Interest in island escapes rises 40% on average as Australians prioritise short-haul getaways, value and easier travel 

22 July, 2026 SYDNEY – Expedia® today released its 2026 Island Hot List, revealing the close to home island destinations Australians are favouring, with searches for islands rising an average of 40% year-over-year¹, alongside social media mentions up 20%². 

 Based on Expedia’s search data, the Island Hot List highlights 10 islands within easy reach of Australia that offer a compelling mix of natural beauty, culture, relaxation and value. As travellers look to maximise their holiday time, destinations that deliver escapism without the long-haul journey are continuing to gain momentum. 

Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List for Australian travellers ¹ 

1. New Caledonia (+75%) 

2. Palau (+60%) 

3. Vanuatu (+45%) 

4. Cebu, Philippines (+25%) 

5. Langkawi, Malaysia (+25%) 

6. Jeju Island, South Korea (+20%) 

7. Fiji (+15%) 

8. Okinawa, Japan (+15%) 

9. The Whitsundays, Australia (+10%) 

10. Cook Islands (+10%) 

Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List showcases island destinations for every type of traveller, with average accommodation rates from $105 per night to $535 per night³. For value‑seeking travellers, Cebu, Okinawa and Jeju Island offer outstanding value, with average accommodation rates under $200 per night. 

“Island getaways can offer exceptional value, particularly when travellers bundle flights, accommodation and activities together. That’s making close-to-home island escapes an increasingly attractive option for Australians looking to maximise their holiday time and budget” says Sarah King, Expedia Travel Expert. 

Expedia’s top tips for Island Travel 

• Travel off-season for better value: Island escapes can be significantly cheaper outside peak periods and school holidays. Shoulder and off-season travel often deliver lower prices on flights and hotels, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed experience.  

• Choose close-to-home islands to maximise holiday time: Shorter travel times mean more island time. Destinations such as New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Whitsundays are reachable can be within four-hours and often a direct flight away. 

• You can Bundle and Save: Travellers can unlock significant savings by bundling flights, hotels, car hire and activities on Expedia. Booking everything together can save hundreds on average, while simplifying planning⁴. 

• Use Price Tracking: Price Tracking can help members find the best time to book flights, especially useful for long-haul island trips. 

• Book popular island destinations sooner rather than later: High-demand islands fill up fast, especially the likes of Fiji during peak holiday periods. Booking early helps secure great rates and availability. 

You can save more on your next island escape by booking flights, accommodation and activities together with Expedia on expedia.com.au/deals/bundle-for-less ⁴. 

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New Caledonia  

• Travel Interest: +75% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Double Tree By Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort 

• Average Daily Accommodation Rate³: $370 per night  

• Why It’s Trending: One of Australia’s closest island neighbours, travellers are drawn to its crystal-clear lagoon, affordable luxury resorts and touch of France without the long-haul flight. With increasing air capacity, it offers great value and unique experiences closer to home. 

Palau 

• Travel Interest: +60% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Palau Royal Resort 

• Average Daily Accommodation Rate³: $300 per night 

• Why It’s Trending: Known for its pristine marine environment and world-class diving, Palau is attracting Australians seeking a more exclusive island escape. Direct Brisbane–Koror flights and a recent profile boost have made the Pacific paradise more accessible and appealing 

Vanuatu  

• Travel Interest: +45% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Iririki Island Resort & Spa 

• Average Daily Accommodation Rate³: $280 per night 

• Why It’s Trending: Easily accessible from Australia, Vanuatu continues to gain popularity for its authentic cultural experiences, volcanic landscapes and laid-back island lifestyle, making it perfect for both families and couples. 

Cebu, Philippines  

• Travel Interest: +25% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Radisson Blu Cebu 

• Average Daily Accommodation Rate³: $105 per night 

• Why It’s Trending: Combining island relaxation with adventure, Cebu appeals to travellers looking for white-sand beaches, vibrant marine life, island-hopping opportunities and excellent value for money. 

Langkawi, Malaysia  

• Travel Interest: +25% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa 

• Average Daily Accommodation Rate³: $325 per night 

• Why It’s Trending: Travellers are increasingly choosing Langkawi for its luxury resorts, rainforest scenery and tranquil beaches. Offering a more relaxed alternative to some of Asia’s busier hotspots, while maintaining the value on the ground, Langkawi appeals to Australians seeking a sophisticated tropical escape. 

Jeju Island, South Korea  

• Travel Interest: +20% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Shilla Stay Plus Iho Tewoo Ocean Front 

• Average Daily Accommodation Rate³: $185 per night 

• Why It’s Trending: Rising interest in Korean travel is putting Jeju in the spotlight, with travellers drawn to its dramatic volcanic landscapes, coastal scenery and unique local culture. A favourable exchange rate with the Korean won is also making the island an attractive-value island. 

Fiji  

• Travel Interest: +15% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Outrigger Fiji Resort  

• Average Daily Accommodation Rate: $420 per night 

• Why It’s Trending: A perennial favourite among Australians, Fiji remains popular for its warm hospitality, luxury beachfront resorts and easy accessibility, with expanded Gold Coast flight options further boosting its appeal as a convenient tropical escape. 

Okinawa, Japan  

• Travel Interest: +15% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Nikko Alivila  

• Average Daily Accommodation Rate³: $150 per night 

• Why It’s Trending: As travellers look beyond Japan’s major cities, Okinawa is gaining attention for its subtropical climate, turquoise waters and resort-style holiday experience. Combined with the favourable exchange rate, Okinawa is the ideal retreat after the fast pace of Japan’s mainland. 

The Whitsundays, Australia 

• Travel Interest: +10% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Whitsunday Apartments, Hamilton Island 

• Average Daily Accommodation Rate³: $535 per night 

• Why It’s Trending: Offering world-famous beaches and direct access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays continue to attract travellers seeking a premium island getaway closer to home. Group-friendly holiday homes, an expanding collection of luxury accommodation, and an evolving dining scene are helping to elevate the region’s appeal.  

Cook Islands  

• Travel Interest: +10% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: The Edgewater Resort & Spa 

• Average Daily Accommodation Rate³: $370 per night 

• Why It’s Trending: The Cook Islands are gaining attention for their unspoiled natural beauty, crystal-clear lagoons and relaxed atmosphere. Improved air access and a mix of resorts, villas and holiday homes are making this authentic South Pacific island a highlight. 

FAQ

1. What is Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List? 
Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List is an Expedia data-led ranking of 10 fast-rising island destinations experiencing the strongest growth in Australian traveller interest this year. 

2. How did Expedia choose the islands on the list? 
The islands were selected using Expedia’s accommodation search data, identifying destinations that recorded significant growth in traveller demand compared with the previous year. 

3. Is island travel trending in 2026? 

Island travel continues to gain momentum in 2026, with Expedia reporting a 66% year-on-year increase in searches for islands.Travellers are increasingly seeking scenic escapes that combine unique experiences, relaxation, and accessibility. 

4. What are the best islands for a short getaway? 

Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List spotlights to New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Whitsundays as standout closer-to-home options, which can be reachable in around four hours and often by direct flight, so you can maximise time on the island rather than in transit. 

5. When is the best time to visit islands? 

The best time to visit many island destinations is outside peak periods and school holidays, as travelling in the shoulder or off‑season can mean lower prices on flights and hotels, fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience. 

About the Expedia Island Hot List 

¹ The Expedia Island Hot List is based on accommodation searches made on all Expedia.com.au from 22 September, 2025 to 22 March, 2026, for travel any date in 2026, compared to searches made from 22 September 2024 to 22 March, 2025 for travel dates in 2025. 

² Based on social mentions for Island Travel between 10 March – 10 June 2026, compared to same period the previous year.  

³ Based on average accommodation rates on Expedia.com.au for travel between 5 July 2025 – 3 May 2026 

⁴ Savings vary and are not available on all bundles