Overview
- Expedia released its 2026 Island Hot List this week, reporting an average 55% year‑over‑year increase in flight searches for the ten islands and a 20% rise in social mentions.
- St. Lucia tops the main list with searches up 125% and is singled out as the top pick for romantic getaways.
- Cape Verde is a new entry for 2026 after a 265% spike in searches tied to the nation’s World Cup run, earning a special ‘football‑inspired’ designation on the list.
- The rankings assign islands to travel types—wellness, nature, family, affordable luxury—and show regional differences such as New Caledonia rising 75% in Australian searches.
- Expedia’s list is based on flight‑search growth between Sept. 22, 2025 and March 22, 2026, so figures reflect rising intent rather than confirmed arrivals and can be driven by short‑term events or seasonality.