Expedia's best islands for British holidaymakers to visit
Lucky for you, experts have done this for you to help you decide on that next sun-kissed destination.
From the cultural richness of Jamaica to the sunny shores of Koh Samui, travel company Expedia has revealed its list of the 'best' islands to visit this year.
What's the best seat to book on a plane?
Expedia's best islands for British holidaymakers to visit
Expedia has released its 2025 Island Hot List, which "offers culture and authenticity".
This list "demonstrates how islands are adapting and redefining what it means to travel to these unique edges of the world".
The top 3 were Aruba, Bali, and the Dominican Republic, but there are many other great locations to whet your appetite.
Each list includes one great feature about it, which may help you decide.
Aruba topped Expedia's list of the best islands to visit in 2025 (Image: Getty Images) Here is the full list of Expedia's 10 best islands to visit in 2025:
Aruba (Best for Year-Round Sunshine) Bali, Indonesia (Best for Relaxation) Dominican Republic (Best for Adventure) Fiji (Best for Community) Jamaica (Best for Culture) Koh Samui, Thailand (Best for Affordable Luxury) Maldives (Best for Romance) Oahu, Hawaii (Best for Surfing) Paros, Greece (Best for Nightlife) Sardinia, Italy (Best for Food Lovers)
Expedia has revealed its 2025 Island Hot List (Image: Expedia) Mr Narin Tijayang, former Executive Director of Koh Samui Office, Tourism Authority of Thailand, said it is an "honour" to be a part of the list, with the recognition a "testament to the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture" of the island.
'Being named among Expedia's top 10 island destinations is a proud moment for Jamaica,' said Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.
'There is a vibe that can only be found in Jamaica and this recognition reflects the soul of our island – our music, food, people, and unforgettable rhythm of life."
Expedia's new 2025 Island Hot List comes as island searches globally have gone up by 30 per cent on average.
The research to create the included Expedia's own travel data, as well as a number of other factors.
Can you still use a red passport in 2025?
These include accommodation rates and quality, accessibility, air connectivity, weather and seasonality, tourism appeal, and traveller safety and inclusivity.
The global report recommends September as the typical best time for an island getaway.
However, the optimum time to visit varies by destination, with September in the Caribbean being hurricane season.
Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations, said: "Powered by real traveller data, the Expedia Island Hot List gives travellers the inspiration they need to plan a smarter island escape.
5 top tips for island travel from Expedia
Along with the list, Expedia has also provided some top travel tips for those heading to islands on holiday.
Travel off-peak
Expedia says that average stay prices can swing by up to 50 per cent depending on the season.
By travelling off-season, you can skip the crowds and get better deals.
Use Flight Alerts to help you know when to book
Expedia's app has a Price Tracking feature, which can notify you when fares dip.
This can lead to good deals for different holidays.
Island hop for unexpected adventures
Expedia recommends travelling to nearby islands to broaden your experience.
Most islands have ferries and short flights that can lead to hidden beaches, local flavours, and off-the-radar gems.
Bundle and save more
When booking, using a package or bundle to feature flights, car hire, hotels and activities can save hundreds.
Expedia has its own customisable packages to help book multiple items together.
Score 25 per cent + savings with the Expedia Halfway There Sale
Expedia's Halfway There Sale can save you money on your island getaway.
Recommended reading:
With average island hotel rates ranging from £110 in Bali to £483 in the Maldives, members can save 25 per cent or more on select stays.
Holidays must be booked by July 21, and travel by October 31.
Do you have a favourite island getaway? Let us know in the comments.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
4 hours ago
- Metro
Two Brits die after jumping into hotel pool in Portugal 'after night out'
Two British men are believed to have drowned after they were found dead in a hotel pool in Portugal. The victims, aged 27 and 29, were found by a friend at the bottom of a swimming pool at the Duas Palmeiras hotel in Albufeira in the early hours of Tuesday morning. According to local tabloid Correio da Manhã, both appeared to be intoxicated and did not know how to swim. Emergency services were called at around 4am and attempted to revive the pair, but both men were declared dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations by Portuguese military police suggest there is no suspicion of foul play in the deaths. Another British tourist was found dead in the party town on June 4 the same day the body of a missing Scottish man was discovered. The tourist, a man in his early twenties, is believed to have died following a 'drunk' fall down steps in the Algarve resort town, reported Correio da Manha . On the same day, the body of missing Scottish tourist Greg Monks was found in a ravine in the Cerro de Aguia area. The 38-year-old Glaswegian went missing on 28 May after travelling to Albufeira with his friends for a five-day stag do. Mr Monks was last seen at 3.27am near the Cerro de Aguia area, more than an hour's walk from the Albufeira Strip, where he is believed to have left his friends. His sisters described Mr Monks as an 'amazing boy' who would 'be missed every day'. MORE: I love living in London — but it's absolutely vile in the summer MORE: Map reveals where hosepipe bans are in place for millions in UK MORE: 'Where has the water gone?' Hosepipe ban comes into force for millions
The Herald Scotland
10 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Airline launches new route from Scotland to grand duchy
Edinburgh to Luxembourg flights are scheduled twice weekly on Friday and Monday. Listed flights which take one hour and 50 minutes start at €108 from July 3, 2026. Flights are listed. (Image: Getty Images) Thomas Fischer, Luxair chief commercial officer, told The Herald: 'We're delighted to launch direct flights between Luxembourg and [[Edinburgh]], a route we've been planning for some time as part of our growth strategy. 'With the upcoming arrival of our new Embraer E2 aircraft, we are now in a position to expand our network and respond to strong customer demand. 'This new connection not only strengthens business ties between Luxembourg and Scotland but also fosters tourism and cultural exchange. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board as of summer 2026.' The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Visit Luxembourg said: 'Discover the enchanting allure of Luxembourg, a European destination where medieval charm meets contemporary sophistication. Travellers love exploring the unique blend of historic fortresses, lush landscapes, and cosmopolitan elegance, all found in close proximity. 'From Guttland, the garden of the capital city, to the red landscapes of the industrial Minett in the south, the wild Éislek with its rugged hills, to the rocky cliffs and forests of the Mullerthal and the leafy green of the Moselle valley vineyards, Luxembourg has plenty of variety.' READ MORE: The tourist body said: 'Many visitors begin their stay in the capital where world-famous artists rub shoulders with newcomers, and old fortress walls meet modern architecture. 'Here you will find a place pulsing with energy where people exchange ideas and stories, and culture, nightlife, business and relaxation collide. City break fans are drawn to this cosmopolitan capital, but also to other towns in the country to which they can travel free of charge on Luxembourg's nationwide public transport.' A grand duchy is a country with a duke or duchess as head of state. Luxair also said on its website: 'Edinburgh effortlessly balances its weighty history with contemporary energy. The Royal Mile's weathered cobbles lead past medieval closes and modern whisky bars, while the shopfronts of Princes Street mirror the jagged skyline of the Old Town. 'By day, you can hike up Arthur's Seat for panoramas that stretch to the Firth of Forth; by evening, join the animated crowds at the [[Edinburgh]] Festival Fringe or browse the shelves of independent bookshops. Scotland's compact, hilly capital is a city where every alley holds a story waiting to be uncovered.'
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
New Spain rules that can cost Brits £5,992 at the border – it's an easy mistake that thousands could make
Plus some of the other new rules in Spain that could result in a fine THINK TWICE New Spain rules that can cost Brits £5,992 at the border – it's an easy mistake that thousands could make Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS travelling to Spain face new rules that could leave them out of pocket at the border. Spain's Health Minister announced new rules meaning travellers heading to Spain are legally required to show proof of health cover as part of their travel insurance. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Travel insurance is now required to enter Spain - and you may be asked to show proof Credit: Alamy 4 The new rules put in place are to ease strain on Spain's health system Credit: Alamy Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for British holidaymakers, with over 17 million tourists going there every year. New rules mean that British citizens will have to get some more paperwork in order to prove they have appropriate travel insurance, which could be checked at the border. Official Foreign Travel Advice on the government website for Brits has added that at the Spanish border you may need to show proof of travel insurance. It's been reported that checks are being made at Spanish borders and by transport providers. Anyone without the correct cover could be fined up to €6,900 (£5,992). During a recent update, Spain's Health Minister Carolina Darias said that this measure is to avoid additional strain on the Spanish public health system. In a statement, Carolina Darias said: "The health of our visitors is a priority. "We are committed to ensuring that all travellers, including British citizens, have the necessary coverage to protect themselves and the local health system." ABTA reported in May 2025 that a quarter of people who went on a holiday abroad in the past 12 months did so without travel insurance. It stated that "those most likely to forgo insurance are travellers aged 25-34, with two in five (41 per cent) admitting that they went on at least one trip uninsured in the past year". The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities 4 Visitors to Spain must have fully comprehensive coverage in place Credit: Alamy Visitors must have fully comprehensive coverage in place with reasonable excess to cover costs. This is especially important if for anyone with pre-existing medical conditions. While it's not illegal to travel without insurance, it can be risky as travel insurance helps you to claim if you run into trouble while on holiday. Cover ranges from emergency medical treatment, assistance if belongings are stolen while you're away, or you have to cancel a trip due to death, illness or bereavement. Before you leave, you can look around for the best travel insurance policy, for example whether that's individual or for families. The cost will vary depending on what kind of holiday you go on too, whether that's high or low risk. That's not the only new rule in Spain, lots more have been put in place that could lead to fines - including drinking alcohol in a public place. Anyone seen drinking on the street, in parks, or on beaches could be fined up to €3,000 (£2,568). A new law was passed in Spain last year that gives local municipalities the power to fine anyone caught smoking on the beach. If a municipality does take up the law, anyone caught smoking on the beach can be charged up to €2,000 (£1,700) - so check before you go. And you can only wear swimwear on the beach or sunbathing as certain places in Spain have cracked down on wearing bikinis and trunks into towns and cities. Two popular Spanish destinations have strict rules on where you can wear swimwear - with fines for any rule breakers. Here are even more Spain travel rules that will make holidays 'much more complicated'. And the eight golden rules for travelling abroad this summer. What should you look for in a good travel insurance policy? TRAVEL insurance policies can vary a great deal, but here are some "must have Medical expenses - A good policy will give cover of £1million or more for travel in Europe and £2million or more for the USA A good policy will give cover of £1million or more for travel in Europe and £2million or more for the USA Repatriation service - The costs of getting you back to the UK for medical reasons should be covered automatically by your policy The costs of getting you back to the UK for medical reasons should be covered automatically by your policy Cancellation and curtailment - A good policy will cover you for £2,000 or more if you have to cancel or shorten your holiday A good policy will cover you for £2,000 or more if you have to cancel or shorten your holiday Missed departure - Covers additional accommodation costs and travel expenses up to £500 or more if you miss your flight due to circumstances out of your control Covers additional accommodation costs and travel expenses up to £500 or more if you miss your flight due to circumstances out of your control Delay - You'll usually be covered for £250 or more if your travel plans are delayed due to circumstances out of your control You'll usually be covered for £250 or more if your travel plans are delayed due to circumstances out of your control Baggage cover - Covers you if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen. Look for policies that have cover of £1,500 or more.
