Endless beaches. Swaying palm trees. Pretty coastal villages. Expedia says the world is in love with islands, and they've created a special hot list of the best islands for everything from relaxing to affordable luxury. They also have up come with a list of the top islands for Canadians.
Expedia on 15JUL released its 2025 Island Hot List, a first of its kind guide to island travel based on verified data and traveller insights. The inaugural report reveals global interest for islands is up 30%.
"From the cultural richness of Jamaica to the sunny shores of Koh Samui, the islands on the 2025 list reflect travellers’ values," Expedia said. "Beyond the beautiful photos, they offer culture and authenticity, demonstrating how islands are adapting and redefining what it means to travel to these unique edges of the world."
Here are the destinations that made Expedia’s global Island Hot List:
- 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)
Top Islands for Canadian Travellers
"Beyond these global hotspots, Expedia data also shows a rising wave of interest in islands that hold unique appeal for Canadian travellers. Top of the list is Barbados (interest up 30%), Sint Maarten (+50%), Turks and Caicos (+10%), Cape Breton, Nova Scotia (+30%) and Îles de la Madeleine (+30%).
"Whether driven by affordability, easy access or seasonal appeal, these locally relevant escapes are climbing the charts, offering travelers familiar flavours with a fresh twist."
The Expedia Island Hot List is based on a comprehensive analysis of factors including Expedia travel data, accommodation rates and quality (based on real traveler reviews), accessibility, air connectivity, weather and seasonality, tourism appeal, and traveler safety and inclusivity – as informed by travel advisories and traveller sentiment.
“Powered by real traveler data, the Expedia Island Hot List gives travellers the inspiration they need to plan a smarter island escape,” said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations. “Island adventurers want standout stays, affordable prices and seamless flight access. To get that, our top tips are to travel out of season when average stay prices can fluctuate by as much as 50% and bundle flights and hotels together, to knock nearly $680 CAD on average off your trip.”
While the optimum time to visit varies by destination, the global report pinpoints September is, on average, the best time for an island getaway (outside of the Caribbean, where it’s hurricane season), when affordability and weather conditions align to offer the best overall experience.
