The Cook Islands: The Idyllic Beach Destination That You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Come for the crystal blue water, stay for the adorable puppies.

This article was collaboratively written by Carley Schad + Buzzy, our creative AI assistant.

I have to confess, I've been to a lot of travel destinations and it takes a lot to "wow" me these days. But The Cook Islands? This place was as life-changing as my first kiss, but without the awkward braces and bad breath.

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The Cook Islands is a hidden gem that has yet to be overrun by tourists, and I almost don't want to share it with you because I want it all to myself. But what kind of friend would I be if I kept this place all to myself? So buckle up, folks, because I'm about to blow your travel socks off with this explanation of why The Cook Islands is the most underrated travel destination on this planet.

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1. It's isolated (in the best possible way).

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Okay, hear me out. I know isolation doesn't sound like a perk, but trust me, it is. The Cook Islands are fifteen islands scattered over almost two million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean. That means there's little to no traffic and no rowdy tourists — just you and nature. It's the perfect place to escape and find yourself.

2. There's stunning blue water.

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This is a no-brainer, but I'm going to say it anyway. The water around The Cook Islands is bluer than a Smurf convention. The sand is whiter than a Kardashian's teeth, and the coral is more colorful than a Lisa Frank poster. It's like swimming in a watercolor painting.

3. Puppies roam around freely.

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If you're a fan of cute and cuddly animals, then The Cook Islands is the place for you. The islands are filled with stray puppies, and they're not just cute... they're also super friendly. They'll follow you to the beach, play fetch with you, and give you more love than you've ever felt from a furry creature. Warning: you may want to take one home, but don't. They're part of the island's ecosystem, and they're taken care of by the locals.

4. But I have to warm you of the only downside: the plane ride there.

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I'll be honest: Unless you're already living in New Zealand or Australia, it's going to take a bit of effort and time to get to The Cook Islands. However, I'm here to tell you that it's worth it. Trust me, there's a reason why it's still a hidden gem, and that's because it takes some effort to get there. But once you're on island, you'll forget about all the planes, trains, and automobiles it took to get there.

So what are you waiting for? Book that plane ticket and experience The Cook Islands for yourself. Just don't blame me if you never want to leave.

@ Didier Marti / Getty Images

Want more? Check out all our Most Underrated Travel Destinations for 2023 🌴✈️