The Channel Islands is an interesting group of islands that melds British and French influences. Composed of five islands: Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, and Sark; this travel destination will offer you a banquet of sceneries, stunning spots, and people with varied lifestyles. So if you are looking for your first travel destination this 2014, TripAdvisor has given you 5 good reasons why the Channel Islands is the place to be.

1. Jersey

2. St. Helier

3. Guernsey

4. St. Brelade

5. St. Peter Port

It is not surprising that TripAdvisor chose Jersey as the top spot to visit when you are in the Channel Islands. This astonishing island of opposites mixes the busy cosmopolitan city life with the lazy beach lifestyle. You'll enjoy shopping and strolling the busy streets in St. Helier when you are in Jersey. At the same time you will surely relax in the cultural retail therapy the island offers. Travelers are advised to join the annual Battle of Flowers, which culminates in the interesting Moonlight Parade. And if these are not yet enough for you, then bare your surfing side and bask under the beauty of the waters that are intended to give you the perfect dose of adrenaline rush. You can also do some cliff-jumping on the side or better yet, take time to go coasteering and visit the wonderful caves of Jersey.

When you're in the Channel Islands, it is also a must that you visit Guernsey, an island rich in mouth-watery seafood. This relatively sunny destination is perfect for travelers who want a relaxing getaway in the cold winter months and hot summer days. Coasteering, kayaking, windsurfing are just a few of things you'll enjoy in Guernsey. Not only that you can unleash your inner foodie with the island's abundant seafood. And if you are the adventurous type who wants to catch the fish you want to eat, then the fishing and angling trips the island offers will be a dream come true. Famous sites you'd also love include the stoic Castle Cornet and the Le Creux es Faies, an ancient burial site believed to be a magical fairyland by many.

St. Brelade, which is also found in Jersey is another tourist spot you shouldn't dare miss. It is home to several beautiful bays with golden sands, according to TripAdvisor. If you want to delight over the ultimate beach vacation then St. Brelade offers non-stop fun be it canoeing, banana boat rides, kayaking, and even jumping on trampolines.

Meanwhile, the other three islands: Alderney, Herm, and Sark offer the same kind of adventure. Alderney is close to France, but if you don't want mainstream tourism that France gets, then this is the travel destination for you. It is considered as a peaceful retreat destination for people who want to enjoy the beauty of nature.

On the other hand, Herm is home to paradise-like sand beaches with turquoise water and small-scale rural sceneries. Meanwhile, Sark is the best spot in the Channel Islands if you are seeking for refuge far from the busy streets. This place does not have cars, lorries, or busies, just a relaxing and a somehow never-ending picturesque paradise of Mother Nature at its finest.

The best part in traveling to Channel Islands is the fact that passports are not mandatory for your entry. Nonetheless, travelers are requested to present any of the following documents: valid passport, valid photographic driving license, or citizen card.