Call usShow menu

2025 Expedia Island Hot List: 10 Best Islands to Visit

Aerial view of turquoise bay highlighting 2025 top island destinations

Expedia has unveiled its first-ever 2025 Expedia Island Hot List, confirming that global interest in island getaways has climbed roughly 30 percent. Drawing on millions of searches and bookings, the ranking crowns ten standout islands-from Aruba's perpetual sunshine to Koh Samui's affordable luxury. Expedia's analysts urge travelers to visit during shoulder seasons and to bundle air and Hotel, strategies that can trim an average of $338 from a trip. The list, and the advice behind it, signals where-and how-value-minded travelers can plan their next seaside escape.

Key Points

  • Global island travel interest is up about 30 percent.
  • Aruba, Bali, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Jamaica, Koh Samui, Maldives, Oahu, Paros, and Sardinia top the 2025 list.
  • Expedia recommends off-season travel and flight-hotel bundles to save roughly $338.
  • Why it matters: The Hot List spotlights islands that balance cultural depth, affordability, and flight access-critical factors for 2025 trip planning.
  • U.S. travelers show fresh enthusiasm for Madeira, Nantucket, St. Thomas, Palm Beach, and Turks and Caicos.

Snapshot

Expedia culled booking volumes, search spikes, price swings, and traveler reviews to create the 2025 Expedia Island Hot List. Each of the ten winners excels in at least one standout trait-sunshine, relaxation, adventure, or nightlife-while also offering reliable flight options from major U.S. gateways. For flexibility and savings, Expedia's data team highlights that average nightly rates can fluctuate by up to 50 percent outside peak season, making shoulder travel a prime tactic for frugal island escapes.

Background

Island demand has climbed steadily since mid-2023, driven by hybrid work, pent-up wanderlust, and competitive transoceanic fares. Expedia's analysts sifted through year-over-year booking data, noting a 30 percent uptick in island searches and a double-digit rise in bundled itineraries. The company's decision to publish an Island Hot List reflects a wider trend: travelers now weigh cultural authenticity, environmental stewardship, and wallet-friendly amenities as heavily as white-sand beaches. By distilling billions of data points into a single ranking, Expedia seeks to guide travelers toward well-matched destinations while reminding them that timing and packaging still rule budget outcomes.

Latest Developments

Top 10 Islands at a Glance

IslandStandout TraitInsider Note
ArubaYear-Round SunshineHigh flight frequencies from East Coast hubs keep fares competitive.
Bali, IndonesiaRelaxationVisa-on-arrival simplifies entry for U.S. passport holders.
Dominican RepublicAdventureNew mountain-to-sea eco-trails debut near Puerto Plata.
FijiCommunityVillage-hosted homestays expand authentic cultural access.
JamaicaCultureKingston's UNESCO-listed music heritage tours gain traction.
Koh Samui, ThailandAffordable LuxuryOff-peak five-star rates average under $250 per night.
MaldivesRomanceSeaplane-linked guesthouse islands offer budget-friendly over-water rooms.
Oahu, HawaiiSurfingNorth Shore sees new beginner clinics outside winter swell season.
Paros, GreeceNightlifeFerry connectivity lets travelers island-hop without pricey charters.
Sardinia, ItalyFood LoversCulinary tours spotlight indigenous sheep cheeses and Cannonau wines.

Money-Saving Strategies

Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations, urges travelers to "bundle flights and hotels together" to shave nearly $338 off average costs. She also advises booking outside peak months, when nightly rates can drop by as much as half. Expedia data confirms that bundled itineraries now represent more than one-fifth of island bookings, underscoring travelers' appetite for value without compromise.

Rising U.S. Favorites

Beyond the global top ten, five islands gained remarkable search momentum among U.S. travelers: Madeira (+45 percent), Nantucket (+40 percent), St. Thomas (+30 percent), Palm Beach (+30 percent), and Turks and Caicos (+10 percent). Each offers nonstop or one-stop air service from multiple U.S. cities and caters to niche interests-from Madeira's volcanic hiking routes to Palm Beach's luxury resort corridor-further diversifying the 2025 island travel landscape.

Analysis

The 2025 Expedia Island Hot List confirms a shift toward islands that pair immersive culture with wallet-savvy lodging. By spotlighting Koh Samui's sub-$250 five-star stays and Sardinia's food-centric itineraries, Expedia steers travelers away from one-size-fits-all beach breaks and toward tailored experiences. Off-season travel remains the single most effective cost lever, slicing both airfare and accommodations while thinning beach crowds. Bundling flights and hotels compounds those savings, a key consideration as airlines tighten capacity and resorts push dynamic pricing. Travelers who lock in shoulder-season dates, compare bundle rates, and remain flexible on departure airports can sidestep price spikes and secure value-rich escapes.

Final Thoughts

Expedia's 2025 Expedia Island Hot List offers a data-driven roadmap for travelers chasing sunshine, culture, or culinary thrills. Whether surfing Oahu's mellow spring swells or diving into Fiji's village homestays, the list proves that planning tactics-timing, bundling, and destination matching-matter as much as the island itself. With global interest surging 30 percent, early and strategic booking will be essential to claim the best deals on next year's most coveted shores, cementing the 2025 Expedia Island Hot List as a must-consult guide for island dreamers.

Sources

"The Adept Traveler is a Travel Agency located in Elgin, Illinois, that specilizes in helping everybody to travel better.  From the novice to the expert, from the able-bodied to the disabled traveler, it's our belief that everybody deserves to travel better."