Bora Bora

Bora Bora is a small island (about 6 miles long and a little more than 2 miles wide) that is brimming with natural beauty. At its heart, a dormant volcano rises and fans out into lush jungle before erupting into an aquamarine lagoon. Bora Bora was dubbed "the most beautiful island in the world" by author James Michener, who wrote "Tales of the South Pacific". James Cook, an 18th-century British explorer, dubbed it the "Pearl of the Pacific". Bora Bora is the epitome of a tropical getaway, with luxurious resorts, sunny skies, warm waters, and friendly locals.

And, as you might expect, tourism is the main industry on this tiny island in French Polynesia and its swarm of tiny motu (islands). To that end, you can snorkel, explore Vaitape (Bora Bora's main port), hike Mount Otemanu, and do a variety of other activities. But there's a catch: Bora Bora is pricey – very pricey. In a nutshell, go to Bora Bora for the natural beauty, stay for complete relaxation, and go if you have the money.