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Aruba, Bali and the Dominican Republic are among the destinations topping Expedia’s 2025 Island Hot List, a guide to the most popular island locales, based on recent booking and search trends.
Aruba, a Southern Caribbean country with Dutch ties, was named the best island for “Year-Round Sunshine,” with Expedia reporting a 15% surge in travel interest over 2024. Calling it “Desert Beauty Meets Caribbean Bliss,” Expedia cites Aruba’s “arid landscapes and consistent sunshine,” that make it a popular destination for hiking and biking, or just a relaxing day at the beach.
Bali, meantime, was ranked as the “Best for Relaxation,” with the Indonesian island topping the wish-lists of eco-conscious travelers looking for “zero-waste hospitality, wellness, and cultural connection.” Think mindful escapes and spiritual awakenings in a lush and tranquil setting.
The Dominican Republic ranked third on Expedia’s list, with the Latin American Caribbean nation listed as “Best for Adventure.” Expedia says travel interest in D.R. is up 10% year-on-year, and tourists are now looking beyond the all-inclusive resorts the country is known for, and opting to book outdoor excursions like waterfall treks, mountain biking, snorkeling and ziplining instead. A number of top-ranked golf courses have also popped up on the island, offering picturesque views of the ocean across the 18 holes.
Other international destinations that made Expedia’s Island Hot List include Fiji, Jamaica, Koh Samui (Thailand), Maldives, Paros (Greece) and Sardinia (Italy).
Here in the U.S., Oahu, Hawaii tops the domestic destinations, with Expedia rating it as “Best for Surfing.” Other popular U.S. island towns include Nantucket and Palm Beach, with travel interest up 40% and 30% year over year, respectively.
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Expedia’s report found that global interest for island vacations overall is up an average of 30% over 2024, with the site citing factors like better connectivity (via more air travel routes and options) and an increased range of cultural, natural, and recreational attractions.
The report was culled from verified traveler reviews, travel advisories and search data from Expedia.com. Special consideration was given to affordability, accessibility (I.e. having enough hotels to satisfy demand), the weather, traveler safety and inclusivity.
“These destinations go beyond the postcard – embracing sustainability, authenticity, and cultural richness,” reads a press release. “Beyond the beautiful photos, they offer culture and authenticity, demonstrating how islands are adapting and redefining what it means to travel to these unique edges of the world.”
As for the best month for island travel: you still have some time to book, as Expedia says September is the optimal time to be on island time, owing to the “best mix of affordability and weather.” The site says you can also save yourself some money by traveling during off-peak months, with guests saving up to 50% on average stay prices when booking off-season.
See the full Expedia 2025 Island Hot List here.
