Page 12 - The Local Eye - Issue 130 August 2016

12
Travel Feature -

Island Hopping – Around the World... By Mags Addison
Many of us have dreams of island hopping – it sounds romantic, idyllic,
and a leisurely way to see more than one place, and more than just the one
island. You can see yourself being at the bow of a small ferry as it pulls into
an island jetty, probably a wooden flimsy one that’s jutting out into the sea,
there are blue skies, and it’s warm and sunny. Yes, that’s how we imagine it!
And yes, in reality, most are served by some kind of scheduled ferry service.
Not always regular – but many can be sourced on the internet, or booked
through a specialist operator. But where can you island hop in some of the
scenic places around the world? And how difficult is the reality? Well, often
that’s where someone like me comes in.
Greek Islands – there are literally hundreds, and perfect for those romantic sunsets, swimming and relaxing. One
idea is to fly in and out of one island and book ferries radiating out to different islands, to make it 2-3-5 centres.
Or fly into one island and out of another (or say Athens) and book ferries between the islands.
Croatia – the Dalmatian coast has gained in popularity in recent years. You can travel around Croatia’s coastline
quite easily, and so I hear, quite affordably. This is a beautiful part of Europe, and one on my bucket list still. Routes
and islands like Hvar, Brac, Korcula can take you from Split and back to Dubrobnik.
Caribbean islands – the Caribbean is huge, with lush palm-fringed islands covering a vast area stretching over
to South America. Some have direct flights – or local airlines to island hop. So pick those grouped together, for
example like the Windward Islands, or British Virgin islands.
Thailand – is still popular, and very beautiful. So apart from the mainland, the well known choices are Koh Samui,
Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands. The Andaman Sea and gulf coast are peppered with islands. Well visited, by both
tourists and back packers.
Indonesia – try twinning places like Bali with ferries to smaller islands off Indonesia like the Gili Islands. I recently
booked clients to Gili Trawagan – which has no cars on it, so transfers are by horse and cart from the jetty.
Australia – again why not mix the mainland with island hopping. This is a vast continent, so depending on where
you are in Australia, is where you would centre your island hoping. The most famous is around the Whitsundays
in Queensland. I once had clients who we rented a small private yacht near Shute Harbor for a few days to sail
around the islands.

Scotland – nearer to home, but none the less, ideal for island hopping, with some wonderful islands off the west
coast. They seem to have mysterious sounding names that beg to be visited,
like Isle of Skye, Barra, and North Uist. Ferry operators run services to
many of these islands.

Or maybe the Florida Keys may appeal – an easy island hopping by driving
alone the connecting highway US-1.
Whichever way you do it, enjoy the freedom that island hopping brings.
Beach holidays, City breaks, Honeymoons, Weddings abroad, Adventure holidays, Ski,
Cruise, Tailormade trips, Flight only, Car hire, Airport hotels and parking and much more...
Contact Travel Counsellor
Mags Addison

0845 058 7812
margaret.addison@travelcounsellors.com Travel Counsellors ensures complete
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/margaret.addison financial protection on every booking

To advertise <> 08000 430485 <> email: info@thelocaleye.com <> www.thelocaleye.com

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