Cook Islands

Wafer-thin cays and farflung atolls, white-sand beaches and lush green volcanic mountains, a slow pace, friendly people - what's not to like about the Cook Islands? Lascivious dancing and beer bashes in the bush have survived years of missionary zeal. The islands have excellent hiking, snorkeling, caving or just lazing. Get yourself stranded on an outer island and hope that freighter doesn't come back.