2024 Best Summer Island Vacations

Summer is traditionally the time most people like to take a vacation. The days are longer, the weather is warm and there are plenty of special events and festivals to attend that let visitors experience local culture and food. An island summer vacation is the perfect way to recharge and create unforgettable memories to look back on. Who doesn't like relaxing on a white sand beach, sipping a cocktail at sunset, exploring historic castles, watching wildlife frolic in their natural habitat, or enjoying lobster overlooking the ocean?  These are recipes for a truly magical summer island vacation, and here are a few of our favorites for 2024.

Victorian Elegance at its best @ the Grand Hotel

Somewhere In Time Exists -   Mackinac Island 

There is something irresistible about visiting a place that makes you feel like you have hopped into a time machine. Mackinac Island is one of those places. It is a place where you slow down and smile more. The allure of Mac Island is a combination of the calm waters of Lake Huron, ornate Victorian houses with fragrant gardens, and the fact that there are no cars. The only way to explore this island's landscape, 80% of it being part of a National Park, is by horse and carriage; cars were banned in the 1880s! Simple pleasures abound here. Stroll the charming Main Street and sample fudge, hike to Arch Rock, explore Fort Mackinac dating to the Revolutionary War, picnic on a beach, and dream away on the world's largest porch at America's Queen of Victorian Resorts, The Grand Hotel, the famous setting for the movie Somewhere in Time. 

A Royal Greeting in the British Isles

Fit for Royalty - Scotland, Wales, and England 

The British Isles in the summer are simply enchanting. The weather is milder and sunnier during this time of year making it the perfect time to tour historic gardens, castles, and the charming towns and villages these countries have to offer. In Scotland enjoy touring Glasgow, Britain's finest "Victorian City" and Edinburgh's "Royal Mile," explore the Highlands and hear tales of the Loch Ness monster, and visit a distillery for a wee dram of whiskey. In Wales take a scenic ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, visit the National Slate Museum, and tour Caernarfon Castle the most impressive Norman castle in Wales. And, in England, visit Windsor Castle, Europe's longest-occupied palace for royalty, and see London's iconic sites - Westminister Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, the British Museum, and Tower of London. A summer trip to these island countries promises to be a delightful blend of culture, history, nature, and adventure that will make you want to return again and again.

Back to the 1950s

1950s Vibe - Cuba 

A journey to this legendary island is a unique experience because its isolation has helped preserve the authenticity of Cuban culture. From its cloud forests, and vibrant cities to its beautiful white sand, palm-fringed beaches, and shimmering coral reefs, Cuba is an island not to be missed. In Havana, classic cars rumble along cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial-style buildings and mansions amid park squares that beckon exploration. Visit the Museum of the Revolution, tour a cigar factory, sip a mojito in one of Hemingway's old haunts, sample delicious Cuban cuisine, and party at a jazz or salsa club. The music and dance of Cuba are some of the most sensuous in the world and include the mambo, rumba, and cha-cha-cha.  Somehow, Cuba seems to be lost somewhere in the 1950s, and not just because of the cars or crumbling mansions, it seems the gentrification of mass tourism has passed them by, for now. This is the time to go.

Yoga in Paradise

Wellness Naturally - Galapagos Island Retreat 

Rest, relaxation, and well-being come naturally in the pristine beauty of the Galapagos Islands.  Nestled off the coast of Ecuador, in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos provide the perfect backdrop for those who want to unplug, slow down, and connect with themselves, nature, and others around them. With healthy food,  sunrise, and sunset yoga on the beach, and the chance to see wildlife found nowhere else on earth, this is a wellness experience like no other. Whether taking a nature walk along volcanic landscapes, observing giant tortoises, spotting blue eyes boobies, boating to remote islands to see marine iguanas, snorkeling in crystalline waters, or swimming alongside curious marine life, you will feel a deep connection with the natural world. If you are looking for a wellness experience to reconnect with yourself,  the serene beauty of the Galapagos Islands provides a unique sanctuary and otherwordly experience.

Block Island a New England Gem

Lighthouses and Lobster Block Island

If you like islands with dramatic bluffs, beautiful beaches, lighthouses, charming Victorian architecture, and lobster, fresh off the boat, then head to Block Island this summer.  Block Island has some of New England's finest beaches, rolling hills, and scenic spots that offer breathtaking views like Mohegan Bluffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. A visit to Block Island's two lighthouses offers a glimpse into the island's fascinating maritime history and a lobster lunch at a historic hotel overlooking the water after shopping along boutique-lined streets is a must. 

Whether you choose a wellness island getaway, lobster for a day, a trip fit for royalty, a step back to the 1950s, or a place so unspoiled that there are no cars, you will enjoy authentic experiences at these island gems.