So you want to get off-the-grid? Let these bucket-list travel destinations inspire you to explore some of the world's most exotic islands.
Gozo, Malta
The enchanting island of Gozo is an integral part of the Maltese archipelago. Besides being one of the top diving destinations in the Mediterranean, it boasts of mystical backwaters, historical forts, and amazing panoramas.
The Cook Islands
The idyllic Cook Islands have been called "the secret of the Pacific," and the fact that they were formed by volcanic activity only adds to the mystique. Travel to these untouched islands to explore their remarkable topography of overgrown jungles, sunken volcanoes, and limestone caves.
Why Go: Hidden halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, these 15 islands are scattered over 690,000 square miles of crystal-clear ocean and provide a stunning natural landscape of atolls, lagoons, and coral reefs.
Getting There and Finding Deals: Rarotonga, the largest of the Cooks and home to its international airport, is spiked with craggy mountain pinnacles that gently slope to meet flats planted with coconuts, paw paw, and pineapples. Fly into this capital island on Virgin Australia, Air Tahiti or Air New Zealand, which is now running a discount-airfare deal on flights to Rarotonga for next year. Stay in your own private lagoon-side bungalow for $150 per night, courtesy of Aroko Bungalows, and make sure to take a day trip to Aitutaki, a smaller island that sits atop a giant barrier reef and boasts a world-famous turquoise lagoon. As there is no regularly scheduled ferry service between the two islands, you'll have to hop short commuter flights on Air Rarotonga to get from island to island.
Adeline, Austraila
Often considered one of the world's most livable cities, Adelaide celebrates year-round with food and art festivals, as well as major sporting events.
Why Go: As the wine capital of Australia, the city's reds and whites get high praise. Adelaide is also the jumping-off point for Kangaroo Island, which is one of the prime places in Australia to see animals in their natural habitats.
Getting There and Finding Deals: Adelaide is served by many major airlines, including Delta, Virgin Australia, and Singapore Airlines; prices from the U.S. start at around $1,800 round-trip. Though there isn't much opportunity to save on airfare, there are plenty of affordable accommodations options, especially for the backpacking set. Hostels like the Adelaide Travellers Inn start at $19 per night for multi-person rooms. If sharing facilities is out of the question, check out the centrally located Adabco Boutique Hotel
EGER, HUNGARY
Why go: "Free-flowing cheap wine," Leffel offers when asked why this destination—about a 90-minute bus ride northeast of Budapest—should make your list. Apart from the great local reds, the second-largest city in Northern Hungary also features thermal spring-fed baths (for which the country is famous) as well as historic ruins and excellent food the likes of which you probably can't find anywhere in the U.S. It's like visiting the country's more-popular capital but with slightly lower prices and few (if any) crowds.
Stay: Plopped in the center of Eger and nearby all of the city's highlights, the Hotel Senator House offers
Stay: Plopped in the center of Eger and nearby all of the city's highlights, the Hotel Senator House offers
SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
Why go: Boasting crocodile farms. Chinese-style architecture, and vestiges of the country's former status as an outpost of the French Empire, there would be ample reason to visit this city in Northern Cambodia even if it wasn't so close to Angkor Wat—a massive complex of ancient temples built in the 11th century that is also the largest religious monument in the world.
Stay: A prime location offers guests of the Gloria Angkor Hotel easy access to the surrounding temples for around $30 per night. The courtyard pool is small but sheik. Quiet, but everything you need for very little cash.
