From my perspective, I tend to think of Bali, Santorini, and the Maldives when I hear of islands, but the world is filled with numerous hidden treasures that can be discovered. These islands might be lesser-known, but they feature unparalleled beauty, rich culture, and unique experiences. For this blog post, you might not have heard of many islands but I will make a case for why you should consider traveling to them. Wherever you decide to go, we will prepare you with basic travel advice including preparing a Cover Letter for the Schengen Visa, getting a Dummy Flight Ticket, and arranging a Flight Itinerary for your travel plans.

1. Raiatea, French Polynesia

Raiatea, meaning "faraway heaven," is believed to be the start of Polynesian civilization. With an abundance of ancient legends and cloaked shrines, this holy island continues to be a destination for many Polynesians from the South Pacific. Travelers can enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site Taputapuātea marae, snorkeling and sailing in the clear lagoons, or trekking the lush tropical terrain.

2. Pantelleria, Italy

Pantelleria is located closer to Tunisia than Italy, meaning it’s a lot more unknown than other euro trips, but still has some notoriety. Famous for its island's hot springs, as well as volcanic beauty, travelers flock to see the Italian island's volcanic lake “Lago di Venere,” as well as the Grotta Benikula sauna. Sightseers can equally take in the remarkable Castello Barbacane, along with classic dammusai structures.

3. Sifnos, Greece

Sifnos, part of the Cyclades, is particularly known for its sheer number of churches and classic whitehouses. This wonderfully charming island is only a ferry ride away from Athens, allowing tourists to bask in warm hospitality and fresh wonderful food. It’s the perfect place to visit if you want to learn about authentic Greece without the chaos.

4. Lamu Island, Kenya

Lamu Island is an Island located in the Indian Ocean part of Kenya that most travelers overlook but has its trademark beautiful history with Swahili culture.

The almost two-hundred-year-old buildings and beautiful beaches are a sight to see in their own right. Reflections of the past can be seen when one travels through the ancient narrow streets. These ancient streets remind every visitor of the former glory. These remarkable beauties make Lamu a cultural hotspot while still being a UNESCO site.

5. La Gomera, Spain

La Gomera is stunning even without the attractive view of Tenerife close by. The Tierra de Risco trail is suitable for trekking and offers breathtaking views of the incredible subtropical and mountainous terrain. The area is also richly populated with flora and fauna, making it an apt place for nature lovers. In terms of tourism, La Gomera also has charming sites and untouched nature.

6. Inaccessible Island, South Atlantic Ocean

Staying true to its name, Inaccessible Island is a nature lovers’ paradise that offers so much but its raw beauty means that it is hardly ever visited. It is remarkable knowing that it is part of the Tristan da Cunha archipelago and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Embracing unique species such as Inaccessible Island Rail, the smallest flightless and omnivorous bird in the world, makes this astonishing island perfect for travelers and wildlife enthusiasts.

7. Jicaro Island, Nicaragua

From its breathtaking Mombacho Volcano to its pristine jungles, Jicaro Island offers unmatched views of Lake Nicaragua. For eco-friendly tourists, the island has thatched casitas built from local materials, providing an intimate retreat. The island is also close to the UNESCO-listed Granada of the Nicaraguan city, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts. Time Out Worldwide

8. Steep Holm, United Kingdom

Steep Holm is a small, relatively unknown island located in the Bristol Channel off the coast of Somerset. From March to October, tourists have access to day trips when certain high tides permit travel from Somerset. The island is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its Victorian military installations, prehistoric remains, and rare flora and fauna. It’s an intriguing and quaint destination thanks to the visitor center and small bar available. The Irish Sun

9. Kawau Island, New Zealand

In the Hauraki Gulf, nine kilometers away from New Zealand's coast, lies Kawau Island, an exotic sanctuary renowned for its eccentric wildlife and the only known colony of wild kookaburras outside Australia. The island is a great spot for fishing, walking, kayaking, and many other activities that explore the stunning natural beauty on offer.

Tourists can appreciate the history while exploring the Mansion House Historic Reserve as well as the garden.

10. Nisyros, Greece

Nisyros is known for its volcanic activity and beautiful beaches. It is one of the islands in the Dodecanese and has beautiful houses, blue-tiled roofs, and ancient taverns. Explorers are able to enjoy the beaches, the volcanic crater, and the Greek lifestyle without being interrupted by large groups of tourists.

Travel Tips for Visiting These Secret Islands

Planning a trip to these hidden paradise islands can be challenging, so here are a few travel tips I found to make flying and arriving easier.

1. Applying for a Schengen Visa Cover Letter

In case your plans include traveling in the Schengen zone, then you will need to obtain a Schengen Visa. A letter is an important part of applying. The cover letter needs to be addressed to the consulate. You will need to introduce yourself, state the purpose of the trip including an itinerary, and explain your finances and accommodations during the stay. A cover letter can make or break the application so they need to be written properly.

2. Getting a Dummy Flight Ticket

When embassies are reviewing visa applications, they usually ask for travel proof. A Dummy Flight Ticket is a reservation made for visa application purposes. It's proof of having a seat booked, but it’s not a ticket that has been fully paid for. This is helpful to a traveler who does not want to book a non-refundable ticket before getting a visa. There are dummy flight tickets available for a fee at numerous online services and travel agencies to assist with visa applications.

3. Creating a Flight Itinerary

A flight itinerary outlines a flight program and includes details such as all flights’ scheduled times, flight numbers, connections, and returns. Governments usually require this information to ensure there is a plan in place for the applicant’s travel. Travel agencies and airlines issue flight itineraries even if the ticket is still not reserved for the client. It’s always helpful to coordinate hotel reservations with the Flight Itinerary for a better-organized trip.

What Secret Islands You Should Visit Now

These secret islands are barely touched by the jaw-dropping mass tourism and offer an exotic experience within the forms of beauty. However, there is always a possibility that these places don't remain unnoticed as travelers keep looking for more exotic places to visit. Here are a few cities for you to consider visiting soon:

• Nature at Its Best – These islands have pristine beaches, lush thick forests, and unparalleled crystal clear water which few touristy places offer.

• Authentic Culture – Unmatched local traditions, depth of hospitality, excellent cuisines Morrison, and Thanksgiving without the hustle and bustle of tourism.

• Budget Friendly – These islands are cheaper as compared to the popular islands which makes almost everyone from the middle class tourable.

• Exotic Adventures - Unmatched private island resorts and other remote hiking trails give the tourists the adventures of their lifetime.

To Conclude:

These secret islands are the ultimate destination for people who love visiting exotic places and require a bucket list for traveling. Relaxation on the beach, trekking, or unique cultural immersion, these islands have everything that makes them truly beautiful.

Before you travel anywhere, be certain to fulfill visa requirements, prepare your Cover Letter for a Visa, obtain a Dummy Flight Ticket, and plan your trip with a Flight Itinerary. When trying to book ahead, take notice of stress-free opportunities and discover many of the world’s greatest unspoken travel secrets.