This Gorgeous Caribbean Island Is the Top Trending Destination for U.S. Travelers — and It Has White-sand Beaches and Bright Blue Water

Those cold, dark, and long days of winter are almost here, which means there's only one thing to do: plot a beach getaway. And we bet we know exactly where you're dreaming of going to sit on the sand this season.

Travel booking site Skyscanner released its annual “Travel Trends 2025: The search for community and collective experiences" report, showcasing the destinations generating buzz with its users. To figure out the top-trending spots, the team explained it used "proprietary data based on millions of searches," along with a survey it commissioned of more than 20,000 travelers and expert insights. 

As for which place is getting a ton of love from U.S. travelers, Skyscanner revealed that Grand Turk Island, Turks and Caicos, saw a 528 percent increase in searches over the last 12 months. 

The island, which is both the capital of Turks and Caicos and its second-most populated destination, offers all the island glamour you'd ever desire, with white sand beaches, azure waters, and activities galore, from horseback riding in the water to world-class museums. 

“Skyscanner’s 2025 Travel Trends report reveals how the search for community is reshaping travel behavior,” Naomi Hahn, the VP of strategy, operations, and data at Skyscanner, shared in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure. “More than ever, travelers from the U.S. want experiences they can share with others with similar interests, to enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves." 

Other destinations that are becoming increasingly popular include Quepos, Costa Rica, which had a 462 percent search increase; Tromsø, Norway, with a 129 percent spike; Tucumán Province, Argentina, with a 113 percent increase; and Krabi, Thailand, with a 77 percent search increase. 

Skyscanner noted that "smaller, alternative destinations are growing in popularity with U.S. travelers," as people seek out more off-the-beaten-path adventures. "Feeling burnt out from work, Americans are seeking destinations where they can get out in nature — whether that be relaxing on a beach, hiking a mountain, or stargazing. Getting back to nature is the respite Americans are after in 2025." 

But how are more people discovering these spots? Skyscanner gave a good amount of credit to entertainment and pop culture, noting Turks and Caicos may have seen a boost thanks to "celebrities like the Kardashians, Biebers, and Drake," who frequent the archipelago often.

It's also likely that people are just seeking out a spot to help them destress. Skyscanner reported that 75 percent of American travelers who answered the survey said they "believe vacations can help build resilience and strength so they’re better able to handle the stresses of everyday life. People are embracing experiences to help them live longer and feel younger, in an environment where they can be themselves. " And, at least for me, sitting on the beach, sipping something with a tiny umbrella, while looking out onto gin-clear waters sure does sound like the best version of myself.