But for others, all they want as they seek to escape from the trials and tribulations of working life in peaceful surroundings away from the main ‘tourist traps’.
Taking both into consideration, we’ve selected five island destinations that are suitable for all manner of traveller…
The Maldives
Perhaps one of the best alternatives for those who want to get away from it all, the Maldives comprises of a number of natural atolls spread across the Indian Ocean.
The natural beauty of the island chain has helped to make it one of the most popular destinations amongst foreign visitors who are looking to relax on an island paradise, with a varied selection of luxury resorts being developed through the years.
These resorts tend to be located on their own islands, with everything that guests could wish to make use of being close to hand.
As such, the Maldives is the perfect option for those who really want to escape, with plenty of time to simply lie back on golden sands or to take a swim in crystal clear blue waters whilst marveling at the marine life that calls the surrounding reefs home.
Five star spas offering a variety of treatments are the norm, whilst the accommodation options – which will include over-water bungalows with direct access to the lagoons below – are amongst the most impressive you can expect to find anywhere.
You could even find yourself dining beneath the surface of the sea, with the Maldives being home to a world famous undersea restaurant as part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort.
Watersports and diving are amongst the most popular activities for those who do want to do more than just sit on the beach.
Mauritius
Like the Maldives, Mauritius sits within the Indian Ocean and is increasingly popular with UK visitors who want to experience a paradise break in the sun.
Whereas the Maldives are mainly about relaxation, Mauritius is an island that has something to cater for all tastes, from idyllic sandy beaches to stunning rainforests that are home to some of the world’s rarest species.
For those who do want to relax on the beach, there is plenty of opportunity with the island featuring a range of five star accommodation; some of which is located close to the major resorts and others which are in more secluded surroundings.
With Mauritius being bordered by a large barrier reef, there are plenty of opportunities to go diving to explore the delights that await below the surface.
In fact, Mauritius is very much on a par with the Maldives when it comes to scuba diving, whilst the tranquil blue waters are also suitable for a range of different activities.
Inland you can see the other side of the island, with verdant forests, rolling mountain ranges of large sugar plantations dominating the landscape.
You could also take a visit to the famous Seven Coloured Earth; a small area of sand dunes that take on seven distinct colours.
Given the chance to marvel at the island’s biodiversity, to explore local life and to sample traditional cuisine, it’s a destination that delivers in spades.
Seychelles
Located off the coast of Africa, the Seychelles is a small group of islands that are widely regarded as some of the most picturesque to be found anywhere in the world.
It comes as little surprise that a big draw for those visiting the Seychelles is the opportunity to lie back on the beach and make the most of the favourable weather conditions, with plenty of sun to be enjoyed throughout the year.
The white sands complement the clear waters that are home to w wide range of wildlife, with the chance to see dolphins in the wild and also to take in the astonishing sight of turtles coming ashore to lay eggs on the beach.
Picture postcard beaches aren’t just what the Seychelles is about though, and like Mauritius, there is plenty to reward those who head inland on the different islands.
Here, there is the opportunity to embrace the natural beauty of various national parks and reserves where plenty of work goes into ensuring that the rare flora and fauna is protected.
As well as relaxing on the beach or exploring the forests on a myriad of trekking trails, you could go diving on coral reefs or visit working spice plantations to discover how locals earn their living.
A mixture of cultures is reflected in the food you can enjoy at every turn and also in the art, music and customs you can expect to find.
The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays comprises of 74 islands that sit off Queensland on Australia’s Eastern coast and are the ideal destination for anyone who wants to pay a visit to the world famous Great Barrier Reef.
From the lively town of Airlie Beach on the mainland, where there is a myriad of restaurants, bars and shops, to the islands themselves, the region is a major attraction for anyone visiting Australia – and with good reason.
For a start, you can head out to explore the Barrier Reef itself, either by taking a trip on a glass bottomed boat or by getting closer to the wide array of marine life by embarking on a snorkeling adventure.
Alternatively, you can head out to one of the islands for a holiday experience that is sure to live long in the memory.
The most famous stretch of beach fro those who want to take in the sights is Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island itself, a 7km stretch of stunning silica sand that has won multiple awards; most notably for being eco-friendly with no access for dogs and smoking being forbidden.
Hamilton Island is home to a large national park that is worth exploring and also houses a selection of hotels, many of which offers exclusive spa treatments and a range of leisure activities.
Daydream Island meanwhile is home to two popular resorts, one of which is used by day visitors and the other that is for guest who are staying overnight.
Faroe Islands
For most people, an island break is usually about sun, sea and sands but that doesn’t always have to be the car – and most certainly isn’t when it comes to the Faroe Islands.
Located between Norway and Iceland to the north of Scotland, the Faroe Islands are unlikely to feature highly on most peoples lists when it comes to a holiday but provide a fascinating alternative to the norm.
Made up of 18 islands, the Faroes are known for their rugged beauty, rising from the swells of the Atlantic with multi-coloured cottages dotted across the grassy landscapes.
The islands are perfect for those who are active and who want to head out hiking across the moorland landscapes and will also reward anyone with an interest in ornithology; with puffins being a common sight along the cliffs.
The major city on the islands is the capital Tórshavn, which sits on the island of Streymoy, and here you can find a selection of historical sites like the grass-roofed houses of Tinganes, an impressive fort that dates back to the 16th century and the cities cathedral.
It’s also where you’ll find the Nordic House, which is regarded as the most important cultural institution in the country.
Given the location of the islands in the Atlantic, it should come as little surprise that visitors to the Faroe Islands can also hope to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights – which only serves to add to the surprise appeal of a country where a warm and friendly welcome is assured.