TRAVEL

Your own island. How does that sound?

By Jessica Champion

These days you can buy almost anything; private jets, private boats and private resorts, but now you can buy your own island. There are many different varieties of islands available such as tropical, Canadian and many others. They range in sizes, shapes, styles, locations and price. Prices of Private islands vary from hundreds of thousands to millions. And although it might be rare to come across someone who has purchased one of these islands, it is becoming more and more common.

Why buy an island you say? People buy islands for many different reasons that can include business, investments, and leisure or just for the sake of showing the world that you have money. There are many websites out there that can help you browse islands fit to your budget and uses among many other factors as well as ensuring that you have the best experience possible whilst making you purchase.

The only downside to buying an island is the cost. Not many people have the odd couple of million dollars lying around that they can just grab at any time and buy whatever island they want. For the rest of us, we can dream and we can save, and maybe one day we can hopefully have the money to go out and buy an island to lie on hammocks and sip fruit smoothies for our retirement.

We can dream.

Top 10 2013 Global Destinations:

By Jess Champion

Number One:

Rio de Janeiro,

- Being the host of the 2014 world cup and the 2016 Olympics, Rio de Janeiro is the number one travel destination of 2013. The party capitol and tropical paradise, is most famous for its Carnival hedonism and is definitely on the must see list.

Number Two:

Turkey,

- Turkey is definitely a must see on your travel destination list, for it withholds a huge amount of history (such as Gallipoli) and is a cultural hotspot. It has great places to see and also has amazing shopping locations such as the famous 'Grand Bazaar'. 

Number Three:

Kimberly, Australia,

- Why not go somewhere in your own country this time round? The Kimberly has a huge amount of interesting geological formations and different species. There are many ways you can travel through the Kimberly, such as on a coach, in a tour group, by your self , or even part of a personal friend group. There are many places to see, and it will be an unforgettable trip.

Number Four:

Phuket, Thailand,

- Phuket, Thailand is a great travel destination for people of all ages and holiday ideas, whether you want to party, shop, swim or relax. Thailand is also a great place for a family holiday and is an interesting place full of beautiful people, food and places.

Number Five:

Hvar, Croatia,

- Hvar, Croatia is an amazing destination and is the sunniest island out of all the Croatian Islands. It is very much like Venice and is full of elaborate and amazing buildings decorated with beautiful stone carvings.

Number Six:

Rome, Italy,

- Rome is an amazing place that is full of life and people.  It has many architectural heirlooms and history to share. it may not still be 'the capital of the world' but it is still an amazing place that should be shared. 

Number 7:

Ireland,

- Ireland is full of amazing sites, beautiful landscapes and lovely people. It is a historical place with new things to see everywhere you go, the country is full of cultural hots spots and is a must see.

Number 8:

Burgos, Spain,

- Burgos is dominated by its gothic and religious architecture and glittering jewels.  Beyond its amazing structures you will find the small hint of legend and experience the amazing food and the small town feel.

Number 9:

Mexico,

- Being in Mexico, you will be able to enjoy the delicious food and experiences. IT is full of adventure and there is a nice community spirit. You won't get bored as there are many activities and sites to see.

Number 10:

Paris, France,

- Paris is a magical city full of amazing historical landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. If you look hard enough you may be able to find the typical stereotypes of what you will come across, but it is much more enjoyable to look around the backstreets, explore the unexplored and just have fun.