Melbourne’s concrete alleyways could give way to tropical Thailand in under nine hours’ flying time if you choose this route. Island hopping begins on rainforest-covered Phuket – from here, the country’s famed outposts come within a ferry ride’s distance. You’ll be swinging from a hammock on paradise-esque atolls such as Koh Tao, Koh Lanta or Koh Lipe in no time.