I arrived in Tahiti (many years ago) without a reservation and very little money in my pocket. With nothing but a very charming (IMO) smile I managed to finagle a week-long stay with some young French chefs who were studying on the island. And that to me is the beauty of these places. Remote and separate from the confines of mainland culture, there is a certain freedom and camaraderie that comes from days spent on island time.
Most of my favorite travel experiences have been on islands. Cruising the perimeter of Vis on a moped with my soon-to-be husband. Watching the sunrise from the base of Ahu Tongariki in Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Paddle-boarding with dolphins on Hawai’i, Big Island. Searching for an elusive polar bear sighting on Baffin Island. Sailing to Manitou Island in Lake Michigan.
Island hopping might be my favorite hobby. You should try it too. We’ll show you how.
– Sarah Stocking, Editor
