It is easy to fall for the postcard version of island life - the pristine resort beaches, infinity pools and curated excursions.
But the true spirit of a destination rarely lives within the hotel gates. Beyond the sheltered coastlines and polished itineraries lies an unfiltered, vibrant world shaped by local markets, regional food, and everyday culture.
Stepping off the beaten path isn't just a different way to travel; it is how a resort vacation turns into a real connection with the places and people you visit.
The first time I visited the Seychelles, I was quickly impressed. The beaches looked almost too perfect, the water was clear, and the pace of life felt wonderfully removed from the rush of everyday living.
I arrived as a visitor, happy to follow the familiar holiday rhythm of resort breakfasts, beach afternoons and sightseeing.
When I returned for a second visit, something had changed. I was no longer simply discovering the islands. I was showing the people I travelled with where to go, what to eat and which places were worth seeing.
Somewhere between the two trips, I had learnt that island life is best experienced beyond the resort gates.
Across destinations such as Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe, the real character of island life is often found away from the polished hotel experience. You have to know where to look.
Start with how you move around. Resorts often make private transfers and taxis seem like the easiest option, but local transport can offer a far more interesting introduction to a destination. Public buses, shared taxis and ferries put you closer to everyday life.
You see residents heading to work, children making their way to school and shopkeepers opening for the day.
Where it is safe and permitted, renting a bicycle can also be a great way to explore. It lets you take quieter roads and stop when something catches your eye. Walking is another underrated option.
Wander beyond the main tourist strip, and you may find neighbourhood shops, gardens and small businesses that never appear on a conventional sightseeing itinerary.
Then there is the food. If you really want to understand an island, eat what its residents eat.
Skip the restaurant with a menu translated into several languages and photographs of every dish. Instead, look for places filled with locals. Visit a municipal market early in the morning and see what is being bought, sold and prepared.
Food markets can reveal more about a destination than a guided tour.
In the Seychelles, Creole cooking brings together fresh seafood, coconut, chilli and local spices. Mauritius offers a particularly diverse food culture shaped by its Indian, Chinese, French and Creole influences.
In Madagascar, rice is central to everyday meals while seafood and richly flavoured stews reflect the island's landscape.
In Comoros, cloves, cardamom and vanilla feature prominently while Cape Verde combines West African traditions with Portuguese influences. In São Tomé and Príncipe, seafood, tropical produce, coffee and cacao offer another window into island culture.
The point is not to create a checklist of dishes. It is to sit down somewhere local and ask what people actually eat.
The same approach applies to experiences. Instead of booking every excursion through a large tour operator, look for locally owned businesses and independent guides. A local guide can offer stories, history and knowledge that do not appear in a brochure.
Take a hike with someone who knows the landscape. Learn to surf from a local instructor. Join a community-led boat trip or visit a small farm. These experiences can also ensure more tourism income remains within the community.
And do not assume island culture begins and ends at the beach. Some of the most revealing experiences can be found inland. Visit villages, markets, cultural centres and farming communities. Look for local sporting events or public festivals.
Even an ordinary afternoon can become memorable when you stop treating the destination as a backdrop and start paying attention to how people live.
There is also important etiquette to remember. You are visiting someone's home. Ask before photographing people. Respect religious and cultural customs. Follow local environmental rules and avoid leaving rubbish behind.
If a beach, trail or community space is clearly struggling with overtourism, consider moving on rather than becoming part of the problem.
Social media has also changed how travellers discover islands.
The famous viewpoint that appears on every Instagram feed may be spectacular, but it can also be crowded. Instead of following the algorithm, ask a local where they go to watch the sunset or which beach they visit when they want some peace.
Often, the answer will lead you somewhere that does not appear on a list of must-see attractions.
Look beyond the sheltered coast too.
Resorts tend to cluster around calm waters, while the opposite side of an island can reveal fishing villages, dramatic coastlines and quieter stretches of sand. The experience may be less polished, but that is often precisely the point.
Look beyond the sheltered coast too.
Resorts tend to cluster around calm waters, while the opposite side of an island can reveal fishing villages, dramatic coastlines and quieter stretches of sand. The experience may be less polished, but that is often precisely the point.
lutho.pasiya@nationalmg.co.za