Lexie Limitless Shares Her Tips For Exploring The World's Best Islands
Expedia has released its Island Hot List for 2025 – a definitive guide to island travel, compiled from real travellers' reviews. Experts analysed everything from affordable pricing and tourist appeal, to standout views and smooth flightpaths to help you plan easily and travel smart. But the boots on the ground tips and tricks come courtesy of Lexie Limitless – the youngest person to have travelled to every country in the world (she ticked this off at age 21) – who has shared her island-life tricks for every location on the list.
'There's something magical about island life. Time slows down, the air feels thick yet fresh and the local's connection to nature is undeniable,' says Lexie. 'Islands are little pockets of culture and tradition surrounded by endless ocean, which makes for the perfect environment to escape your routine.'
Passports at the ready…
Aruba
Aruba's scenic destination and arid landscape won the 'Best For Year-Round Sunshine' award. This makes this island the perfect location to enjoy picturesque sunsets and relaxing Caribbean vibes in all four seasons, enhanced by its blend of outdoor sports and adventure activities.
Lexie's Tip: 'Aruba is the kind of place where the weather almost guarantees a good time. Rent a car and explore the north's wild, rocky coast, far from the resorts.'
Bali
This island was notably ranked as, 'Best for relaxation,' making it the perfect location travellers to unwind and relax far from the bustling noise of city life. Bali uses its charmingly lush landscapes and rice terraces, combined with a sustainable zero-waste policy, to create the ideal travel experience for those seeking a combination of wellness and sustainability.
Lexie's Tip: 'Bali has become a wellness capital of the world over the past five years. Aside
from some very crazy traffic, the endless jungle, rice fields and completely unique
cultural traditions on the island leave so much to be explored. You could spend a
month on the island and still not see it all.'
Dominican Republic
This island, despite being famously known for its all-inclusive resorts, is now evolving into somewhat of an adventure capital of the world, which explains it being ranked as the island 'Best for adventure.' From canoeing to kite surfing, the Dominican Republic offers it all to its millions of visitors every year.
Lexie's Tip: 'Whether it's canyoning in the waterfalls of Damajagua or kite surfing in Cabarete, the Dominican Republic is packed with adrenaline inducing adventures. Also don't forget to try the local food! Mangu and fresh fish by the beach after a day of exploring is a bucket list experience.'
Fiji
This island is notable for its efforts toward sustainable and community-based tourism practices, which is why it was ranked as, 'Best for community,' highlighting the hospitality and welcoming nature of the region. Fiji also continues to be the leader in the Pacific for eco-luxury, with a strong emphasis on environmental restoration and private island getaways.
Lexie's Tip: 'Fijian hospitality is unparalleled. I'll never forget how warm and welcoming the local people were when I travelled Fiji solo many years ago. It's the kind of place that reminds you how powerful human connection can be.'
Jamaica
Jamaica is well-known for its rich cultural roots and heritage, explaining why it was voted as 'Best for culture.' Jamaica offers vacationers a soulful escape from the everyday, by presenting them with a wide variety of activities, entertainment and traditions.
Lexie's Tip: 'From reggae echoing through the streets to the amazing flavours of jerk
chicken, Jamaica is bursting with culture and colour. I loved visiting local craft markets and
finding the perfect artwork for my home.'
Koh Samui
Another one of Thailand's rising vacation hotspots, this island has cemented itself as an up-and-coming wellness capital, and was ranked as the island 'Best for affordable luxury,' highlighting its great blend of yoga programs, detox plans, and vibrant nightlife with low-cost luxury.
Lexie's Tip: 'While I haven't made it to Koh Samui yet, I've fallen in love with
Thailand's warmth (both in weather and people!) Thailand strikes a rare balance of
incredible value and luxury experiences, which makes Koh Samui high on my list. I'd
love to explore its waterfalls, beaches, and night markets.'
The Maldives
The Maldives are famously known amongst tourists for being a low-cost romantic getaway, which is why it was ranked as Best for romance.' But nowadays, a focus on sustainable eco-tourism initiatives – from solar powdered villas to coral planting and reef clean-ups – sees the Maldives promoting a remote, relaxed paradise that aims to work towards better sustainability.
Lexie's Tip: Staying in the Maldives' overwater bungalows are once in a lifetime
experience but what makes the Maldives truly romantic is the sense of remoteness.
Whether you're diving with manta rays and whale sharks or having dinner on a
sandbar under the stars, it feels like the rest of the world disappears.
Oahu, Hawaii
This island is the most populated and third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, and is also home to the state capital, Honolulu, but amongst tourists, its popularity rises from its North Shore surf villages, making it ranked as the island 'Best for surfing.' But with 2025, Oahu is reinventing itself to become a leader in eco-tourism, by blending Native Hawaiian culture with it's more off-shore adventures.
Lexie's Tip: 'Oahu blends a beautiful, laidback attitude to life with some of the best
waves on Earth. Even if you're not surfing Pipeline, watching the locals take on those
waves from the beach is an epic show in itself!'
Paros, Greece
This Cycladic island is gaining traction for its rising design and art scene, understated luxury, and quaint but charming port towns, but aside from its modest landscapes and culture, Paros is also famous for its lively and spirited nightlife, making it ranked as the island 'Best for nightlife.'
Lexie's Tip: 'Paros has that perfect mix of chill beach bars and nightlife that's actually
worth the hype. I love how the nightlife here spills into cobblestone alleyways and
open air courtyards; it feels more local, less flashy, and super fun.'
Sardinia, Italy
This island is known primarily for its Blue Zone status, affordable wellness retreats, and scenic views, but in 2025, Sardinia is gaining popularity amongst tourists for its immersive cuisine experiences and culinary delights, making it ranked as the island 'Best for food lovers.'
Lexie's Tips: 'Italy will always be one of my favourite places! You can truly never run out
of new places to explore. Every region has its own identity and culinary traditions.
Next, I think Sardinia is calling me with its mix of old recipes, Mediterranean flavours,
and that famous longevity culture. I'd love to eat my way through the island and learn
how food ties into their way of life.'
Before you jet off? Keep Lexie's three golden rules front of mind.
Learn a few key phrases in the local language
'This small gesture shows respect, can make locals laugh and could even help open doors to even more unique travel experiences.'
'Pack multi-use essentials and always bring a sarong – especially for island life.'
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