Caribbean Trips Expand Beyond Popular Destinations

A recent report from Expedia, prepared with Vrbo and Hotels.com, shows that 63 percent of travelers are planning to include lesser-known destinations in upcoming trips. The Caribbean, traditionally dominated by popular islands such as Jamaica, Barbados and the Dominican Republic, is now drawing attention to locations that remain outside the mainstream. Improved airline connections are helping to make these travel combinations more accessible in 2025.

Increasing flight availability is allowing travelers to access both major hubs and lesser-known islands more easily. Routes now offer travelers more flexibility:

• Direct flights to major hubs such as Barbados and St Lucia.
• Connections to less-visited islands, including St Vincent & the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, and Tobago.
• The chance to split time between busy resorts and quieter islands, offering more varied travel experiences.

Several of these lesser-known islands offer natural attractions that draw visitors looking for quiet and scenic experiences. In St Vincent, travelers have the opportunity to visit the Botanical Gardens in Kingstown, stroll along the golden shores of Salt Whistle Bay on Mayreau, or unwind at Princess Margaret Beach on Bequia. These locations feature varied scenery and offer opportunities for snorkeling, trail walks, and relaxing on less frequented beaches.

Dominica, north of St Lucia, is also gaining recognition for its dramatic volcanic landscapes. Among the main natural highlights are the Boiling Lake located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the twin cascades of Trafalgar Falls, and the calm waters of Emerald Pool. These natural features provide options for hiking, swimming, and exploring volcanic terrain, making the island an appealing destination for travelers interested in active outdoor experiences alongside classic Caribbean scenery.

The trend toward lesser-known Caribbean destinations highlights broader changes in travel behavior. Visitors now have more flexibility in planning trips, the chance to avoid crowded resorts, and access to diverse natural environments. Expanded air routes and increased awareness of smaller islands allow travelers to combine popular and quiet destinations in a single journey, offering more varied experiences. This development signals that the Caribbean is becoming both more accessible and more diverse for international tourists.