Without a doubt, Bali and Hawaii are among the most famous and desirable islands in the world. Many people dream of visiting these amazing destinations, but their popularity also has a downside: Overcrowding with tourists.

According to CNN, Bali welcomed a staggering 5.7 million foreign tourists in 2017, cementing its position as the top choice for tourists worldwide. However, the excessive influx of tourists has had adverse effects on the islands, including uncomfortable crowds, depletion of local resources and environmental degradation.

The islands of Bali and Hawaii often suffer from increased trash and other negative impacts from high tourist numbers.

The travel and tourism industry needs to rethink how we approach holidays.

Our desire for the perfect holiday selfie shouldn't come at the expense of our happiness in these amazing places. This doesn't mean we should stop traveling altogether, but it does mean we should choose routes less traveled by carefully to minimize our negative impact on the places we visit. In this way, we can have a more enjoyable experience while preserving the beauty of these destinations.

7 Amazing Island Doors

Here are seven stunning islands that offer unique and authentic travel experiences, seemingly no more fascinating than Bali and Hawaii:

1. Lombok, Indonesia

Close to Bali, Lombok has stunning sandy beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, scenic rice fields, and even a volcano.

Although Kuta is the most popular tourist destination on the island, Lombok still offers solitude and tranquility due to less tourist influx.

The beaches in the south are known for their great waves, making them a top choice for surfers.

2. Morotai, North Maluku, Indonesia

Morotai, one of the Maluku Islands in eastern Indonesia, played an important role as an Allied base during World War II.

Today there are countless dive sites where divers can explore the abundant marine life and even swim with friendly sharks.

The island's rugged and heavily forested terrain adds to its natural beauty, and its beaches exude a classic island paradise vibe.

3. Florida

If you want to experience the tropical atmosphere of Hawaii without going too far, Florida is a good choice. While Miami's beaches are not the same as those in Hawaii, they offer great surf spots as well as the same stunning white sand and warm waters.

Miami's Atlantic coast is great for boating, swimming and surfing. The region's temperate and tropical climate makes it an ideal destination for spring and autumn excursions.

4. Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is a resort town in the Dominican Republic known for its beautiful beaches.

Away from major cities, Punta Cana offers peaceful getaways with ample opportunities for relaxation and sunbathing.

Another plus is the accessibility, as the flight time from New York is short compared to the long trip to Hawaii. Plus, Punta Cana is relatively affordable, as there are all-inclusive resorts that include room, board, and lodging.

5. Cook Islands

This group of 15 islands in the South Pacific is a true paradise that blends relaxation and adventure.

The Cook Islands offer more than meets the eye, from rocky mountains and limestone caves to coral reefs and azure lagoons.

Known for its excellent diving and snorkelling, Rarotonga is the largest island and the capital of Avarua.

6. Tioman Island, Malaysia

Tioman Island is a nature reserve and marine park with diverse ecosystems including rainforests, sandy beaches and coral reefs. There are excellent diving and snorkeling spots on the island, as well as opportunities to explore the jungle and discover waterfalls.

Visitors can tailor their experience to their liking at the various resorts.

7. Samoa

Nestled between New Zealand and Hawaii, Samoa is home to lush highlands and impressive waterfalls.

The natural beauty of the island is characterized by its vibrant and unspoilt landscapes. Unlike Bali or Hawaii, Samoa has managed to preserve an authentic culture rooted in an ancient practice known as Fa'a Samoa.

The island's traditional way of life has no walls in many of the houses, symbolizing the desire to maintain a wild and untamed way of life.

Diploma

All in all, while Bali and Hawaii remain popular, there are plenty of other options for a unique and memorable travel experience.

The islands offer an opportunity to escape crowded destinations while enjoying stunning scenery, vibrant culture and exciting adventure.

So consider exploring these hidden gems to make your vacation truly memorable.