Emerging island interest jumps 55% on average as travellers trade traditional hotspots for better value, lesser-known destinations

 Unexpected twist as one island rode a wave of football fandom

Expedia^® today released its 2026 Island Hot List, revealing the Next Wave of island destinations gaining global momentum with searches for islands rising an average of 55% year-over-year,¹ alongside social media mentions up 20%.²

Based on Expedia’s search data, the Island Hot List highlights 10 fast-rising islands offering travellers an alternative to traditional hotspots, combining natural beauty, cultural depth, and sometimes better value.

Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List

1. St. Lucia (+125%) – Best for Romantic Escapes
   (Hotel Recommendation: Sugar Beach, 5 stars)
2. Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal (+85%) – Best for Wellness & Relaxation
   (Hotel Recommendation: Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa, 5 stars)
3. Praslin, Seychelles (+80%) – Best for Nature Lovers
   (Hotel Recommendation: Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites, 4 stars)
4. Syros, Greece (+60%) – Best for Cuisine & Charm
   (Hotel Recommendation: Syrou Melathron, 4 stars)
5. Lofoten Islands, Norway (+50%) – Best for Arctic Adventures
   (Hotel Recommendation: Henningsvær Bryggehotell, 4 stars)
6. Palawan, Philippines (+40%) – Best for Natural Wonders
   (Hotel Recommendation: Carpe Diem Villas & Resort, 4 stars)
7. Culebra, Puerto Rico (+35%) – Best for Water Adventures
   (Hotel Recommendation: Club Seabourne Boutique Hotel, 3 stars)
8. Sanibel Island, Florida, USA (+25%) – Best for Family Escapes
   (Hotel Recommendation: Sanibel Inn, 3 stars)       
9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam (+25%) – Best for Affordable Luxury
   (Hotel Recommendation: Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort & Spa, 5 stars)
10. Fiji (+15%) – Best for Multi-Generational Value
    (Hotel Recommendation: OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort, 5 stars)

“Islands don’t just satisfy the urge to get away; they can also be one of the smartest holiday values, thanks to all-inclusive resorts and bundle savings on Expedia,” said Melanie Fish, travel expert and Expedia spokesperson. “The list was finalised until one destination generated so much buzz from football fans that we had to give them an award of their own.”

New for 2026:

Best Ultimate Football-inspired Island: Cape Verde (+265%³) has been named Expedia’s top football-inspired island, after interest boomed following a summer of football, where team Cape Verde melted football fans’ hearts and drove a new wave of travel demand (Hotel Recommendation: Morabeza Hotel, 4 stars).

Package Stays

Because travellers in 2026 are focused on value, island bundles are increasing in popularity. Here are examples:

• A 3-night stay in St. Lucia available to book on Expedia.co.uk between 9-12 November 2026, starts at £750 per traveller, including accommodation at Villa Beach Cottages and direct flights from London Gatwick with British Airways.

• A 3-night stay in Sanibel available to book on Expedia.co.uk between August 17-20, 2026, starts at £1,517 per traveller, including accommodation at Sanibel Inn and flights from London Heathrow via Atlanta to Fort Myers with KLM.

• A 3-night stay in Phu Quoc available to book on Expedia.co.uk between September 8-11, 2026, starts at £585 per traveller, including accommodation at Riverside Mini Hotel Grand World and flights from London Gatwick via Shanghai with China Eastern Airlines.

Expedia’s top tips for Island Travel

• Travel off-season for better value: Weather permitting, island escapes can be significantly cheaper outside peak periods. Shoulder and off-season travel often deliver lower prices on flights and hotels, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed experience.
• Swap hotspots for “next wave” islands: Instead of well-trodden favourites, consider emerging destinations like Syros or Porto Santo. These islands offer similar natural beauty and cultural experiences, often at a lower price point.
• Buy More & Save with package bookings: Travellers can unlock significant savings by bundling flights, hotels, car hire and activities on Expedia. Booking everything together can save hundreds on average, while simplifying planning.
• Use Price Tracking and Flight Deals: Flight Deals and Price Tracking can help travellers identify the best deals on flights, especially useful for long-haul island trips.
• Book popular island destinations sooner rather than later: High-demand islands fill up fast, especially during peak holiday periods. Booking early helps secure the best rates and availability.

Learn more about the top 10 islands HERE.

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Further destination insights:  

St Lucia

• Best For: Romantic Escapes
• Travel Interest: +125% YoY
• Hotel Recommendation: Sugar Beach
• Why It’s Next Wave: As travellers move beyond crowded Caribbean hotspots, this destination stands out for couples with its secluded resorts, dramatic scenery, and soft adventure tailored for romance.

Porto Santo, Madeira (Portugal)

• Best For: Wellness & Relaxation
• Travel Interest: +85% YoY
• Hotel Recommendation: Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa
• Why It’s Next Wave: A quieter alternative to Funchal and mainland Europe’s busiest beach destinations, known for its golden sands and relaxed pace.

Praslin, Seychelles

• Best For: Nature Lovers
• Travel Interest: +80% YoY
• Hotel Recommendation: Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites
• Why It’s Next Wave: No longer a launchpad for Seychelles island hopping, Praslin’s protected landscapes, rare wildlife, and untouched beaches are drawing travellers seeking immersive natural beauty.

Syros, Greece

• Best For: Cuisine & Charm
• Travel Interest: +60% YoY
• Hotel Recommendation: Syrou Melathron
• Why It’s Next Wave: An alternative Greek island offering culture, food, and fewer crowds than the region’s better-known islands, Santorini and Mykonos.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

• Best For: Arctic Adventures
• Travel Interest: +50% YoY
• Hotel Recommendation: Henningsvær Bryggehotell
• Why It’s Next Wave: A spectacular archipelago in Northern Norway known for dramatic peaks and crystal-clear fjords. Here travellers find the Midnight Sun in summer and an alternative for Northern Lights spotting from September to April.

Palawan, Philippines

• Best For: Natural Wonders
• Travel Interest: +40% YoY
• Hotel Recommendation: Carpe Diem Villas & Resort
• Why It’s Next Wave: As travellers seek more dramatic, discovery-driven escapes, this destination is gaining traction for its iconic limestone landscapes and pristine ecosystems.

Culebra, Puerto Rico

• Best For: Water Adventures
• Travel Interest: +35% YoY
• Hotel Recommendation: Club Seabourne Boutique Hotel
• Why It’s Next Wave: It offers a quieter escape for its world-class snorkelling, diving, and tidal pools.

Sanibel Island, Florida, USA

• Best For: Family Escapes
• Travel Interest: +25% YoY
• Hotel Recommendation: Sanibel Inn
• Why It’s Next Wave: Re-emerging on travellers’ radars, it combines effortless access with rising global interest from families for its simple, uncrowded beach escapes.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

• Best For: Affordable Luxury
• Travel Interest: +25% YoY
• Hotel Recommendation: Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort & Spa
• Why It’s Next Wave: Rapidly emerging as Southeast Asia’s affordable luxury island hub as it trends up social (mentions +235% YoY) for its strong value appeal at accessible pricing.

Fiji

• Best For: Multi-Generational Value
• Travel Interest: +15% YoY
• Hotel Recommendation: OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort
• Why It’s Next Wave: Evolving as a destination for all generations, it’s leading the conversation as the most mentioned island on social in 2026, combining family-friendly resorts, cultural depth, and strong overall value.

Cape Verde

• Best For: Football-Inspired Getaways
• Travel Interest: +265% YoY
• Hotel Recommendation: Morabeza Hotel
• Why It’s Next Wave: Growing global attention around the biggest international tournament in football is putting Cape Verde on more travellers’ radar, combining Atlantic beaches, year-round sunshine, and a vibrant local culture.

Methodology

¹ The Expedia Island Hot List is based on global flight searches made on all Expedia POSa from 22 September 2025 to 22 March 2026, for travel on any date in 2026, compared to searches made from 22 September 2024 to 22 March 2025, for travel dates in 2025.

² Based on social mentions for Island Travel between 10 March – 10 June 2026, compared to the same period the previous year.

³Based on lodging searches made on Expedia Global POSa from 11-29 June 2026, for any stay dates after 11 June 2026, compared to the same dates in 2025.

FAQ

Q: What is Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List?
A: Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List is a data-led ranking of 10 fast-rising island destinations experiencing the strongest growth in global traveller interest this year.

Q: How did Expedia choose the islands on the list?
A: The islands were selected using Expedia’s global flight search data, identifying destinations that recorded significant growth in traveller demand compared with the previous year.

Q: Is island travel trending in 2026?

A: Island travel continues to gain momentum in 2026, with Expedia reporting a 55% year-on-year increase in searches for islands. Travellers are increasingly seeking scenic escapes that combine unique experiences, relaxation, and value.

Q: What islands are better value than the usual hotspots?

A: Emerging destinations such as Syros in Greece, Porto Santo in Madeira and Phu Quoc in Vietnam offer strong value compared with more established island hotspots, combining beaches, culture and affordable accommodation.

Q: How can I save on an island holiday?

A: Travellers can often save by booking flights, accommodation, car hire and activities together through Expedia. Bundling travel components can reduce the overall cost of an island getaway on average, while making trip planning easier.