The Caribbean has long been a siren call to those who love warm, balmy weather, stunning beaches, laid-back tropical vibes and a mix of fascinating cultures.
With its slower pace, the Caribbean offers an escape without complication, and 2026 looks to be another year when travelers flock to places that are always on ‘island time,’ and the answer is always “No problem, mon.”
Add in the fact that Caribbean flights are the cheapest they’ve been in years, and it’s the recipe for an ideal escape.
Here are some of the Caribbean destinations to consider adding to your travel wish list for 2026.
Antigua and Barbuda
A small island nation in the eastern Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda is known for its pink sands, steady trade winds, a large frigate-bird sanctuary, and a laid-back island vibe. With 365 beaches, locals say there’s one for every day of the year.
The island is so incredibly picturesque that four resorts across Antigua served as filming locations for the final two episodes of “The Golden Bachelor.”
In May 2026, Antigua and Barbuda will host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace. Art Week, held every winter, celebrates the island’s culture with art, music and dance events. Making it easier for visitors to reach the twin-island paradise, the new Barbuda International Airport opened in late 2024.
With great sailing and wind sports, crystalline waters and coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving and music like calypso and Soca ringing through the air, the island is one happy place for Caribbean fans.
Curaçao
This small Caribbean island with a big personality offers something a little different from typical beach-only destinations.
Part of the Dutch Caribbean, the island is a charming blend of Europe and the Caribbean. The capital, Willemstad, is famous for its pastel-colored waterfront buildings and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rich mix of African, Dutch, Caribbean, Latin American, and Jewish influences shapes the island’s music, food, and traditions.
With amazing coral reefs, Curaçao is a diver’s paradise, and its small, gentle cove waters are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Because the island lies outside the central hurricane belt, it receives less rainfall and more consistent sunshine. It’s no wonder Curacao continues to see an increase in the number of tourists.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic stands out in the Caribbean because it offers more variety in one place than almost any other island. Visitors will get mountains, white-sand beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, desert-like areas, along with a deep history and a vibrant food and music scene.
At the 2025 Travvy Awards, the Dominican Republic was selected as the best destination in the Caribbean.
Its capital city, Santa Domingo, is the oldest European city in the Americas, with cobblestone streets and UNESCO-designated sites. The coastal destinations of vibrant Punta Cana and quieter Cap Cana offer a range of all-inclusive resorts with wide, soft-sand, palm-lined beaches, great for couples, families or groups. Snorkeling, parasailing, zip-lining and other adventure activities abound.
Jamaica
Despite Hurricane Melissa’s devastating blow to Jamaica on October 28, 2025, the island has shown incredible resilience and readiness and is once again open for tourism.
2026 looks to be a good year for visits to Jamaica. The island has always been synonymous with soul, sound and scenery with warm, friendly locals, incredible cuisine, stunning beaches, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and a ‘no-rush, live in the moment vibe.’
Sandals Resort International hosted a major industry gathering in early December, bringing together nearly 400 travel advisors and industry partners for a “Back to Jamaica” immersion event ahead of the December 6, 2025, reopening of Sandals and Beaches Resorts properties in Ocho Rios and Negril. The island also reopened all four major cruise ports, another impressive recovery milestone.
It’s also a popular destination for those looking for either a weekend escape or a longer stay, with frequent nonstop flights two major international airports to airports across the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and other parts of the Caribbean.
Saint Lucia
Considered one of the safest of the Caribbean islands, the small isle of Saint Lucia has been a hidden gem for decades.
Part of the Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s most dramatic and romantic islands — known for jaw-dropping scenery, lush nature, and a calm, intimate vibe. In fact, it’s so romantic that it was selected as the best wedding destination in the Caribbean by the 2025 Travvy Awards. It’s also the only country in the world to be named after a woman.
This independent island, with strong African, French and British influences, has one of the most iconic landscapes in the Caribbean, with two steep volcanic peaks rising straight from the sea. The region sports rainforests, waterfalls, hot springs, scenic viewpoints, quiet beaches, cliffside resorts and majestic sunset views. (https://www.travelpulse.com/Destinations/The-Caribbeans-Top-Trending-Destinations-for-2026/566504)
