Global interest in island vacations is surging, with online searches up 30% year-over-year, according to Expedia’s inaugural Island Hot List. The report provides a timely snapshot of growing demand for Caribbean destinations, offering valuable insights for travel advisors on key seasonal and experiential trends.
Three Caribbean nations ranked in the top 10 for overall searches: Aruba, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. For the year ending May 18, Expedia reported that searches were up 15% for both Aruba and Jamaica, and 10% for the Dominican Republic. Each destination was noted for its distinct appeal, from Aruba’s reliable sunshine to the Dominican Republic’s adventure travel and Jamaica’s cultural depth.
Aruba’s Allure
Aruba continues to stand out for its dry climate and consistent sunshine, attracting travelers looking to avoid the uncertainty of the Caribbean’s rainy season. For those seeking lower crowds and favorable rates, September remains an optimal time to visit.
The island received a significant boost this year when its famed Eagle Beach earned multiple top honors in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards, including No. 1 Beach in the Caribbean and No. 3 Best Beach in the World. Stretching for two miles, the wide, white-sand beach is celebrated for its calm waters, beautiful sunsets, and numerous activities like swimming, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Dominican Republic’s Natural Choice
In the Dominican Republic, traveler interest is expanding beyond Punta Cana to the more rugged, experience-driven Samana Peninsula. The region, celebrating 270 years since the founding of its main town, Santa Barbara de Samana, draws adventure-seeking travelers with its mix of history, biodiversity, and conservation.
More than 60% of the peninsula is covered in forest, Samana Bay serves as a humpback whale sanctuary, and the area is home to Los Haitises National Park, which features Taino cave art and dense mangrove forests. New high-end accommodations, such as the boutique villa hotel Ocama overlooking Rincon Bay, offer private alternatives to large resort clusters. Flight connectivity is also improving, with American Airlines launching a daily seasonal route from Philadelphia to Santo Domingo starting December 18.
A Boost from Bolt
Jamaica is successfully positioning itself as a destination that offers rich culture beyond its coastlines, an approach that has driven a 15% year-over-year increase in travel interest, with December flagged as the top month for visitation.
This growing interest is fueled in part by the Jamaica Tourist Board’s latest campaign featuring eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt as the island’s new global tourism ambassador. The campaign showcases Jamaica’s energy, rhythm, and resilience, inviting travelers to experience the island through its people and culture.
“The building out of experiences is critical,” said Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s minister of tourism. “It’s about more attractions, more immersive activities for visitors and more events.” He highlighted the nation’s robust calendar of music, food, coffee, rum, and film festivals. This cultural focus opens opportunities for advisors to promote trips that include culinary tours, festival attendance, and mountain retreats, moving beyond traditional all-inclusive packages.
While Aruba, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica are leading the region’s growth, other destinations are also seeing a rise in popularity. According to Expedia, searches for St. Thomas have increased by 30%, while interest in Turks and Caicos is up 10%.
