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This Is the No. 1 Island Destination for 2025, According to Expedia—and It Ranked for Its Year-round Sun
On Tuesday, the travel booking site released its 2025 Island Hot List, which it calls "the definitive guide to island travel based on verified data and traveler insights." And right off the bat, it shared that the global interest for island getaways is up an average of 30 percent year-over-year.
This year, Aruba made the list, with Expedia noting it's "best for year-round sun," while Bali, Indonesia, took home a spot thanks to being the "best for relaxation." They're joined by the Dominican Republic, which Expedia says is best for adventure, Fiji, which is best for community, Jamaica, as it's best for culture, and Koh Samui, Thailand, which is best for affordable luxury.
The list, Expedia explained, was compiled using comprehensive data on global traveler interest, local accommodation rates, flight and lodging accessibility, the quality of hotels (based on traveler reviews and guest experience ratings), local weather patterns, general tourism appeal, and traveler safety.
'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, shared in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure .
The Maldives also made the list thanks to being the best for romance, while Oahu, Hawaii, was named best for surfing, Paros, Greece, for being the best for nightlife, and Sardinia, Italy, as the best island for food Lovers.
'We are honored that the pearl of the China Sea, Koh Samui, has been recognized among the top 10 Expedia Island Hot List," Narin Tijayang, the former executive director of Koh Samui Office, Tourism Authority of Thailand, shared. "[It's] a testament to the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture of our island. Koh Samui, with its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and warm hospitality, stands ready to welcome travelers from around the world to experience the very best of Thai island life." (Thailand is T+L's 2025 Destination of the Year.)
Beyond the global hotspots, Expedia also pulled data on the islands with the biggest search increases from U.S.-based travelers. Topping the list is Madeira in Portugal, with a 45 percent increase in interest, followed by Nantucket (+40 percent), St. Thomas (+30 percent), Palm Beach (+30 percent), and Turks and Caicos, which saw 10 percent growth in search.
Expedia noted that the "optimum time" to visit each place varies; however, it added that if you need a closer range, September is, on average, the prime time for an island getaway. That's usually the shoulder season for island destinations, which offers more affordability and a wider range of available hotel room options. It also added that you can turn on the Flight Alerts tool on its app to track pricing and get notified when fares dip, so you can book that island getaway you so richly deserve.
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