understanding their culture." The Republic of Maldives is an independent island nation of nearly 1,200 islands and sandbanks in the Indian Ocean.
Hanimaadhoo, Maldives —
iReporter Adam Fredeus snapped this photo of his girlfriend during a day-trip to a sandbank near Hanimaadhoo in the Maldives. Fredeus, who lives in Antwerp, Belgium, said that by staying in smaller, less expensive local resorts, they were able to experience the Maldives "in a natural way with knowing the locals and understanding their culture." The Republic of Maldives is an independent island nation of nearly 1,200 islands and sandbanks in the Indian Ocean.
Adam Fredeus/CNN iReport
"I'm not a sunbather, so for me, an island has to offer more than just beaches," said<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1220023"> iReporter Julee Khoo</a>. "Puerto Rico fit the bill perfectly." Khoo recommends strolling through Old San Juan. San Juan, founded in the 1500s, is the capital and the oldest city now under U.S. jurisdiction. Puerto Rico is located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, with its northern shore facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Puerto Rico —
"I'm not a sunbather, so for me, an island has to offer more than just beaches," said iReporter Julee Khoo. "Puerto Rico fit the bill perfectly." Khoo recommends strolling through Old San Juan. San Juan, founded in the 1500s, is the capital and the oldest city now under U.S. jurisdiction. Puerto Rico is located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, with its northern shore facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Julee Khoo/CNN iReport
<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1082467">iReporter Cindy Hopper</a> and her husband spent their 34th wedding anniversary in French Polynesia in 2012. Their time on Bora Bora was particularly memorable. "In those waters, there is no place for any negativity. A true peace," she said. Bora Bora is about 165 miles (265 kilometers) northwest of Tahiti in the central South Pacific Ocean.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia —
iReporter Cindy Hopper and her husband spent their 34th wedding anniversary in French Polynesia in 2012. Their time on Bora Bora was particularly memorable. "In those waters, there is no place for any negativity. A true peace," she said. Bora Bora is about 165 miles (265 kilometers) northwest of Tahiti in the central South Pacific Ocean.
Cindy Hopper/CNN iReport
Easter Island, also called Rapa Nui, is known for its giant stone statues. Hundreds of statues stand tall, revealing three distinct cultural periods. The island is in the Pacific more than 2,000 miles west of Chile. "One of the most isolated islands in the world? That may be, but don't let that dissuade you," wrote <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1221273">iReporter Terry Hall</a>.
Easter Island, Chile —
Easter Island, also called Rapa Nui, is known for its giant stone statues. Hundreds of statues stand tall, revealing three distinct cultural periods. The island is in the Pacific more than 2,000 miles west of Chile. "One of the most isolated islands in the world? That may be, but don't let that dissuade you," wrote iReporter Terry Hall.
Terry Hall/CNN iReport
<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1220413">Betsey Porter</a>, who lives in Bloomington, Minnesota, was visiting her parents at their vacation home on Kiawah Island when she captured this fiery sunrise. "I could not believe such a place existed when I went the first time 10 years ago. If you are a golfer or a foodie or a beach or nature lover, you can't find a better spot than this," she wrote.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina —
Betsey Porter, who lives in Bloomington, Minnesota, was visiting her parents at their vacation home on Kiawah Island when she captured this fiery sunrise. "I could not believe such a place existed when I went the first time 10 years ago. If you are a golfer or a foodie or a beach or nature lover, you can't find a better spot than this," she wrote.
Betsey Porter/CNN iReport
<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1222625">iReporter Craig Rutman</a> Googled "best beaches in the world" in 2013. The Maldives, the Seychelles and the Greek islands were way out of his budget, but this stunning spot in Eleuthera fit the description and his budget. He's been back every year since. "What makes Eleuthera so special is that there are miles and miles of pink powdery sand beaches where more often than not, the only footprints on the beach are your own."
Eleuthera, Bahamas —
iReporter Craig Rutman Googled "best beaches in the world" in 2013. The Maldives, the Seychelles and the Greek islands were way out of his budget, but this stunning spot in Eleuthera fit the description and his budget. He's been back every year since. "What makes Eleuthera so special is that there are miles and miles of pink powdery sand beaches where more often than not, the only footprints on the beach are your own."
Craig Rutman/CNN iReport
<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1221638">Courtney Hershberger</a> took this shot of her sons Ty and Luke jumping off the dock at Las Terrazas resort on Ambergris Caye. It was Christmas Day 2013. Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island.<br />
Ambergris Caye, Belize —
Courtney Hershberger took this shot of her sons Ty and Luke jumping off the dock at Las Terrazas resort on Ambergris Caye. It was Christmas Day 2013. Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island.
Courtney Hershberger/CNN iReport
Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain.<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1219898"> iReporter Kristi DeCourcy</a> took this photo from the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet, looking down on the <a href="https://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Mauna Kea observatories</a>.<br />
Big Island, Hawaii —
Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. iReporter Kristi DeCourcy took this photo from the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet, looking down on the Mauna Kea observatories.
Kristi DeCourcy/CNN iReport
Made up of about 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, the Seychelles are fascinating to geologists because some of the islands are composed of granite rock. "Those polished granite rocks are what give these islands that unique look," said iReporter <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1222462">Rob MacRiner</a>. The sailboat MacRiner was skippering is anchored in the distance.
La Digue, Seychelles —
Made up of about 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, the Seychelles are fascinating to geologists because some of the islands are composed of granite rock. "Those polished granite rocks are what give these islands that unique look," said iReporter Rob MacRiner. The sailboat MacRiner was skippering is anchored in the distance.
Rob MacRiner/CNN iReport
<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1222728">iReporter Michael D. Todd</a> of Pensacola, Florida, took an RV road trip around the state this year from mid-January through mid-March because he's "retired and loving it!" In mid-February he made a stop at Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Key West. It's accessible only by boat or sea plane and is home to Fort Jefferson, the largest all-masonry fort in the United States. The fort was built between 1846 and 1875 to protect the United States' gateway to the Gulf of Mexico.<br />
Dry Tortugas, Florida —
iReporter Michael D. Todd of Pensacola, Florida, took an RV road trip around the state this year from mid-January through mid-March because he's "retired and loving it!" In mid-February he made a stop at Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Key West. It's accessible only by boat or sea plane and is home to Fort Jefferson, the largest all-masonry fort in the United States. The fort was built between 1846 and 1875 to protect the United States' gateway to the Gulf of Mexico.
Michael D. Todd/CNN iReport
Most of Hawaii's population lives on Oahu. In Honolulu, on the southeastern shore, the neighborhood of Waikiki was once home to Hawaiian royalty. "Here you can learn to surf during the day and after sunset sway to the island rhythms. Visitors are always greeted with love and tenderness," said <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1223354">iReporter Sobhana Venkatesan</a>.
Oahu, Hawaii —
Most of Hawaii's population lives on Oahu. In Honolulu, on the southeastern shore, the neighborhood of Waikiki was once home to Hawaiian royalty. "Here you can learn to surf during the day and after sunset sway to the island rhythms. Visitors are always greeted with love and tenderness," said iReporter Sobhana Venkatesan.
Sobhana Venkatesan/CNN iReport
<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1223804">Nicholas Egorshin</a>, 18, took a trip to Panama in January 2015 to see more of his mother's native country. Egorshin visited the San Blas Islands, where the Kuna Indians retain many of their ancient traditions.
San Blas Islands, Panama —
Nicholas Egorshin, 18, took a trip to Panama in January 2015 to see more of his mother's native country. Egorshin visited the San Blas Islands, where the Kuna Indians retain many of their ancient traditions.
Nicholas Egorshin/CNN iReport
<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1223721">Corinna Morse</a>, left, spent time with her family in March in Fort Myers Beach, "where the sunsets have you leaping for joy!" The town is on Estero Island on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida.
Estero Island, Florida —
Corinna Morse, left, spent time with her family in March in Fort Myers Beach, "where the sunsets have you leaping for joy!" The town is on Estero Island on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida.
Corinna Morse/CNN iReport
<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1223104" target="_blank">iReporter Eric Peoples</a> was in Hawaii in 2013 with his wife and daughter celebrating his wife's birthday and visiting family in the state. "Maui is beautiful and has the contrast of dry on one side and then tropical on the other, which is where I took the photo."
Maui, Hawaii —
iReporter Eric Peoples was in Hawaii in 2013 with his wife and daughter celebrating his wife's birthday and visiting family in the state. "Maui is beautiful and has the contrast of dry on one side and then tropical on the other, which is where I took the photo."
Eric Peoples/CNN iReport
Maine's Great Wass Island is a 1,576-acre <a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/maine/placesweprotect/great-wass-island.xml" target="_blank" target="_blank">nature preserve</a> where a 4.5-mile hiking trail weaves through forests and wetlands. iReporter <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1220181">Paul Richard Tamasi </a>visited in 2014 and enjoyed the sunsets, the beautiful rocky coast and lobsters and crabs right off the fishing boats.
Great Wass Island, Maine —
Maine's Great Wass Island is a 1,576-acre nature preserve where a 4.5-mile hiking trail weaves through forests and wetlands. iReporter Paul Richard Tamasi visited in 2014 and enjoyed the sunsets, the beautiful rocky coast and lobsters and crabs right off the fishing boats.
Paul Tamasi/CNN iReport
<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1220270">Nishani Kadidal </a>enjoyed the diverse and rugged hiking in Kauai during a January anniversary visit. "When you think of islands, the first thing we all visualize is a beach. We discovered Kauai is so much more than just beautiful beaches."
Kauai, Hawaii —
Nishani Kadidal enjoyed the diverse and rugged hiking in Kauai during a January anniversary visit. "When you think of islands, the first thing we all visualize is a beach. We discovered Kauai is so much more than just beautiful beaches."
Nishani Kadidal/CNN iReport
"Phang Nga Bay is sprinkled with islands," wrote <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1221628">iReporter Alex Golden</a>. "They are beautiful to explore during the day via longtail boat or admire from the mainland at sunset." Day trips into the bay in southern Thailand are available from Phuket.
Phang Nga Bay, Thailand —
"Phang Nga Bay is sprinkled with islands," wrote iReporter Alex Golden. "They are beautiful to explore during the day via longtail boat or admire from the mainland at sunset." Day trips into the bay in southern Thailand are available from Phuket.
Alex Golden/CNN iReport
Cyclone Pam recently devastated the island nation of Vanuatu. Many locals <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/devastated-vanuatu-faces-uncertain-future-after-cyclone-pam-1426831012" target="_blank" target="_blank">rely on the tourism industry</a>, which will take time to rebuild. iReporter <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1220334">Jill Thornton </a>visited Vanuatu this year before the cyclone struck. "As a geographer, one of the greatest experiences of my life was driving across the ash plain of Yasur Volcano," said Thornton.
Tanna, Vanuatu —
Cyclone Pam recently devastated the island nation of Vanuatu. Many locals rely on the tourism industry, which will take time to rebuild. iReporter Jill Thornton visited Vanuatu this year before the cyclone struck. "As a geographer, one of the greatest experiences of my life was driving across the ash plain of Yasur Volcano," said Thornton.
Jill Thornton/CNN iReport
"A week on a catamaran in the British Virgin Islands ... all the islands melded together in memory, because location ceased to have any meaning, just for a week," wrote <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1220014">iReporter Donald Barrick</a>. The British territory includes four larger islands and 32 smaller islands and islets (most of which are uninhabited).
British Virgin Islands —
"A week on a catamaran in the British Virgin Islands ... all the islands melded together in memory, because location ceased to have any meaning, just for a week," wrote iReporter Donald Barrick. The British territory includes four larger islands and 32 smaller islands and islets (most of which are uninhabited).
Donald Barrick/CNN iReport
<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1222445">Erin Carlson</a> visited Turks and Caicos in 2007 for her wedding. "One of our 'must dos' was a visit to 'da Conch Shack.' Here you can watch as they clean the conch right there on the beach, which you can then order in a dish at this little seaside bistro shack," wrote Carlson.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos —
Erin Carlson visited Turks and Caicos in 2007 for her wedding. "One of our 'must dos' was a visit to 'da Conch Shack.' Here you can watch as they clean the conch right there on the beach, which you can then order in a dish at this little seaside bistro shack," wrote Carlson.
Erin Carlson/CNN iReport
Conch is on the menu in Jamaica, too. "I love Jamaican cuisine because you walk off the plane and it's literally the first thing you smell," said<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1222293"> iReporter Isaiah Slayter Nieves</a>, who visits the island regularly to see family. "The curried conch in the picture was fished out of the sea about an hour and a half before I ate it."
Jamaica —
Conch is on the menu in Jamaica, too. "I love Jamaican cuisine because you walk off the plane and it's literally the first thing you smell," said iReporter Isaiah Slayter Nieves, who visits the island regularly to see family. "The curried conch in the picture was fished out of the sea about an hour and a half before I ate it."
Isaiah Slayter Nieves/CNN iReport
In addition to its more traditional Caribbean island scenery, Saint Martin offers close encounters at Maho Beach with aircraft landing at very nearby Princess Julianna Airport. <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1222688">Reddy Sarsam</a> took this shot in 2014.
Saint Martin —
In addition to its more traditional Caribbean island scenery, Saint Martin offers close encounters at Maho Beach with aircraft landing at very nearby Princess Julianna Airport. Reddy Sarsam took this shot in 2014.
Reddy Sarsam/CNN iReport
Saint Lucia stretches 27 miles long in the Caribbean Sea.<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1220562"> iReporter Dennis Licht </a>enjoyed "the gorgeous scenery, the lush vegetation and watching the storms roll over the Pitons, as this picture illustrates."
Saint Lucia —
Saint Lucia stretches 27 miles long in the Caribbean Sea. iReporter Dennis Licht enjoyed "the gorgeous scenery, the lush vegetation and watching the storms roll over the Pitons, as this picture illustrates."
Dennis Licht/CNN iReport
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