Get your passport ready! Here's the top family-friendly island escapes

Looking for your next family holiday that will please everyone? This will save you a whole lot of research!

Organising a family holiday can be a stressful task. The adventure versus relaxation debate is one that often comes up in my household before we plan anything. And then of course there's the expectation that the kids need to also need to enjoy their time away from home.

Pfft. Just give me happy hour and a kids club!

Of course, it's not easy making sure that everyone will be happy. But if you've narrowed down your next trip to an island getaway, Expedia's 2025 Island Hot List will save you a whole lot of searching. 

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Using booking trends as their inspiration, the travel website's inaugural guide serves up ideas for those after a specific type of holiday. Thrill seekers looking for an adventure? No problem, travellers give you their top pick. Or if it's relaxation that you want, there's the top spot for that too. 

The guide is built using real booking data, traveller reviews, and also takes into account affordability and connectivity. Each island was assessed through multiple lenses: affordability, hotel standards, flight accessibility, safety, seasonality, and local appeal - meaning parents can trust the list reflects real-world family needs.

“Powered by real traveller data, the Expedia Island Hot List gives travellers the inspiration they need to plan a smarter island escape,” Rebecca Hurley, Expedia Travel Expert, said in a statement. “Island adventurers want standout stays, affordable prices and seamless flight access."

Ready? Check your passport's expiry date and grab a pen....

Top island picks for families

Making it into Expedia’s top 10 global islands are: 

ARUBA - “Best for year-round sunshine”

The island is known to be a predictable destination, warm and kid-friendly thanks to the many beaches you can enjoy playing at. 

Relaxation in Bali looks like this. Image: iStock

BALI -  “Best for relaxation"

Weaving eco-friendly resorts, kid-friendly wellness, and cultural experiences. The budget-friendly destination is always a winner for families, thanks to it's affordability and in-land and coastal charm. 

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - "Best for adventure"

 Ideal for adventure-loving families. Think ziplines, waterfalls, local markets and hikes for all capabilities (with a stunning view, of course!)

FIJI - "Best for community"

Bula! The village stays, communal meals, and kid-oriented cultural experiences earned Fiji a spot in the top 10, taking the prize for the best in culture. 

JAMAICA - "Best for culture" 

Reggae beats, foodie vibes, and vibrant heritage experiences that resonate with older kids. Jamaica is a destination that doesn't get enough love ... but not for long. 

RELATED: Holidaying in Fiji: Is it better to stay on mainland or the islands?

Fun and culture for all in Fiji. Image: Supplied

KOH SAMUI, THAILAND - "Best for affordable luxury"

Luxe on a budget is everyone's type of holiday, isn't it? The family-friendly resorts, beaches and wellness offerings make Koh Samui a great destination for the whole family. 

MALDIVES - "Best for romance"

There's a reason why so many honeymooners splurge on a getaway to the Maldives. The over-water villas and lagoon bungalows are an ideal setting to sit back and enjoy the peace. 

OAHU, HAWAII - "Best for surfing"

While the shopping will give you a gentle pull, it's the gentle waves, sea life and cultural villages that travellers said they loved most about this Hawaiian paradise. 

PAROS, GREECE - "Best for nightlife"

While Paros won the gong for the best in nightlife, during the day, the island turns into a cultural hub that will appeal to the whole family. Beaches, good food, and cobblestone pathways that lead to little neighbourhoods worth exploring. 

SARDINIA, ITALY - "Best for food lovers" 

If you're one to sign up to a cooking class when on holiday, Sardinia is the place to do it. Wash it down a local gelato and stroll your way down to the beaches or back to the hotel for a long siesta. 

Beautiful Paros. Image: iStock

RELATED: Why Thailand should be your first overseas stop post-COVID

Travel smarter, save more

Everyone wants to know that they're getting a good deal out of a family holiday, and to help, Expedia also released their top tips to get to these trending destinations easily. 

• Off-peak travel is key: Avoid peak months. For example, visiting Sardinia or Paros in September can save families around 35% on accommodation versus August (yes, when it seems like the rest of Australia is there!)

• Bundle and save: Booking flights and hotels together can cut costs considerably, so it's a good idea to do some research into individual prices compared to bundles. 

• Price tracking in Expedia’s app: Flight-alert features help families snap up fares when they drop, avoiding the stress of constantly checking prices. 

Whether you're chasing surfable waves in Hawaii, culinary hideaways in Sardinia, cultural rhythms in Jamaica or Thai kindness in Koh Samui, the list helps families zero in on memories worth making.

Originally published as Get your passport ready! Here's the top family-friendly island escapes