Expedia's 2026 Island Hot List shows surge in demand for budget-friendly island getaways

Expedia has released its 2026 Island Hot List, indicating that searches for island destinations have risen an average of 40% year‑over‑year, with social media mentions up 20%. The list highlights the top islands for Australian travellers, including New Caledonia (+75%), Palau (+60%), Vanuatu (+45%), Cebu in the Philippines (+25%), Langkawi (Malaysia) (+25%), Jeju Island (South Korea) (+20%), Fiji (+15%), Okinawa (Japan) (+15%), the Whitsundays (Australia) (+10%) and the Cook Islands (+10%). Expedia notes that shorter travel times, off‑season travel, and bundled bookings can deliver significant savings, with average accommodation rates ranging from $105 to $535 per night.

A parallel report notes a 55% year‑over‑year increase in interest from LGBTQ+ travellers, using the same Island Hot List to highlight inclusive destinations. The five featured islands include St. Lucia (+125%)—which decriminalised same‑sex relations in July 2025—Porto Santo (Madeira, Portugal) (+85%), and others, each ranked with an Equaldex score measuring local LGBTQ+ rights and attitudes. Inclusive hospitality is emphasized, with resorts such as Jade Mountain in St. Lucia openly welcoming same‑sex couples. The data underscores a broader trend toward nearby, value‑driven island vacations across a diverse set of countries.