Nothing signifies getting away from it all quite like an island visit. Whether it requires a five-hour ferry ride or a quick trip over a causeway, the very act of separating from the mainland is also a separation from the everyday and an invitation to explore. We’ve gathered together our favorites—both
classic destinations and little-known treasures—in the continental U.S. and Canada (plus a few in Europe for good measure). All offer the possibility of an idyllic summer retreat distinguished by natural beauty, alluring beaches, historic charm, and above all, the chance to recharge.
See Nantucket Travel Guide | See Amalfi Coast Travel Guide | See British Columbia Travel Guide | See Martha's Vineyard Travel Guide
Private jet holidays around the world Editors' Review
No-car vacations coast to coast from just $143/nt Editors' Review
American Coastal Retreats for a Song Editors' Review
Up to $150 off: Dining at select Fairmont Hotels Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
$929+: 7-day Europe cruise to Nice, Pisa & Capri Norwegian
$334+: Bargain 5-nt sails from NY to New England Major Providers
$499+: 7-nt Alaska sail w/up to $300 onboard credit Vacation Outlet
$499+: Popular Canada cruise to St. John and Halifax Carnival
$549+: Carnival popular 7-nt New England cruise VacationsToGo.com
$549+: New England 7-nt cruise with Boston, Canada Major Provider
$639+: Oceanview Halifax cruise in summer CruisesOnly
$849+: Canada weeklong cruise with Halifax, more Royal Caribbean
$519+: Quick oceanview Canada cruise from NYC Cruise.com
$569+: New England weeklong Princess sailing Cruise.com
$1449+: Pacific cruise w/Hubbard Glacier, Alaska Travelocity
$599+: Posh Princess Canada cruise w/Newport VacationsToGo.com
$579+: Oceanview 7-nt autumn New England cruises Norwegian
65% off: New England 7-nt Sept sail w/Boston, NY VacationsToGo.com
$749+: 7-nt Alaska Galcier Bay sail from Seattle Holland America
$729+: Inside Passage 7-nt cruise from Vancouver Holland America
$999+: 7-nt Hubbard Glacier Celebrity cruise Celebrity
$469+: 4-nt New England sail from New York harbor Carnival
Up to 55% off: Oceanview 5-nt Canada sail from $569 Carnival
$574+: 7-nt Alaska cruise on the Sapphire Princess Princess
$549+: New England fall foliage cruise from NY VacationsToGo.com