Island getaways are a go-to vacation for a reason—it’s easy to slip into relaxation on their soft beaches, sitting under gently swaying palm trees. But our favorite islands offer so much more (don’t worry, they’re still very relaxing), from adventurous solo expeditions to family retreats, and everything in between.

Three travelers on their tried-and-true tips.

Spotting grizzlies, hunting ghosts, and peeping foliage.