If you view island hopping as something that only gap year students do then you’re seriously missing out! Of course, this is still a very popular activity for those heading off for a year between studies, but that doesn’t mean that the rest of the general population can’t enjoy it too. The most popular areas to hop between have now made it much easier to do, and you can enjoy several islands within a region during the space of your break, giving you an adventure holiday with a true difference.
Budgeting for an island hopping break can be a little tricky if you’ve never done it before, but the key is obviously to keep costs low. If you can cut out a little undue expenditure at the booking stage then you will find yourself in a better position later on. I do this by making sure I find the cheapest possible flight that fits my needs, and booking my parking space at the airport with Airparks. I do this regularly, regardless of where I’m going and how long for, because I find the ease and convenience fantastic, and the cost is always lower compared to public transport when there is more than one of you travelling. If this sounds like something you’d like to take advantage of, then check out what you can find from your departure airport. I have recently booked Heathrow parking for a seriously low price, so bargains can definitely be found here!
The most popular hopping destinations are generally Greece, the Canary Islands, and the Caribbean, although wherever there is an island group with good transport links you can easily hop to your heart’s content, giving you a truly bespoke and tailor-made experience. You could head to the Indian Ocean and experience the wonder of the idyllic and blindingly beautiful islands in that region if you wanted a truly once in a lifetime break, or alternatively go for the Caribbean and work out your own route between nearby islands. Greece is obviously the one that everyone thinks of, because there are so many popular islands close together, and they are so geared up for tourism that it’s not a major culture shock, and you won’t find it hard to get around at all. Finding accommodation is easy, and whether you decide to fly by the seat of your pants and do it when you get there, or book it in advance, it’s up to you. Of course, if you book it then you don’t give yourself freedom to stay on an island you particularly enjoy for longer, but it is a totally personal choice.
Island hopping is much more mainstream than it ever used to be, so for your next break, why not hop around and enjoy different experiences rather than staying in one place? You never know, you might enjoy the differences and find a new favourite place.