Salish Sea and South Carolina are Rivals for “Top Islands”

The San Juan Islands Honored by Travel + Leisure Magazine

— by Barbara Marrett for the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau —

Travel + Leisure magazine has announced its 2015 World’s Best Awards, ranking the San Juan Islands #4 on its list of Top Islands Continental U.S. and Canada.

The rankings for Top Islands Continental and Canada (in order) are: Vancouver Island, British Columbia; Hilton Head, South Carolina; Golden Isles, Georgia; San Juan Islands, Washington State and Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The San Juan Islands have consistently been honored as a top island. In 2014 the Islands ranked #2, #3 in 2012 and #4 in 2011 and 2010. (See award rankings here)

The rankings for Top Overall Islands (in order) are: Galapagos, Ecuador; Bali, Indonesia; Maldives; Tasmania, Australia; Santorini, Greece; Moorea, French Polynesia; Maui, Hawaii; Kauai, Hawaii; Great Barrier Reef, Australia and Malta.

World’s Best rankings are the outcome of Travel + Leisure’s 20th annual survey of readers’ favorites and described as “an essential index of the places you want to go.” The magazine’s website presents the methodology for the annual survey. The World’s Best Awards list is also the cover story of the magazine’s August issue, available on newsstands later this month.

Criteria for judging islands included natural attractions, beaches, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people/friendliness, and value. To see what the San Juan Islands offer in these categories and to get helpful travel tips and find out about specials on lodging and activities go to the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau: www.VisitSanJuans.com.

Travel + Leisure has the world’s largest audience of any travel magazine. Its annual survey is a chance to see what resonates with readers as authentic, quality, long-lasting experiences. Many of this year’s choices reflect readers’ desire for adventure and the outdoors.

The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau is a non-profit, economic development agency contracted for responsible tourism management and competitive marketing of the San Juan Islands as a year-round travel destination. Visitor spending directly benefits businesses and residents on Lopez, Orcas, Shaw and San Juan Islands.