Choose an island by counting the transfer steps between your door and your room, not by the distance on a map. Fewer handovers mean less lifting, waiting and worry. This page shows how to count them and what to ask.
It belongs to our destination decisions topic, and it is written for older newlyweds, second-marriage couples and anyone who values comfort over adventure.
How do we count transfer steps?
A step is each time you change vehicle, wait or hand over luggage. Count from your front door to your room.
- Home to airport or port.
- Flight or road leg.
- Airport to jetty, if the island is reached by boat.
- Boat crossing.
- Jetty to resort or room, including any buggy.
A trip with three steps feels very different from one with seven, even when the clock time is similar.
Which islands tend to have fewer steps?
Use the table as a rough guide, then confirm with a resort. Schedules and conditions change.
| Island type | Typical steps | Comfort note |
|---|---|---|
| Island with its own airport | Fewest | Road transfer to resort, easiest for luggage |
| Island reached by a short ferry from the mainland | Moderate | Pier steps and queues may apply |
| Island reached by a longer boat from a port | More | Sea conditions can change timing |
| Island with a jetty and a hillside resort | More | Stairs or buggy between jetty and room |
Our guide on island honeymoon without a car explains how small islands work once you arrive.
What luggage questions should we ask?
Send these before you pay.
- Who carries the bags at the jetty and the room?
- Is there a ramp or steps at boarding?
- How are large cases stored on the boat?
- Can bags travel separately from us?
- What is the weight or size limit on boats or small planes?
Pack a small day bag with medicine, water, a light layer and your documents. If the main bags are delayed, you still have what you need.
Should we choose a private or shared transfer?
A private transfer cuts waiting and gives you control of timing. A shared one can be cheaper but runs to a fixed schedule and may be crowded.
Our guide on private versus shared speedboat transfer compares the two, and the one on hotel transfer included or book your own explains how to compare.
How do we plan for comfort and mobility?
Be specific with the resort. Ask about the walk from the lobby to the room, the stairs, the bathroom layout and a nearby seat or rest spot. Our guides on mobility questions for older newlyweds and wheelchair access questions provide checklists.
Ask for everything in writing so the plan is the same on the day.
What should we do next?
- Count the transfer steps for two or three islands.
- Write your comfort needs and luggage list.
- Send the luggage and boarding questions to each resort.
- Share the replies with us. We will compare the options, confirm key points in writing, and give a total for two.