Expedia has published its 2026 "Island Hot List", an annual ranking of trending island destinations compiled from search and booking data. The list highlights ten lesser-known islands positioned as alternatives to traditional hotspots, chosen for combining natural beauty, cultural depth and, in some cases, better value for travellers.

St Lucia topped the ranking, with searches up 125% year-on-year, praised as a romantic destination with beaches, rainforests and volcanic scenery. Portugal's Porto Santo came second (searches up 85%), noted for wellness and relaxation, while the Seychelles' Praslin ranked third for nature lovers, home to the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai reserve. Other entries included Syros in Greece, Norway's Lofoten Islands, Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Florida's Sanibel Island, Palawan in the Philippines, Culebra in Puerto Rico, and Fiji.