In part one of this series, I examined Madagascar, the Maldives and Iceland – three islands that are far from your typical island (as you’d think of in the Caribbean). I’m going to continue that examination of three more islands in this post – Frasier Island (Australia), the south Island of New Zealand and the Azores.

Fraser Island

Location:  300 kilometeres north of Brisbane, Australia.

Distinguishing features: This world heritage site is the largest sand island in the world. Rainforests, undisturbed beaches, sand cliffs and over 100 freshwater lakes make up the terrain.

Travel Tips:

• No visa is required for US citizens staying shorter than 90 days.

• Fraser Island can be reached by guided or self drive tour from Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach or Noosa (all tours and self drives are 4WD).

• Accommodations range from camping to hotels (Kingfisher Bay Resort) with everything in between. Resorts often fill up months in advance so book early!

New Zealand’s South Island:

Distinguishing features: natural beauty and diversity (fjords, mountains, glaciers, hot springs to name a few), incredibly friendly people, opportunity for virtually any adventure activity imaginable, growing as notable wine and food center.

Travel tips:

• No visa is required for US citizens staying shorter than 90 days.

• New Zealand gets cool (10 to 15 degrees Celsius) in June through August and weather can vary greatly in one day. Layering your clothes is a great idea!

• A few must sees include: Franz Josef Glacier, Arthur’s Pass (five national parks on the west coast), Queenstown and Milford Sound which can be reached by boat trip from Queesntown.

Azores

Location:  Approximately 1500 km from Lisbon, Portugal (about a two hour flight from Lisbon and five hour flight from the US east cost).

Distinguishing features:  Nine volcanic islands each with it’s own distinct landscape, from cliffs to vineyards, valleys, rolling hills and lagoons at the bottom of craters. They are also well known for their religious festivals, for which visitors travel from around the world.

Travel Tips:

• The Azores can get humid and wet, especially in the winter. The average temperature ranges from approximately 57 degrees Farenheit in January/February to 72 degrees in August.

• No visa is required for US citizens staying for under 90 days.

• The islands are popular for nautical activities as well as whale watching, golf and hiking.

Madagascar

Location: 250 miles off the eastern coast of Africa across the Mozambique channel

Distinguishing features: Approximately 80 percent of the wildlife found on Madagascar cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The island has over 30 species of lemur, 60 species of chameleon and the endagered fossa.

Travel tips:

• Wildlife viewing is generally best from August – November; January & February can be quite rainy.
• All visitors to Madagascar need visas. Many will be able to obtain this at the airport upon arrival.
• MasterCard is not accepted in Madagascar and few hotels take credit cards at all. It is one of the few places where traveller’s cheques (in USD or Euro) are the way to go. Cash is also accepted, of course.

Maldives

Location:  On the equator in the Indian Ocean to the west of Sri Lanka.

Distinguishing features: While they are islands of sun and sand, what make the Maldives unique is its location and isolation. Made up of 26 atols – 1190 islands, only 200 of which are inhabited – it’s known a top destination for sailing, snorkeling and diving. It’s underwater beauty is tough to compete with.

Travel Tips:

• A 30-day visa is granted upon arrival.
• The southwest monsoon season runs from May to October, while the northeast season runs from November to April. Know where your destination within the Maldives is and plan carefully!
• The Maldives is an Islamic country. When visiting inhabited islands (non-resort island), clothing that covers the thighs and upper body is requested.

Iceland

Location: Near the arctic circle

Distinguishing features: Extreme natural beauty, ability to cross the arctic circle from Northern Iceland, geothermically-heated pools and 24-hour daylight in the summer.

Travel Tips:

• In the summer, Iceland is not quite as cold as it sounds, though it’s not especially warm (highs hit around 60 degrees Farenheit at the peak of summer).
• Reykjavik, the capital city, is known for being a trendy center of shopping, dining and nightlife, though there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. It can be easily seen in a day or two.
• No visa is needed for American passport holders.
• Travel the iceland either by self-drive or a tour. Most of the natural beauty exists outside of the main city.