Forget the Maldives! Arctic beaches, hidden Greek gems and tropical escapes named the best islands to visit in 2026

This year's Island Hot List is steering travelers away from the usual Santorini and Maldives spots to lesser-known gems like Arctic beaches, hidden Greek islands, and tropical escapes. Expedia's 2026 forecast highlights these emerging destinations, predicting they'll become the next big trend in travel. This shift matters as it could help distribute tourism more evenly, reducing overcrowding and environmental strain on popular destinations while offering unique experiences in less-traveled locales. It's a smart move for both travelers seeking new adventures and the destinations aiming to preserve their natural beauty.