The best time to go on an island holiday largely depends on which island you decide to choose:

• Indian Ocean islands like Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives: April to October (dry season) 

• Thailand: December to March is ideal 

• Greek Islands: May to September for warm weather 

• Reunion: May to November is cooler and drier 

Most island holiday packages include flights and airport transfers. On some islands (like Seychelles or Greece), you’ll need ferries or short domestic flights to get around. 

• Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles, Reunion, Thailand: Visa-free for South African passport holders 

• Greece and other EU islands: Schengen visa required 

Which island holiday is the best? 
It depends on what you’re after. For luxury, try the Maldives. For value and variety, Mauritius is a top pick. For island hopping and cultural experiences, go Greek. 

What is the cheapest island to visit from South Africa? 
Mauritius and Thailand (Phuket or Koh Samui) often offer the most affordable island vacation packages thanks to regular flight specials and all-inclusive resort options. 

Which island is most worth visiting? 
That’s a tough one! Seychelles offers natural beauty, Reunion is great for adventurers, and the Greek islands are ideal for history and food lovers. 

Which is the safest island to travel to? 
Mauritius, Seychelles, and Reunion are consistently rated as safe for travellers. Always use common sense, especially when exploring after dark or going off the beaten track. 

• Maldives: +5 

• Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion: +4 

• Thailand: +7 

• Greece: +2 

• Local currencies apply (e.g., Mauritian Rupee, Thai Baht, Euro). Most islands accept card payments. 

• English is widely spoken in tourist areas, with French and Creole common in the Indian Ocean, and Greek in the Mediterranean. 

Pack reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a basic travel kit. No vaccines are required for most islands, but travel insurance is always a smart idea.