Island Holidays

Choose your slice of paradise, a tropical holiday destination that ticks all the boxes for the perfect getaway. Whether you’re keen on the Maldives or Mauritius, the sea stretches off in every direction. If you’d like to travel further afield, why not consider Thailand's little treasures, Phuket or Koh Samui? In the Mediterranean, you’ve got Ibiza and Palma to choose from, not to mention the incomparable Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Closer to home there’s the Seychelles and Reunion. What is your idea of the perfect island holiday?

What many travellers don’t know?

You can go island-hopping in Seychelles without needing a ferry pass – just hop on a local boat or small plane.
Mauritius has more than just beaches – there are rum distilleries, spice gardens, and mountain hikes.
Mykonos and Santorini might get the fame, but islands like Naxos and Milos are quieter, family-friendly, and more affordable.
The Maldives offers more than honeymoon hideaways – there are local islands where culture meets calm.
You can watch lava bubble in a live volcano crater in Reunion – talk about dramatic holiday memories!
So, what’s your dream island holiday? Romantic, adventurous, slow and sandy, or a bit of everything? Browse our island holiday packages – your beach chair is waiting.

Your white sand beach is waiting for you, complete with palm trees and a cocktail to celebrate your island holiday. Thompsons Holidays has an island holiday destination with your name on. Browse our island holiday packages for 2026 or give us a call and let us arrange the island holiday of your dreams.

Things to do on an island holiday...

No two islands are the same – and that’s the fun of it. From cultural encounters to lazy beach days, here are some of the top things to do on your island getaway:

Mauritius: Take a catamaran cruise along the coast, visit a tea plantation, hike through Chamarel’s coloured earth, or go paddleboarding in the lagoon.
Phuket & Koh Samui, Thailand: Enjoy a Thai massage by the sea, hop between temples and night markets, or take a longtail boat to the nearby limestone cliffs of Krabi.
Seychelles: Go island-hopping between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Stop at hidden coves, snorkel with rays, or hike through Vallée de Mai forest.
Maldives: Book a private beach dinner, snorkel directly from your overwater villa, or try a local cooking class on one of the inhabited islands.
Greek Islands: From sunset views in Santorini to the beaches of Naxos and the nightlife of Mykonos, there’s plenty to keep your days (and nights) full.
Reunion: Visit active volcanoes, trek into lush calderas, or zipline through the island’s wild interior.

Prefer a laid-back island holiday? No problem – grab a sun lounger, order something cold, and let time slow down.

Know before you go...

Best Time to go on an Island Holiday?

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

Getting There & Around

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.

Visas & Travel Info for South Africans:

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

Greece and other EU islands: Schengen visa required

FAQs

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.

Time Zones

Maldives: +5

Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion: +4

Thailand: +7

Greece: +2

Money & Languages

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.

Health Tips

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.

Travel tips for your island holiday...

Choose the right island for your travel style: Want peace and privacy? Maldives. Culture and adventure? Reunion. A mix of fun and chill? Thailand or Mauritius.

Book early for peak season: December and June–July are popular times, especially for island holiday packages from South Africa.
Ask about free perks: Many resorts offer free spa credits or even kids stay free deals.
Pack light and airy: Think swimwear, sandals, and one dressier outfit for dinners. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen and a good sunhat.
Explore beyond the resort: There’s so much more to island life than the beach: markets, food tours, waterfalls, local villages.
Check the luggage allowance for island transfers: Smaller planes or ferries between islands often have stricter baggage limits, so pack smart.
Bring a waterproof phone pouch: Ideal for boat trips, beach days and kayaking without worrying about splashes.
Plan your activities in advance: Some top attractions and excursions have limited spots. Pre-booking saves you time and guarantees a place.
Be mindful of local customs: Even in tropical vacation spots, dress modestly when visiting temples or cultural sites, especially in Thailand and Greece.
Don’t rely solely on Wi-Fi: Download offline maps, language basics, and your travel itinerary in case signal is patchy on more remote islands.
Protect your feet: Bring water shoes for rocky beaches, coral reefs, or lava rock coastlines – especially useful in Reunion and parts of Greece.
Always carry some cash: Island ATMs can be scarce or out of service, so having a small amount of local currency is helpful for tipping or small purchases.
Use eco-friendly products: Reef-safe sunscreen and reusable water bottles help protect the fragile island ecosystems you’re enjoying.