The best cure I’ve found for a case of the Mondays (which I have pretty much every week) is daydreaming about vacation.  Beautiful destinations, the smell of coconut oil in the air, umbrella drinks and ocean breezes.  Naps in a hammock, walks on the beach, fresh seafood and cocktails, island music wafting by.  As I say hello to another gloomy Monday morning (seriously, why is San Francisco so foggy?), I lean on my very active imagination to transport me to another place.  The result, a few highlights from what will surely be a growing island travel bucket list.  Let’s go, shall we??

Roatán, Honduras

For someone with an extreme case of wanderlust (like me), shows like Caribbean Life are essential.  The premise alone is perfect- people shopping for a home on the island of their dreams.  Often leaving places with long winters and snow, these lucky folks are in the process of relocating, usually to a wide, gorgeous stretch of beach somewhere.  Sign.me.up.  Roatán is one island that has caught my eye on more than one episode.   After our trip to Costa Rica earlier this year, I’ve started looking for other Central American gems nearby.  Known for its gorgeous beaches and laid back vibe, Roatán is an easy add to my list.

Great Exuma, Bahamas

The beaches of the Exumas are what dreams are made of.  Long stretches of pristine, white sands, waters in brilliant shades of blue.  And if that’s not enough for you (it’s plenty for me), you can go swim with the pigs.  I’m not being rude, I mean that literally.  You can actually swim with pigs in the Exumas.  How’s that for an IG photo opp?

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

I have been lucky to visit the US Virgin Islands several times for Carnival in St Thomas.  It was always my intention to take a day trip to Virgin Gorda, to visit The Baths but with the excitement and distraction of carnival parades and parties, I never quite made it.  However, I haven’t given up.  Exploring through boulders and rock pools sounds like my kind of adventure.

Bora Bora

Overwater bungalows and glass floors with fish swimming beneath your feet, jumping off your patio directly into the water below- French Polynesia looks like pure magic.

Bora Bora is synonymous with luxury.  Spa treatments, room service, lazy afternoons.  I’m not looking for adventure on this one- just looking for a hammock and some peace.

Barbados

I’ve had my eye on Barbados for a while.  In addition to the obvious draws of Caribbean islands- beaches, gorgeous weather and good vibes- there are a few festivals that have caught my attention.  The annual Barbados Rum & Food Festival has been on my bucket list for a few years.  Also, Crop Over Festival, the three-month long Carnival festivities sound like a party worth catching.  I may need to mark my calendar for next August, grab my girls and head for Barbados!

What islands have captured your heart?  I’ve still got room on my list for suggestions;)