Dreaming of an island getaway? You may want to look beyond the usual postcard favourites.
According to Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List, travellers are increasingly swapping crowded, expensive destinations for a new wave of under-the-radar islands that offer incredible scenery, authentic experiences and better value. Global interest in these emerging escapes has jumped 55 per cent year over year, with destinations like romantic St. Lucia, charming Syros, Greece, nature-rich Palawan in the Philippines and luxury-for-less Phu Quoc, Vietnam leading the way. Even Cape Verde has become an unexpected travel sensation after capturing the hearts of soccer fans with its Cinderella run on the international stage.
Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a family vacation or an adventure off the beaten path, these rising island destinations prove that paradise doesn’t have to come with the crowds—or the premium price tag. —Noa Nichol
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