Our Favorite Islands
Our travel advisors love to travel and see new destinations. Recently, we asked our travel advisors what their favorite island is. Their answers might surprise you!
Exumas, Bahamas
Andrea Norfolk
President and Industry Expert
Why I love it: While there are all different islands and cays in the Exumas, they all offer the same stunning water and sand! It truly is as good as it gets in the Caribbean. I have a picture of me walking out on a sand bar that doesn't look real (it's that pretty). It is a spot for me that I paused and appreciated that I was standing out in the middle of nowhere visiting a place where pictures would never do it justice. I've had a few of those moments throughout my travels but this one sticks out in my mind as a favorite.
Best known for: Crystal clear water and pristine white sand beaches and don't forget about the swimming pigs!!
My travel tip: Staniel Cay is a spot in the Exumas that has this fun bar (Staniel Cay Yacht Club) that is filled with locals and yachtsmen and guests staying on the island. It's a cool spot to stop for lunch (if out island hopping) and you can grab fresh conch salad right outside the bar. Rustic but it's one of those places that you never know who might show up. No doubt it's had it's fill of celebrities pass through at some point.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Anjli Patel
Travel Advisor
Why I love it: Amsterdam is an extraordinary city, a city that is so friendly, picturesque and ridiculously fun! It is a place that has such a laid-back atmosphere that it seems like no one has a care in the world. Amsterdam is perfect for getting lost in because you'll come across countless interesting and quaint place around every corner, whether it's a small café, a quirky vintage shop, or an outdoor market selling fresh produce, flowers or little trinkets!
Best known for: Canal cruises, Anne Frank House and "coffee" shops
My travel tip: Visiting Amsterdam in the spring allows you to experience the breathtaking beauty of the world-famous Dutch tulips. They brighten up the streets of the city with colorful tulips at various locations and the goal every spring is to have one tulip for every Amsterdammer — about 800,000 tulips in the city alone.
St. Lucia
Jo North
Travel Advisor
Why I Love It: The scenery is gorgeous, the food amazing, and the beaches are stunning! We thought the snorkeling was some of the best we've experienced!
Best Known For: The majestic St. Lucia Pitons
My Travel Tip: St. Lucia is a very hilly and many of the resorts are quite a distance from the airport. Factor that into the flights you choose and consider motion sickness meds for the trip to the resort if needed (lesson learned). Also make sure to spring for private transfers so you aren't stopping at multiple resorts on your way!
Mount Desert Island, Maine
Laura Matyas
Travel Advisor
Why I love it: Home to Acadia National Park, the island is a geological wonder on the northeastern shore of the United States. Granite landscapes, coved beaches, off-shore ferryable islands, and a network of carriage roads share the island with the quaint town of Bar Harbor and it's decidedly local shops and restaurants. I love that there is something for everyone on Mount Desert; endless outdoor adventures, boutique shopping, scenic drives, historic lighthouses, and the first view of sunrise in the United States. Our family of four each planned one day of our trip: a mountain hike, biking Rockefeller's carriage roads and stone bridges, kayaking a serene inland pond, and a Park Ranger-lead boat tour to Little Cranberry Island. The local cuisine, from delectable artisan ice cream to succulent lobster rolls, is served up by friendly Mainers who welcome you.
Best known for: Acadia National Park
My travel tip: Diver Ed's Dive-in Theater is not to be missed!
Capri, Italy
Ellen Nestorick
Marketing Manager / Client Liaison
Why I love it: There is nothing quite like Capri, Italy. The beautiful rugged landscape, electric blue sea, designer shops, and great restaurants all come together in one place. It is one of those places that I can’t wait to go back to and explore more. I loved spending my time just walking along the narrow walkways exploring the area with the beautiful view always in sight.
Best known for: Boat tours to the Blue Grotto
My travel tip: Head to Capri in the spring or the fall when it isn’t too hot and it is less crowded.
Venice, Italy
Meredith Lanham
Client Liaison
Why I love it: It is absolutely beautiful! Take a boat ride to see the colorful painted house or just enjoy a romantic gondola ride. Catch some glass blowing in action while walking through the beautiful San Marco square. Last, but certainly not least, the food and wine! With all of the surrounding water, they have some of the freshest seafood you will find in Italy.
Best known for: The city of water! From the bridges, architecture, and food there is so much to love about this city!
My travel tip: Summer in Venice can be very crowded. Go in the spring when the weather is beautiful but a lot less crowded.