EXPEDIA REVEALS 2026 ISLAND HOT LIST: THE NEXT WAVE OF TRENDING ISLANDS

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Emerging island interest jumps 55% on average as travelers trade hotspots for better value. Unexpected twist: One island surged on cruise demand while another rode wave of soccer fandom. SEATTLE, July 21, 2026 --( BUSINESS WIRE )--Expedia® today released its 2026 Island Hot List, revealing the Next Wave of island destinations gaining global momentum with searches for islands rising an average of 55% year-over-year,1 alongside social media mentions up 20%.2 Based on Expedia's search data, the Island Hot List highlights 10 fast-rising islands offering travelers an alternative to traditional hotspots, combining natural beauty, cultural depth, and sometimes better value. Expedia's 2026 Island Hot List New for 2026: Best Ultimate Soccer-inspired Island: Cape Verde (+805%3) Cape Verde has been named Expedia's top soccer-inspired island, after interest boomed following a summer of soccer, where team Cape Verde melted soccer fans' hearts and drove a new wave of travel demand. (Hotel Recommendation: Morabeza Hotel , 4 stars). New for 2026: Best Private Island for Cruises: Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (+50%4) has been named Expedia's Best Private Island for Cruises. Exclusive to Norwegian Cruise Line guests, Great Stirrup Cay has emerged as a standout private island destination, earning recognition for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear Bahamian waters, and diverse experiences that exemplify the seamless, all-in-one escape driving the growing popularity of private island cruise stops. "Islands don't just satisfy the urge to get away; they can also be one of the smartest vacation values, thanks to all-inclusive resorts and bundle savings on Expedia," said Melanie Fish, VP of Public Relations, Expedia Group Brands. "The list was finalized until two destinations generated so much buzz from cruise travelers and soccer fans that we had to give them awards of their own." Package Stays Because travelers in 2026 are focused on value, island bundles are increasing in popularity. Here are examples: Expedia's top tips for Island Travel Learn more about the top 10 islands on www.expedia.com/see/islandhotlist2026 Notes to Editor St. Lucia Porto Santo, Madeira (Portugal) Praslin, Seychelles Syros, Greece Lofoten Islands, Norway Palawan, Philippines Culebra, Puerto Rico Sanibel Island, Florida, USA Phu Quoc, Vietnam Fiji Cape Verde Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas About the Expedia Island Hot List 1 The Expedia Island Hot List is based on global flight searches made on all Expedia POSa from September 22, 2025, to March 22, 2026, for travel any date in 2026, compared to searches made from September 22, 2024, to March 22, 2025, for travel dates in 2025. 2 Based on social mentions for Island Travel between March 10-June 10 2026, compared to same period the previous year. 3 Based on lodging searches made on Expedia US POSa from June 11-29 2026, for any stay dates after June 11, 2026, compared to the same dates in 2025. 4 Based on Google Search Trends from April 2025 to March 2026 About Expedia Expedia® is an all-in-one travel shop where travelers can plan and book everything they need for their trip while saving on flights, hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals, and activities. Expedia delivers personalized, easy‑to‑use travel tools that make it easy to build a complete trip without juggling multiple sites, while allowing travelers to search, compare, and book multiple trip elements side by side. Expedia also unlocks more value with Bundle & Save deals, giving travelers amazing savings when they book more than one part of their trip. With One Key, Expedia's cross‑brand loyalty program, every eligible booking earns OneKeyCash™, while also giving travelers access to member‑only prices and perks, making trips even more rewarding. In 2026, Expedia marks its 30th anniversary. As one of the first online travel agencies, it continues to be the one place you go to go places. © 2026 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Expedia and the Expedia logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2029030-50. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260721306742/en/ Contacts [email protected]

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