Picture your ideal holiday destination and you'll probably think of an idyllic island. From tropical spots with aqua water and palm trees to quaint stone harbours with colourful fishing boats, there's something about islands that brings about the holiday mood. Experts at Planet Cruise have analysed data ranging from safety scores to ferry costs and social media buzz to identify the ultimate island hopping destinations around the globe.
Here's their top ten. READ MORE: The top 10 destinations in Asia that Aussies are travelling to right now The Dominican Republic in the Caribbean is a prime spot for island hopping. It's between Puerto Rico and Jamaica, as well as being a popular holiday destination in its own right.
Scotland is not the first place which you imagine when you think of islands, but it has plenty of windswept paradises to explore. Shetland, Orkney, and the Hebrides are the main beauty spots to visit. The research did find it had the most expensive ferry prices though, at an average $19.
READ MORE: The best lookout points in Australia crowned in Uniquely Aussie Awards The Portuguese island of Madeira is a holiday hotspot for Europeans. The Azores are also a more isolated island paradise. One of the most famous island chains in the world, the Maldives is a honeymooners paradise, known for its tranquil beauty.
READ MORE: Train travel is booming in Europe right now - here's everything you need to know about Eurail Passes Head to the Spanish Balearics: Maj.