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USA Today
4 days ago
- USA Today
This popular Caribbean island is the safest for travelers
With so many stunning destinations in the Caribbean, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to visit. While travelers usually consider factors such as affordability, lodging options or things to do, safety is also often top of mind. From pickpocketing to more serious crimes, many are mindful to pick a place where the only thing they need to worry about is if they should relax by the pool or beach. While resources such as the travel advisories from the U.S. State Department can be helpful, they may also stir fears in some people who worry if it's still a good idea to visit. The travel experts at Always All Inclusive recently released its Caribbean Island Safety Index 2025, determining the top 10 safest, popular Caribbean destinations based on four categories: State Department travel advisories, violent crime rates, hurricane frequency and resilience, and emergency healthcare access. The data analyzed came from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Insight Crime, World Health Organization and island-specific government data. "We created this index to help travelers feel confident, not fearful," Dan Bagby from Always All Inclusive said. "Every island on this list is safe to visit, as long as you use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings, just like you would in any major U.S. city." Below are the safest Caribbean islands for travelers. 'We don't do mass tourism': Get off the beaten path in St. Vincent and the Grenadines What is the safest Caribbean island? Travelers can rest assured visiting Aruba, with the index deeming it to have "a near-perfect" safety profile. The destination has an extremely low crime rate, no hurricanes in recent history and a strong health care system. It's also issued the lowest travel advisory level by the State Department – a Level 1 that urges travelers to "exercise normal precautions." Besides its safety rating on the index, the 70-square-mile island is an appealing destination in and of itself. Visitors can enjoy picture-perfect beaches of white sand and turquoise waters – including one that's often considered among the top beaches in the world – plus a vibrant, Dutch-Caribbean culture and plenty of outdoors adventure. Aruba also earned a spot on Expedia's inaugural Island Hot List 2025 for its year-round sunny weather. Top 10 safest Caribbean islands 2025
The Irish Sun
19-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
World's ten best holiday islands revealed – here's how to find the two in Europe
THE top 10 islands in the world have been revealed, from Italian paradise to popular Greek gems. Online travel agency, 7 Paros has been recognised as the world's best island more than once Credit: Alamy 7 It has beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife Credit: Alamy The island of The Greek paradise was declared best in the world by Paros forms part of the We spoke to Read More on Holidays She also raved about the delicious seafood, hidden clubs and party boats. Also on the list is Italy's Sardinia, which Expedia said boasts a "rugged coastline and hilltop villages." The standout island has attracted lots of holidaymakers over the years, including celebrities like George Clooney and Beyonce. Most read in Beach holidays One On the island is even a I found the perfect adults-only hotel for an all-inclusive Greek island holiday 7 Sardinia is one of the top islands - and the closest on the list from the UK Credit: Alamy 7 Aruba is on the hot list too and has incredible beaches Credit: Alamy Found on the west coast of the It's where you'll find some huge dunes that look like they belong in the desert, and they rise up to heights of 60 metres. These dunes are the reason it has been nicknamed 'Little Sahara of Italy'. Also on the list was Scoring 90 out of 100 - compared to the lowest being 34 for Not only that, it's known by locals as 'One Happy Island'. It's not really a surprise because the island gets highs of 30C even in winter. The island is much drier than others that surround it as it sits just outside of the hurricane belt. Aruba is famous for having white sand beaches, and being home to Flamingo Beach where you can see the famous pink birds relaxing in shallow waters. 7 Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand Credit: Alamy 7 The island is known for the coastline and vibrant nightlife Credit: Alamy Koh Samui, Thailand's second largest island also found a place on the Island Hot List. It's known for having incredible beaches, huge temples and vibrant nightlife. Thanks to a very well-known TV series, The island also has an annual festival called Songkran which is a three-day celebration where people are armed with water pistols. The festival traditionally runs April 13-15, which just happens to be during Thailand's hottest season. One writer Expedia also found a rising interest in other islands, particularly for Brits like Jersey, Plus, here are And check out the These Are Expedia's Top 10 Islands for 2025 Aruba Bali Dominican Republic Fiji Jamaica Koh Samui Maldives Oahu, Hawaii Paros, Greece Sardinia, Italy 7 Expedia has revealed its top 10 islands for 2025 Credit: Alamy
Scottish Sun
19-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
World's ten best holiday islands revealed – here's how to find the two in Europe
Find out the full Island Hot List for 2025 below ISLE BE THERE World's ten best holiday islands revealed – here's how to find the two in Europe Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE top 10 islands in the world have been revealed, from Italian paradise to popular Greek gems. Online travel agency, Expedia, has formed its 'Hot List' for islands across the world, judging them on standout stays, affordability, flights and appeal - and there's one in particular that's very familiar to readers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Paros has been recognised as the world's best island more than once Credit: Alamy 7 It has beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife Credit: Alamy The island of Paros has become a standout name in 2025. The Greek paradise was declared best in the world by Travel + Leisure - and has made it onto Expedia's Island Hot List too. Paros forms part of the Cyclades Islands surrounded by the likes of Naxos, Milos and Antiparos. We spoke to one holidaymaker who went to Paros recently, where she discovered beautiful beaches, traditional villages and a buzzing nightlife. She also raved about the delicious seafood, hidden clubs and party boats. Also on the list is Italy's Sardinia, which Expedia said boasts a "rugged coastline and hilltop villages." Sardinia is a large Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea, and there's almost no end to the beaches as it has over 1,000 miles worth of coastline. The standout island has attracted lots of holidaymakers over the years, including celebrities like George Clooney and Beyonce. One visitor discovered sun-drenched beaches where waiters deliver cocktails directly to sunbeds. On the island is even a little-known beach that has been compared to the Sahara Desert. I found the perfect adults-only hotel for an all-inclusive Greek island holiday 7 Sardinia is one of the top islands - and the closest on the list from the UK Credit: Alamy 7 Aruba is on the hot list too and has incredible beaches Credit: Alamy Found on the west coast of the Costa Verde coastline of the island is a beach called Spiaggia di Piscinas that has soft golden sands, clear blue waters. It's where you'll find some huge dunes that look like they belong in the desert, and they rise up to heights of 60 metres. These dunes are the reason it has been nicknamed 'Little Sahara of Italy'. Also on the list was Aruba, which was also recently revealed to be the safest island in the Caribbean Sea. Scoring 90 out of 100 - compared to the lowest being 34 for Puerto Rico - it is ranked one of the safest across the islands. Not only that, it's known by locals as 'One Happy Island'. It's not really a surprise because the island gets highs of 30C even in winter. The island is much drier than others that surround it as it sits just outside of the hurricane belt. Aruba is famous for having white sand beaches, and being home to Flamingo Beach where you can see the famous pink birds relaxing in shallow waters. 7 Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand Credit: Alamy 7 The island is known for the coastline and vibrant nightlife Credit: Alamy Koh Samui, Thailand's second largest island also found a place on the Island Hot List. It's known for having incredible beaches, huge temples and vibrant nightlife. Thanks to a very well-known TV series, White Lotus, Koh Samui is even more on the map. The island also has an annual festival called Songkran which is a three-day celebration where people are armed with water pistols. The festival traditionally runs April 13-15, which just happens to be during Thailand's hottest season. One writer checked it out for herself and had an absolute blast. Expedia also found a rising interest in other islands, particularly for Brits like Jersey, Crete, Malta and Madeira. Plus, here are 20 of Europe's most beautiful islands that all have direct flights from the UK. And check out the cheeky 48-hour holidays to Europe's best cities, beach towns and islands this summer from £167. These Are Expedia's Top 10 Islands for 2025 Aruba Bali Dominican Republic Fiji Jamaica Koh Samui Maldives Oahu, Hawaii Paros, Greece Sardinia, Italy
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a world record traveller but there are two islands left on my bucket list'
Lexie, who has 1.5 million followers on Instagram, sat down with the Mirror to share the two islands she is desperate to visit, on the same day Expedia released the 2025 Island Hot List A record-breaking traveller has revealed the two islands she is desperate to visit. Lexie Limitless is certifiably well-travelled. The record-breaking adventurer had visited every country on Earth by age 21, earning her multiple Guinness World Records. If that weren't enough globe-trotting, she recently became the first person to circumnavigate the Earth in an electric vehicle, a project with Ford called Charge Around The Globe. Now, the 27-year-old has teamed up with Expedia to share her pro tips and island hacks. 'There's something magical about island life. Time slows down, the air feels thick yet fresh, and the locals' connection to nature is undeniable. Islands are little pockets of culture and tradition surrounded by endless ocean, which makes for the perfect environment to escape your routine,' Lexie explained. 'After a very hectic past few years, I'm not surprised Expedia is seeing a spike in island travel. I think people are craving a real escape, and islands offer exactly that. A lot of people, myself included, crave feeling secluded and immersed in an entirely different, slower culture. Islands check every box, whether you're looking for adventure, wellness, or just to disconnect.' Lexie, who has 1.5 million followers on Instagram, sat down with the Mirror to share the two islands she is desperate to visit, on the same day Expedia released the 2025 Island Hot List. Koh Samui, Thailand Named the best island for affordable luxury by Expedia, Koh Samui has had a big year. It featured as the backdrop for the latest season of White Lotus, capturing viewers with its white sand beaches, amazing hotels, and waving palm trees just as much as the show did with its plot. "I've really wanted to travel there since White Lotus came out. I have been to Thailand many times, backpacking, and it is one of the most affordable backpacking destinations. When people ask where to go, I always say 'see Asia and Thailand'," Lexie said. As well as plenty of beautiful spots by the beach and pools to relax, Koh Samui offers popular attractions including the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), Ang Thong National Marine Park, and Fisherman's Village. The abundance of markets and waterfalls should also be on your to-do list. Sardinia, Italy Not a million miles away geographically or landscape-wise from the filming location of season two of White Lotus (Sicily), the large Italian island floating in the middle of the Mediterranean took Lexie's spot as the second place on her island bucket list. "Sardinia, definitely. I haven't made it there yet, but Italy is one of my favourite countries to travel to. I have been to Italy 5 to 10 times, but there are so many places I haven't been to yet," she said. There's a huge amount in Sardinia to keep you busy. Popular options include visiting the Costa Smeralda for luxury and nightlife, exploring the Maddalena Archipelago for sailing and beaches, and discovering the ancient ruins of Nora or Su Nuraxi. Lexie's advice for making the most of trips to such places is not to plan too hard and to keep your mind open to the possibility of adventure. 'Always keep your mind open to unexpected adventures. With so many travel guides and TikTok showing what's going on at each island, you can get caught up in having that perfectly curated plan,' she explained. The below destinations have made it onto Expedia's global Island Hot List: Aruba (Best for Year-Round Sunshine) Bali, Indonesia (Best for Relaxation) Dominican Republic (Best for Adventure) Fiji (Best for Community) Jamaica (Best for Culture) Maldives (Best for Romance) Oahu, Hawaii (Best for Surfing) Paros, Greece (Best for Nightlife) Sardinia, Italy (Best for Food Lovers) Koh Samui, Thailand (Best for Affordable Luxury)
Arabian Business
17-07-2025
- Arabian Business
UAE summer 2025: September named best month for island travel in new Expedia report
Expedia has released its inaugural 2025 Island Hot List, identifying the world's top island destinations based on verified travel data and traveller insights. The report shows global interest in islands has increased by 30 per cent on average. The travel platform's analysis reveals September as the optimal month for island travel, with Paros and Sardinia experiencing 45 per cent year-on-year growth in traveller interest. Top 10 global islands The destinations that made Expedia's global Island Hot List include: Aruba (Best for Year-Round Sunshine) (Best for Year-Round Sunshine) Bali, Indonesia (Best for Relaxation) (Best for Relaxation) Dominican Republic (Best for Adventure) (Best for Adventure) Fiji (Best for Community) (Best for Community) Jamaica (Best for Culture) (Best for Culture) Koh Samui, Thailand (Best for Affordable Luxury) (Best for Affordable Luxury) Maldives (Best for Romance) (Best for Romance) Oahu, Hawaii (Best for Surfing) (Best for Surfing) Paros, Greece (Best for Nightlife) (Best for Nightlife) Sardinia, Italy (Best for Food Lovers) UAE travellers prefer Cyprus, Phuket, Malta, Madagascar, Seychelles Expedia data shows rising interest in specific islands amongst UAE travellers. Cyprus leads with 140 per cent growth, followed by Phuket, Thailand (210 per cent), Malta (170 per cent), Madagascar (265 per cent), and Seychelles (205 per cent). 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. Island adventurers want standout stays, affordable prices and seamless flight access. To get that, our top tips are to travel out of season when average stay prices can fluctuate by as much as 50 per cent and bundle flights and hotels together.' Tourism officials from featured destinations expressed satisfaction with the recognition. The report indicates September as the optimal travel month for most destinations, excluding Caribbean islands during hurricane season. Average stay prices can vary by up to 50 per cent depending on the season. Hotel rates range from AED 550 in Bali to AED 2,405 in the Maldives. Expedia members can save 25 per cent or more on select stays during the Halfway There Sale, with bookings required by July 21, 2025 for travel by October 31, 2025. However, Expedia recommends several strategies for island travel: Travel during off-peak seasons for savings up to 50 per cent Use Flight Alerts through Price Tracking in the Expedia app Consider island hopping for varied experiences Bundle flights and hotels for additional savings Take advantage of member discounts during promotional periods Koh Samui shows the highest growth at 55 per cent year-on-year, with March identified as the optimal travel month. The island is positioning itself as Thailand's wellness capital, attracting visitors for yoga retreats and detox programmes. Paros and Sardinia both demonstrate 45 per cent year-on-year growth. Paros is emerging as an alternative to Santorini and Mykonos, offering design-focused accommodations and port towns. Sardinia attracts wellness seekers due to its Blue Zone status and agritourism experiences. Aruba, Bali, Jamaica, and Maldives each show 15 per cent year-on-year growth. Aruba offers consistent sunshine with expanded biking trails and eco-friendly accommodation. Bali focuses on zero-waste hospitality and wellness tourism. Jamaica emphasises cultural connections beyond beach tourism. The Maldives incorporates solar-powered villas and coral farming initiatives.
