While the Pacific Islands are a lovely, tropical paradise in the minds of most people, they are a place that deserves more consideration than that. With the poverty levels as high on the Pacific Islands as in other third world countries, and regions of the world, it is important to consider the real cost of a vacation to the Pacific Islands.

When you travel to and from the Pacific Islands, a substantial amount of fuel is burnt in the process. This carbon footprint was once considered a meaningless trace of smoke and haze in the sky, but is now acknowledged as a growing problem. In addition to the literal and figurative cost of fuel, travelers need to consider their spending choices. In a time when most people are juggling net worth with debt, and many different kinds of debt, too, it seems frivolous to spend thousands of dollars on a paradise vacation. Instead of traveling abroad for holidays, people could take luxurious vacations to nearby destinations, and save the planet from the harmful effects of pollution.

Furthermore, traveling to the Pacific Islands only provides a few weeks (at the outside estimate) of pleasure and fun, whereas the cost could take months or even a year to accrue. With that cash, you could found your own city garden, and grow produce that would last all summer. Or, you could finally take a dent out of your college loans. With so many good ideas of ways to invest your hard earned money into yourself, it’s surprising that so many people choose instead to invest in the far away Pacific Islands for entertainment purposes.

With breathtaking landscapes, turquoise waters, and charming, friendly locals, it’s easy to understand the attraction of the Pacific Islands. Each island is its own charming world, with interesting things to discover and cultural activities. But, these same things can be found a lot closer to home, if a person is being conscientious.