Whether you love cruising, traveling by plane, or local beach-hopping, there’s something about island life that’s very alluring. Islands, particularly tropical ones, lend a sensation of deep relaxation and fun that many people seek throughout their lives. So, why not own one and have that sensation whenever you want it? Private islands have always felt like something for the mega-rich, but you’d be surprised at how accessible they are to many people. Here are six misconceptions people have about owning a private island.
1- There’ll Be Nothing to Do
One of the things that often makes people reluctant about purchasing a private island is the lack of internet. While this might be true of some island communities, local private islands often are in the range of cell towers, which come with internet connectivity. Still, even without the internet, the chance to get connected with nature provides its own set of activities that require no data transfers. For example, observing wildlife, swimming, and simply going for walks are all very rewarding activities.
2- That It’ll Be Easy
It’s not all positive; you’ll have to understand that building on a private island will cost you some money. For example, when you need contractors, you’ll have to have them shipped in from the mainland to do their work. This means that labor costs will be higher. Also, your island isn’t a nation in itself; you’ll have to deal with local jurisdictions and laws. Finally, if you’re going to hire support staff, keep in mind that you may have to provide housing.
3- You’re Not in the Right Tax Bracket
This is a major one because, when most people think of a private island, they think they’ll need millions of dollars. While this can be the case, you’ll find that there are islands out there purchasable for prices in the low hundreds of thousands, which can equate to the price of buying a Class A RV. With these kinds of purchases, you’ll have all the freedom you want without being a multi-millionaire.
4- There’s Nothing Local to Buy
When people think of the term “island,” they often consider tropicality, but another term they think of is “isolation.” While this is a feature of island living, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t local stores to take advantage of when you want to buy groceries. Islands in many parts of the world are part of island chains with mainland-like big islands locally available by boat.
5- You Won’t Be Connected to Local Communities
Similarly, In many cases, you can also get to know your neighboring island communities by traveling by boat. Islanders do get to know each other, and the larger island communities are very welcoming to newcomers.
6- Tropical is the Only Option
You’d be surprised at how many non-tropical islands there are that you can purchase. These islands are situated in lakes and waterways and have a more forested environment. These are great places to build a house or cabin and aren’t incredibly expensive.
Owning a private island is a rewarding experience that people should properly consider once they are well-educated on the common misconceptions.