These are the top 10 islands to visit, says Expedia
Global interest by travelers for island vacations are up on average by 30% this year, according to Expedia's first-ever Island Hot List 2025.
The list, which was released Tuesday, ranks the world's best islands to vacation at based on Expedia data and traveler reviews, plus weighing factors like accessibility, safety, sustainability and weather.
"Powered by real traveler data, the Expedia Island Hot List gives travelers the inspiration they need to plan a smarter island escape,' Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations, said in a news release. 'Island adventurers want standout stays, affordable prices and seamless flight access."
Travelers can find deals for their tropical vacation by visiting during the shoulder season, with the chance to save up to 50% on average for accommodations. A visit to Sardinia in September is 35% cheaper than in August, according to a travel platform.
Here are the top 10 islands, according to Expedia.
No passport, no problem: 5 US towns that feel like Europe
Best for year-round sunshine: Aruba
Aruba's reputation as one of the sunniest destinations in the Caribbean makes it the perfect choice for travelers seeking to maximize their beach time during their trip. It doesn't hurt that its Eagle Beach, renowned for its soft sand and turquoise waters, has consistently ranked on Tripadvisor's annual best beaches.
▶ Best time to visit: September
Best for relaxation: Bali, Indonesia
Yogis and surfers have long been going to Bali, known for being a deeply rooted spiritual place with stunning natural beauty, so it makes sense that the Indonesian island was named the best for relaxation by Expedia.
▶ Best time to visit: September
Best for adventure: Dominican Republic
Yes, there are beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic, but the Caribbean island is also an ideal destination for travelers looking to partake in water sports, hikes, ATVs, ziplines and more. With its many all-inclusive properties, travelers can also make the most of their budget.
▶ Best time to visit: April
Best for community: Fiji
Fiji is one of those bucket list destinations, offering travelers a balance of adventure and relaxation, with surfing, diving and pristine beaches to enjoy. The island country is working toward regenerative tourism with community-based and conservation initiatives, according to Expedia.
▶ Best time to visit: September
Best for culture: Jamaica
Jamaica has stunning beaches, but also a vibrant culture of reggae music, rum, cuisine and more. For those eager to explore the outdoors, travelers can swim in the waterfalls of the Blue Mountains before relaxing on the paradisiacal Seven Mile Beach.
▶ Best time to visit: December
Best for affordable luxury: Koh Samui, Thailand
While the latest season of HBO's hit show "White Lotus" put Thailand at the top of everyone's bucket list, the destination is underrated for affordable luxury. Koh Samui is known as Thailand's rising wellness capital, with a focus on yoga, spirituality and detoxes, according to Expedia.
▶ Best time to visit: March
Best for romance: Maldives
Over the last 50 years, the Maldives has risen as a haven for those seeking out a quiet getaway. Its many resorts make travelers feel as if they're on a private island away from the rest of civilization. That is, without giving up luxury, like the famous overwater bungalows, this destination is known for.
▶ Best time to visit: May
Best for surfing: Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii is often credited as the birthplace of modern surfing, with Oahu beckoning surfers of all skill levels from around the world. However, this is just one way travelers can engage with Hawaiian culture, as the islands focus on responsible tourism initiatives, such as volunteering.
▶ Best time to visit: September
Best for nightlife: Paros, Greece
While Mykonos and Santorini may be the more famous Greek islands for travelers, Paros is emerging for those seeking out luxury and nightlife with fewer crowds.
▶ Best time to visit: September
Best for foodies: Sardinia, Italy
As a Blue Zone, Sardinia is the destination for travelers seeking luxury with a splash of wellness. Fresh, delicious cuisine, combined with the stunning Italian coastline, has earned this island a spot on the list.
▶ Best time to visit: September
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dreaming of island life? Expedia reveals 2025's hottest picks
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-sunken-building-PORTROYAL0725-77a5761857c743d0aace8cd1a05fcbb1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
5 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Caribbean Island's Sunken City Was a Pirate Stronghold—and Now It's a New UNESCO World Heritage Site
Talk about a transformation. Formerly known as the "Wickedest City on Earth," the once pirate-controlled town of Port Royal, Jamaica, has been named a new UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich historical and cultural legacy. The history of Port Royal encapsulates the most dramatic extremes of the colonial-era Caribbean. Located at the tip of a sandbar extending into the mouth of the harbor in Kingston, Jamaica, the city was considered one of the most strategically significant destinations for early colonial powers in the region. Once the British took over in the 17th century, it quickly became one of the wealthiest cities in the Caribbean. Less savory characters soon saw the city's strategic value, too, with notorious privateers and pirates like Captain Henry Morgan and Calico Jack setting up shop in Port Royal. Within just a few decades, Port Royal was transformed into a haven for pirates and the rum-fueled celebrations they brought with them. In 1692, Jamaica was struck by a devastating earthquake, sending the sandy foundations of nearly two-thirds of the city sinking beneath the sea in an instant. Port Royal was never able to return to its former glory (or infamy), with most survivors fleeing to the site that would become modern-day Kingston. View of inside Fort Charles. Jamaica National Heritage Trust "Port Royal's recent designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is significant, validating the relevance of its history to Jamaica and the world," said Michelle and Suzanne Rousseau, the creative duo behind Two Sisters, which explores Jamaica's rich heritage through culinary and cultural experiences in a restored country estate. "Port Royal is a part of Kingston life, and like most Jamaicans, we love it for its beauty and history and for all that lies beneath the surface of its blue waters that was lost." Orlando Bloom fans may recognize Port Royal for its central role in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise. While the city is referenced heavily in the film, historic Port Royal didn't serve as the film's backdrop. Instead, crews recreated the 17th-century city near the black-sand beaches of Wallilabou on the island of St. Vincent. Fans can still visit the St. Vincent film sets today, but there's even more to see in the true Port Royal, now protected in perpetuity with its UNESCO designation. Visitors can explore the historic Fort Charles, the only fort in Port Royal to survive the 1692 earthquake, now open as a museum. The fort is also home to Nelson's Quarterdeck, where Horatio Nelson once lived, and Giddy House, a half-submerged artillery store constructed in 1888 that was almost swallowed up in yet another devastating earthquake, which struck in 1907. Aerial view of Fort Charles. Jamaica National Heritage Trust Port Royal joins just one other UNESCO site in Jamaica: the Blue and John Crow Mountains. Coffee lovers will recognize Jamaica's Blue Mountains as home to some of the best coffee in the Caribbean, but the mountains hold an important ecological richness and historic heritage as well. A refuge for Indigenous Taino people and Africans fleeing slavery, this densely forested mountain range north of Kingston became home to some of the spiritual, religious, medicinal, and cultural traditions that define the nation today. Port Royal's official UNESCO designation is a welcome addition for the nation, which has long celebrated the multifaceted historic and cultural legacy of this formerly pirate-controlled city. Locals hope it's another reason for visitors to get beyond popular sites like the island's white-sand beaches, too. "This is just another reason to make Kingston a part of any visit to our island, and we are so thrilled," say the Rousseau sisters; Port Royal is just a 20-minute drive from the heart of the island's capital. The pirates may be long gone, but the rum is still flowing, and now, Port Royal has even more reason to celebrate.
Travel Weekly
9 hours ago
- Travel Weekly
Hyatt's Secrets resort opens in Miches, D.R.; Dreams to follow
Hyatt Hotels Corp. has opened the Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic's Miches region. The 500-room, adults-only property is home to seven bars and eleven dining venues, including Dona Altagracia, a restaurant focused on elevated Dominican cuisine. Other highlights include a spa with hydrotherapy facilities and over 15,000 square feet of event space, including a main ballroom able to accommodate up to 1,440 guests. A portion of the resort's accommodations are part of the brand's Preferred Club program, which offers enhanced amenities like butler service, upgraded minibars and exclusive pool access. The property will also connect to the family-friendly Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa via its shared Public Square area, which features dining, shopping and entertainment venues. The Dreams Playa Esmeralda is scheduled to open Sept. 1. Guests at both resorts will have access to amenities at either property. Hyatt's Inclusive Collection now has around 20 all-inclusives in the D.R.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean cancels visits to this Caribbean port amid violence
Royal Caribbean has suspended visits to Labadee, its private destination in Haiti, until October amid continued violence in the country. The cruise line made the temporary change in 'an abundance of caution,' according to parent company Royal Caribbean Group. 'We have communicated with guests directly on this change,' the company told USA TODAY in an email. The change is an extension of a previous suspension implemented earlier this year. The cruise line last visited Labadee in the first quarter of 2025, after pausing calls to the destination in 2024. Gang violence escalated in Haiti last year, and it has been under a state of emergency since March 2024. The country is currently designated as Level 4 – 'Do not travel' – according to a travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. 'Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti,' the advisory reads. 'They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Do not travel to Haiti for any reason.' If travelers do go to Haiti, the advisory urges visitors to steer clear of crowds and demonstrations; book transfers from the airport, make hotel reservations ahead of time, or have their host meet them on arrival; have plans for potential evacuation that don't rely on U.S. government help and more. A full list of recommendations can be found on the State Department's website. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Royal Caribbean cancels months of visits: See which port is impacted
