
Expedia's best islands for British holidaymakers to visit
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.
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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.
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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.
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Wales Online
14 minutes ago
- Wales Online
I regularly visit 'supermodel' Welsh beach constantly named one of world's best — it ticks every box
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And then it will likely make perfect sense to you that the beach at Rhossili Bay has been named the best in Europe, as well as featuring year after year in annual lists of the best beaches in the UK and even the world. It's a perfect balance of remote and accessible, meaning that while it's not at all difficult to get there, you are unlikely to have to force yourself through the huge crowds that you'll find at more popular beaches in places like Devon or Cornwall. Travel expert Simon Calder, who you'll regularly see on television giving his advice on travel issues, has described the beach, at the western tip of the Gower peninsula, as "pristine" and "world class". It has been described as "the supermodel of British beaches" and named the UK's "most dog-friendly beach", no doubt due to the huge amount of space they have to run around. Things to do and see at Rhossili The unique waves at Rhossili beach all rolling in at once (Image: Getty) The nature of the Atlantic swell in this area means it's hugely popular with surfers, who you'll often see bobbing around a little distance off-shore, while still being calm and safe enough to swim and paddle in. At times the waves make for a unique sight and you'll often see around a dozen white-tipped waves slowly rolling in all at once in a way you won't see at many other beaches in Britain. The beach is so big and flat that there are, literally, miles of it to explore so you're always likely to have plenty of space to yourself whether it's to walk or spend the day sunbathing or playing with the family. The beach at Rhossili is huge, flat and beautiful (Image: Getty) The wreck of Helvetia, which ran aground here and now protrudes from the beach (Image: Getty) There's even an old shipwreck to explore. Protruding from the otherwise flat sand you will find the remains of Helvetia, which was carrying 500 tonnes of timber when it ran aground here in 1887. There are lots of clifftop walking trails above the beach, including one that takes you to Worm's Head, an iconic outcrop which is accessible on foot at low tide (but make sure you can make it back before the tide comes in!) And if all that isn't enough, it also has one of the UK's most unique places to stay, with a National Trust-owned house perched above the sand providing what must be one of the most spectacular views in Britain to its guests. 'Unbelievably beautiful' — what people say about Rhossili The beach at Rhossili Bay has been widely praised by some of the world's best-known travel experts and guides. In 2017, it was named one of the best 10 beaches in the world, the only one in Europe to make the list, where it joined beaches in Thailand, Hawaii and Brazil. In 2024, it was named among Lonely Planet's 100 best beaches in the world, a year after global travel site Big 7 named it in its 50 best beaches on the planet. The view over the beach in Rhossili to the iconic Worm's Head in the distance (Image: Getty) The clifftop walk to Worm's Head (Image: Getty) The Independent called it "the supermodel of British beaches" and TripAdvisor users voted it the world's 10th best beach in the world in 2013 and gave it their Travellers' Choice Award in 2021. Among the comments from TripAdvisor visitors are those calling it "unbelievably beautiful" and others urging people to "spend as much time there as you can". Places to eat and drink in Rhossili Despite its tiny size and remote location, the village at Rhossili, perched right above the beach, has lots of delightful places to eat, including The Lookout, The View and the Worms Head Hotel itself. 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The white building in the distance is the Old Rectory, where you can book to stay (Image: Getty) The King Arthur pub in nearby Reynoldston is also a good option and there there are other pubs, as well as Airbnb options both in Rhossili and elsewhere in Gower. But the gold standard of places to stay in Rhossili is the Old Rectory, a National Trust-owned property standing in splendid isolation just metres from the world-famous beach. It has four bedrooms and can sleep seven people. It was built in the 1800s and was once a base for radar workers during the Second World War. Its light-flooded rooms and large kitchen make it a perfect place to stay with family or friends - imagine sitting in the front garden soaking up that view as the sun sets over the beach. Divine! It will cost you, though. Availability is limited due to its unique nature, and a three-night stay starts from around £1,500 (and that's not the high season price). 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ITV News
4 hours ago
- ITV News
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