What's Trending in Island Travel?

It’s island travel season, which has me wondering: What's new? What destinations are popular with travelers? 

Anthony Tucker has seen an uptick in travel to the Caribbean, including St. Lucia, St. Martin and the Dominican Republic.

“They have all have become very popular destinations for all-inclusive travel, which can be attributed to great new resorts opening in these markets,” said Tucker of All Inclusive Outlet in Georgetown, Kentucky.

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There’s no such thing as ‘same old, same old’ for Samarah Meil’s clients.

“Some of our clients really want to experience off-the-beaten-path options,” said Meil of the Amarillo Travel Network. “They don’t mind staying at a nice resort, but when doing tours and excursions they want to be able to experience life and culture from that island.”

Puerto Rico is becoming more popular with Margie Lenau’s customers.

“It’s a beautiful destination and, since you don't need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico, [it's] much more convenient," said Lenau of Wonderland Family Vacations in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

"Puerto Rico is responding to an increase in travelers by building more resorts there. AMResorts brand is building a Dreams All Inclusive Resort to be opened in 2018. This will be the only true all-inclusive resort on the island, and there is a demand for this type of resort model.”

READ MORE: 5 Outdoor Adventures to Experience in Puerto Rico

Aruba has been another emerging destination for Meil’s agency, which is a complete turnaround from a few years ago.

“I could not convince anyone to go, and now we weekly get requests,” said Meil. “Recently, I had two of my IC’s return from a FAM trip to Aruba and we are working to increase our own knowledge and personal experiences with this destination.”

When it comes to island resorts, less is more, according to Megan Velez of Destination Weddings Travel Group.

“We are seeing an uptick in couples wanting to strip back the opulence of their island wedding and focus on the pure nature of their destination,” said Velez. “Our couples are looking to connect with nature by paring back on their ceremony décor to let the destination speak for itself.”

Couples also enjoy nature-related activities like indulging in a traditional Temazcal treatment.

“They are booking more eco-friendly and holistic/wellness resorts, like the Sandos Caracol Eco Resort and Zoetry Spa & Wellness Resorts,” Velez added. “All of these are great ways for couples to disconnect from their busy and tech-savvy lifestyles with an opportunity to truly relax and take in the island vibe.

Velez also said that overwater bungalows have gained in island popularity thanks to social media, first in Tahiti and now in Mexico and Jamaica: “You can now have your overwater bungalow without spending an arm and a leg—and traveling across the globe."    

READ MORE: Aruba for All Ages

“Social media is flooded with stunning photos of overwater bungalows on the islands of the South Pacific and the Maldives,” said Darci Upham, CruiseOne Franchise Owner and Vacation Specialist in Hampstead, North Carolina.

“Many travelers want to have this experience, but without the long and expensive flights. As a result, we're now seeing overwater bungalows popping up all over the Caribbean and they're selling out before they're built.”

Riviera Maya, St. Lucia and Jamaica all have these brand new, luxurious bungalows.

“Overwater bungalows are also offered in Panama, Honduras, Belize, Cuba, Aruba, and the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Upham. “Demand is high for these iconic accommodations, so I'm thrilled that we now have so many options available in the Caribbean.”