Robinson Crusoe had the right idea when he washed up on a desert isle — enjoy the peace and quiet, and beauty, without the crowd and tourist traps that infest so many island vacation spots.
You, too, can find an island getaway that isn’t flooded with travelers where beauty and serenity can be had all day, and all night.
Nosy Ankao, off the coast of Madagascar
Ferry boats cross over to this gem of an island every hour during the fall and winter. There are a few luxury hotels, but mostly it’s pristine white sand beaches with a hypnotic view of the Indian ocean, and little shacks on the shore that serve up spicy shrimp timbales with rice on a banana leaf for less than two dollars.
Palau, near the Philippines
This island nation hasn’t done much about the tourist industry, and so its many unspoiled beaches and friendly inhabitants make it worth the long plane ride. Snorkelers say the coral reefs are the most unspoiled in the world.
Coral Caye Island, Belize
It faces the Atlantic, but Coral Caye, off the coast of Belize, feels more like the Caribbean — with conch chowder and sago croissants served up day and night. The island has few hotels, but many b-and-b’s — and some of the best shoreline fishing in all of South America.
