Latest news with #Aruba
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
These are the top 10 islands to visit, says Expedia
If you're dreaming of escaping to a gorgeous island with beaches and sunshine, you're not alone. Global interest by travelers for island vacations are up on average by 30% this year, according to Expedia's first-ever Island Hot List 2025. The list, which was released Tuesday, ranks the world's best islands to vacation at based on Expedia data and traveler reviews, plus weighing factors like accessibility, safety, sustainability and weather. "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, said in a news release. 'Island adventurers want standout stays, affordable prices and seamless flight access." Travelers can find deals for their tropical vacation by visiting during the shoulder season, with the chance to save up to 50% on average for accommodations. A visit to Sardinia in September is 35% cheaper than in August, according to a travel platform. Here are the top 10 islands, according to Expedia. No passport, no problem: 5 US towns that feel like Europe Best for year-round sunshine: Aruba Aruba's reputation as one of the sunniest destinations in the Caribbean makes it the perfect choice for travelers seeking to maximize their beach time during their trip. It doesn't hurt that its Eagle Beach, renowned for its soft sand and turquoise waters, has consistently ranked on Tripadvisor's annual best beaches. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for relaxation: Bali, Indonesia Yogis and surfers have long been going to Bali, known for being a deeply rooted spiritual place with stunning natural beauty, so it makes sense that the Indonesian island was named the best for relaxation by Expedia. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for adventure: Dominican Republic Yes, there are beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic, but the Caribbean island is also an ideal destination for travelers looking to partake in water sports, hikes, ATVs, ziplines and more. With its many all-inclusive properties, travelers can also make the most of their budget. ▶ Best time to visit: April Best for community: Fiji Fiji is one of those bucket list destinations, offering travelers a balance of adventure and relaxation, with surfing, diving and pristine beaches to enjoy. The island country is working toward regenerative tourism with community-based and conservation initiatives, according to Expedia. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for culture: Jamaica Jamaica has stunning beaches, but also a vibrant culture of reggae music, rum, cuisine and more. For those eager to explore the outdoors, travelers can swim in the waterfalls of the Blue Mountains before relaxing on the paradisiacal Seven Mile Beach. ▶ Best time to visit: December Best for affordable luxury: Koh Samui, Thailand While the latest season of HBO's hit show "White Lotus" put Thailand at the top of everyone's bucket list, the destination is underrated for affordable luxury. Koh Samui is known as Thailand's rising wellness capital, with a focus on yoga, spirituality and detoxes, according to Expedia. ▶ Best time to visit: March Best for romance: Maldives Over the last 50 years, the Maldives has risen as a haven for those seeking out a quiet getaway. Its many resorts make travelers feel as if they're on a private island away from the rest of civilization. That is, without giving up luxury, like the famous overwater bungalows, this destination is known for. ▶ Best time to visit: May Best for surfing: Oahu, Hawaii Hawaii is often credited as the birthplace of modern surfing, with Oahu beckoning surfers of all skill levels from around the world. However, this is just one way travelers can engage with Hawaiian culture, as the islands focus on responsible tourism initiatives, such as volunteering. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for nightlife: Paros, Greece While Mykonos and Santorini may be the more famous Greek islands for travelers, Paros is emerging for those seeking out luxury and nightlife with fewer crowds. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for foodies: Sardinia, Italy As a Blue Zone, Sardinia is the destination for travelers seeking luxury with a splash of wellness. Fresh, delicious cuisine, combined with the stunning Italian coastline, has earned this island a spot on the list. ▶ Best time to visit: September This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dreaming of island life? Expedia reveals 2025's hottest picks
Condé Nast Traveler
2 days ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
All-Inclusive Resorts Are So Back—Because We Are So Burnt Out
I was laid out on a lounge chair next to my sister, piña colada in hand, staring out at the sugar-white beaches in Aruba and debating whether to join in on the beach volleyball game or just keep reading. We were visiting the Divi & Tamarijn All-Inclusive as part of its new Wellness Week—designated days of fitness programming, led by two visiting influencers. That morning, we'd made it to an outdoor yoga sculpt class, and the next day, we had a 7 a.m. strength class with celebrity trainer Sierra Nielsen, before heading back to New York. But we weren't tied to any of it. We could do as much—or as little—as we wanted, without having to cancel a reservation or flake on a group tour we didn't feel like doing. Five years ago, if you told me I would voluntarily sign up for an all-inclusive, I would've scoffed. I thought they were the anti-vacation: no culture, no spontaneity, no good food. You showed up, got your wristband, and entered a world of pool aerobics, watered-down frozen daiquiris, and mediocre buffet food left under heat lamps for far too long. But after months of nonstop deadlines and life stress, this kind of low-stakes, fully-planned itinerary actually sounded perfect. Most of us are collectively exhausted: burnt out from work, from news, and from trying to optimize every waking moment (or all three.) And all-inclusives—once written off as generic or family-oriented—suddenly feel like a smart, restorative choice. Dr. Aerial Cetnar, a licensed therapist, has noticed more and more of clients just wanting to relax. 'Many people are experiencing a kind of mental exhaustion, a feeling of being maxed out. In those situations, people are looking for vacations that feel very predictable,' she says. 'An all-inclusive can reduce the mental load of worrying about what you're going to do on this day or the next.' More and more travelers are saying that they prefer all-inclusive resorts, like Alila Ventana Big Sur (pictured) because of the minimal stress and ease of booking. Courtesy Alila Ventana Big Sur Because meals and activities, like foraging walks, are included in the nightly rate at Alila Ventana Big Sur, guests are more free to do as much or as little as they'd like. Courtesy Alila Ventana Big Sur High stress levels could explain why more travelers, especially Gen Z, are rethinking the all-inclusive. According to Expedia's 2025 trend report, one-third of Gen Z respondents say their perception of all-inclusives has changed for the better, and 42% say they'd actually prefer an all-inclusive over another accommodation because of the minimal stress and ease of booking. Resorts are paying attention and upping their game. Instead of frozen margaritas and cheesy entertainment, more are catering to younger, wellness-minded travelers with high-quality meals and creative activities. One example is Alila Ventana Big Sur, a rustic resort set in a redwood grove above the Pacific Ocean. During your stay, you can enjoy Japanese soaking tubs, daily yoga and meditation, and a rotating schedule of guided hikes, beekeeping demos, and foraging walks. You don't need to plan in advance; the staff will give you a weekly schedule at check-in. If you want to plan your own adventure, you can grab gear, like a Yeti cooler, beach blanket, or daypack, from the front desk. Meals are included at the Sur House, a sit-down restaurant that leans heavily on local and seasonal sourcing—and it's much better than your typical buffet fare. 'Get the chorizo breakfast scramble! I still think about it a year later,' said one traveller on a Reddit thread. Alcohol isn't covered, which makes it an easy choice for people who don't drink or prefer to BYOB, but it's the programming—not the cocktails—that makes it worthy of the all-inclusive title. Other resorts, like Miraval Resorts, a chain of all-inclusives with locations in Texas, Arizona, and Massachusetts, are encouraging travelers to unplug and escape the work grind. At these resorts, you can use your personal devices in your room and in designated areas, but everywhere else, you have to go phone-free. You'll have plenty to keep you entertained, though, with a full schedule packed with hikes, bone broth demos, meditations, foam rolling classes, and mountain biking and slacklining lessons (depending on the location.) There's even a session with a 'sleep and dream specialist' to learn about your circadian rhythms.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
This Caribbean Island Just Ranked the Safest in 2025 for Its Low Crime—and It's a Hurricane-free Destination, Too
"One Happy Island" outshined other destinations. With its laid-back charm and crystal-clear waters, the Caribbean often feels like a living postcard. And while many of the islands live up to that image, recent U.S. travel advisories have raised concerns for travelers—with U.S. travel advisories citing rising crime, civil unrest, and limited health care. Enter Aruba, a refreshing exception to the trend. This sun-drenched island not only defies those warnings but has also earned top honors in the Caribbean Island Safety Index 2025, released on July 14, 2025 by Always All Inclusive, a team of Sandals Resorts experts. The index evaluated U.S. travel advisories, local crime data, hurricane risk, and health care readiness to determine the safest destinations in the region—and Aruba claimed the No. 1 spot. To those familiar with the island, the ranking comes as no surprise. Known as "One Happy Island" thanks to its warm, welcoming culture, Aruba boasts low crime rates and a robust focus on tourism safety. The island is compact and easy to navigate, with well-maintained roads and reliable public transport. It's also blessed with a location that's safely situated outside the hurricane belt and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year on average. But Aruba's appeal goes well beyond safety. Nearly 20 percent of the island is preserved as Arikok National Park, home to volcanic hills and natural wonders like the Conchi Natural Pool, a natural saltwater tide pool that's big enough to swim in. The park offers a striking contrast to the island's famed coastline, where Eagle Beach and Palm Beach—both consistently ranked among the world's best—boast powdery white sand and shimmering turquoise waters. Beyond the beach, visitors can explore attractions like The Butterfly Farm and experience the island's vibrant culture through the Aruba Carnival, a lively celebration dating back to 1954. The festivities begin in November and peak in January and February — making it a perfect escape during the U.S. winter months. In the 2025 safety index, Aruba received a perfect score for its U.S. Travel Advisory status (Level 1, the safest rating) and non-existent hurricane risk. The island also scored 9 out of 10 for its low crime rate and 8 out of 10 for health care access, which adheres to high Dutch medical standards. The index compiled data from sources like the U.S. State Department, local law enforcement, NOAA, and WHO. Rounding out the top three on the list were Barbados at No. 2 and Grenada and Curaçao tied for No. 3. The full list, along with each destination's final safety score (higher is better), is included below: 1. ArubaScore out of 10: 9.3 2. BarbadosScore: 9.2 3. Grenada Score: 9.0 3. (tie) Curaçao Score: 9.0 5. Antigua & BarbudaScore: 8.1 6. Puerto RicoScore: 7.6 7. Dominican Republic Score: 7.0 8. Saint LuciaScore: 6.8 9. The Bahamas Score: 6.5 10. JamaicaScore: 5.5 Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
This Caribbean Island Just Ranked the Safest in 2025 for Its Low Crime—and It's a Hurricane-free Destination, Too
"One Happy Island" outshined other destinations. With its laid-back charm and crystal-clear waters, the Caribbean often feels like a living postcard. And while many of the islands live up to that image, recent U.S. travel advisories have raised concerns for travelers—with U.S. travel advisories citing rising crime, civil unrest, and limited health care. Enter Aruba, a refreshing exception to the trend. This sun-drenched island not only defies those warnings but has also earned top honors in the Caribbean Island Safety Index 2025, released on July 14, 2025 by Always All Inclusive, a team of Sandals Resorts experts. The index evaluated U.S. travel advisories, local crime data, hurricane risk, and health care readiness to determine the safest destinations in the region—and Aruba claimed the No. 1 spot. To those familiar with the island, the ranking comes as no surprise. Known as "One Happy Island" thanks to its warm, welcoming culture, Aruba boasts low crime rates and a robust focus on tourism safety. The island is compact and easy to navigate, with well-maintained roads and reliable public transport. It's also blessed with a location that's safely situated outside the hurricane belt and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year on average. But Aruba's appeal goes well beyond safety. Nearly 20 percent of the island is preserved as Arikok National Park, home to volcanic hills and natural wonders like the Conchi Natural Pool, a natural saltwater tide pool that's big enough to swim in. The park offers a striking contrast to the island's famed coastline, where Eagle Beach and Palm Beach—both consistently ranked among the world's best—boast powdery white sand and shimmering turquoise waters. Beyond the beach, visitors can explore attractions like The Butterfly Farm and experience the island's vibrant culture through the Aruba Carnival, a lively celebration dating back to 1954. The festivities begin in November and peak in January and February — making it a perfect escape during the U.S. winter months. In the 2025 safety index, Aruba received a perfect score for its U.S. Travel Advisory status (Level 1, the safest rating) and non-existent hurricane risk. The island also scored 9 out of 10 for its low crime rate and 8 out of 10 for health care access, which adheres to high Dutch medical standards. The index compiled data from sources like the U.S. State Department, local law enforcement, NOAA, and WHO. Rounding out the top three on the list were Barbados at No. 2 and Grenada and Curaçao tied for No. 3. The full list, along with each destination's final safety score (higher is better), is included below: 1. ArubaScore out of 10: 9.3 2. BarbadosScore: 9.2 3. Grenada Score: 9.0 3. (tie) Curaçao Score: 9.0 5. Antigua & BarbudaScore: 8.1 6. Puerto RicoScore: 7.6 7. Dominican Republic Score: 7.0 8. Saint LuciaScore: 6.8 9. The Bahamas Score: 6.5 10. JamaicaScore: 5.5 Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
This Caribbean Island Just Ranked the Safest in 2025 For Its Low Crime—and It's a Hurricane-free Destination, Too
"One Happy Island" outshined other destinations. With its laid-back charm and crystal-clear waters, the Caribbean often feels like a living postcard. And while many of the islands live up to that image, recent U.S. travel advisories have raised concerns for travelers—with U.S. travel advisories citing rising crime, civil unrest, and limited health care. Enter Aruba, a refreshing exception to the trend. This sun-drenched island not only defies those warnings but has also earned top honors in the Caribbean Island Safety Index 2025, released on July 14, 2025 by Always All Inclusive, a team of Sandals Resorts experts. The index evaluated U.S. travel advisories, local crime data, hurricane risk, and health care readiness to determine the safest destinations in the region—and Aruba claimed the No. 1 spot. To those familiar with the island, the ranking comes as no surprise. Known as "One Happy Island" thanks to its warm, welcoming culture, Aruba boasts low crime rates and a robust focus on tourism safety. The island is compact and easy to navigate, with well-maintained roads and reliable public transport. It's also blessed with a location that's safely situated outside the hurricane belt and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year on average. But Aruba's appeal goes well beyond safety. Nearly 20 percent of the island is preserved as Arikok National Park, home to volcanic hills and natural wonders like the Conchi Natural Pool, a natural saltwater tide pool that's big enough to swim in. The park offers a striking contrast to the island's famed coastline, where Eagle Beach and Palm Beach—both consistently ranked among the world's best—boast powdery white sand and shimmering turquoise waters. Beyond the beach, visitors can explore attractions like The Butterfly Farm and experience the island's vibrant culture through the Aruba Carnival, a lively celebration dating back to 1954. The festivities begin in November and peak in January and February — making it a perfect escape during the U.S. winter months. In the 2025 safety index, Aruba received a perfect score for its U.S. Travel Advisory status (Level 1, the safest rating) and non-existent hurricane risk. The island also scored 9 out of 10 for its low crime rate and 8 out of 10 for health care access, which adheres to high Dutch medical standards. The index compiled data from sources like the U.S. State Department, local law enforcement, NOAA, and WHO. Rounding out the top three on the list were Barbados at No. 2 and Grenada and Curaçao tied for No. 3. The full list, along with each destination's final safety score (higher is better), is included below: 1. ArubaScore out of 10: 9.3 2. BarbadosScore: 9.2 3. Grenada Score: 9.0 3. (tie) Curaçao Score: 9.0 5. Antigua & BarbudaScore: 8.1 6. Puerto RicoScore: 7.6 7. Dominican Republic Score: 7.0 8. Saint LuciaScore: 6.8 9. The Bahamas Score: 6.5 10. JamaicaScore: 5.5 Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
