Is it OK to become obsessed? Because here at get lost HQ our minds have gone one track. Winter seems to have been dragging on forever, the grey skies clear for mere minutes and the puddles are soaking our shoes – all we want is to escape to somewhere tropical and soak up the sunshine and adventure.

In this issue we present 12 of the world's best island escapes. These aren't the ones you read about every day either; we've come up with a dozen unique experiences that encompass fun and adventure along with the usual sun, sea and sand. Paddle your way through an archipelago governed by its traditional owners. Party on a sandbank and sail to an island bar. Conquer a deserted lefthander or find yourself completely alone in a hut overlooking the perfect lagoon.

“It's no secret that we love an island getaway at get lost, and there are certainly plenty around the world to choose from,” says get lost publisher Justin Jamieson of compiling the 20-page feature. “The problem is that you often arrive at these places, lie on a banana lounger, read your book and stare out at the sunset for a day or two, then boredom kicks in. You need adventure, activity, culture, anything really to engage with the destination and get more out of it than just a tan.”

There's plenty more destination inspiration in the rest of our new issue, too. We going hiking in a far-flung region in Chile, sail the beautiful coastline of Croatia out of season, go on a buffalo round-up in South Dakota and cruise down the Ganges on a luxury riverboat. For Seoul searchers, we offer the best of its coolest district after dark, and swing a battleaxe at the Jorvik Viking Festival in northern England.

For those heading to Thailand we ask a local to show us the flourishing Chinatown neighbourhood. Oenophiles will want to take a hike in one of Victoria's premier wine regions. And if all that doesn't tempt you, perhaps trying your hand at creating delicate pastries in Ecuador will.

You'll find all this and more in the new issue of get lost magazine. On sale Monday at newsagents and online from Apple Newsstand and Amazon.

For more information or to organise an interview, contact Justin Jamieson on (03) 9486 0550 or justin.jamieson@grincreative.com.au.