Any guesses where Americans are flocking for sun-drenched Caribbean shores?
Obviously, your first guess might be The Bahamas, Cancun, or Punta Cana, but guess what!
None of them are seeing the rise in popularity like these 4 paradise islands.
This quad of Caribbean hotspots have caught the attention of American vacationers seeking more room to enjoy pristine beaches and higher chances of scoring a swim-up bar seat.
According to an insightful new report from NY Carib News, the 4 trendiest Caribbean destinations a huge surprise as none are in Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, or Bahamas.
Leaving the crowds behind of Caribbean mainstays, Americans are flocking to these 4 islands this summer, driving a notable upswing in tourism numbers:
4) Antigua
There was once a lake town in North Macedonia with 365 churches – one for every day of the year. But, Antigua said hold my beer…
This lesser-known island is part of a dynamic duo with Barbuda, and between them both, they offer a grand total of 365 beaches. In theory, you could indeed visit a new beach every single day.
Though, American tourists can only stay in Antigua for 180 days…
No matter how long you stay, the point is Antigua is drop-dead gorgeous with no shortage of stunning beaches, whether you’re seeking solitude, a flashy resort, or a seaside seafood shack with epic views.
Americans can fly directly from major hubs, New York, Miami, Charlotte, and Atlanta, so it’s easy to see why Antigua saw a 12.4 percent uptick in visitors in the first quarter of 2025.
What’s new in Antigua this summer?
Check out Antigua Carnival 2025, an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and dance beginning July 25th.
3) Barbados
Even though Rihanna’s roots run deep here, you won’t typically need an umbrella-ella-ella in sunny Barbados.
But, summer is Barbados’ wet season — usually brief showers that won’t ruin a paradisal beach day.
Numerous luxury resorts line Barbados’ sprawling coastline, yet you’ll find more culture than popular destinations with overly curated experiences.
Barbados is a place you can indulge in posh amenities but can also have a blast immersing in the delights of capital city, Bridgetown, especially since it’s one of the Caribbean’s safest countries.
With a 22% increase in visitors, Barbados is much more connected than Antigua. You can fly nonstop from major hubs, such as NYC, Washington D.C., and Charlotte.
What’s new in Barbados this summer?
Check out Barbados Heritage District, which showcases a new museum, memorial, and other attractions that illuminate this island’s fascinating history.
2) Curacao
Google Flights crowned Curacao the Caribbean’s trendiest destination this summer. The island is setting tourism records, largely due to new flights and fab hotel grand openings like Art Hotel Curacao.
Curacao is genuinely one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant islands. One glance at the capital city of Willemsted’s townscape seems to cover every shade on the color wheel.
An absolute must here is snorkeling. You can’t skip the crystal clear waters teaming with aquatic life at such places as Playa Piskado, where you’ll all but guaranteed for sea turtle encounters.
This Dutch-Caribbean island has seen a huge 23.5% surge in visitors the first quarter of the year and like I said, it’s easier to reach than ever with new flights from Chicago and existing routes from other hubs such as Atlanta and NYC.
What’s new in Curacao this summer?
Check out the Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival 2025. This year is better than ever with world-famous performers like Snoop Dogg, Ricky Martin, and Kool & The Gang.
1) St. Vincent & The Grenadines
Last but not least is St. Vincent & The Grenadines, a dual-island nation skyrocketing to new heights with a whopping 74.8% increase in U.S. visitors.
With new flights and new hype, St. Vincent & The Grenadines is embracing its newfound fame and slowly but surely earning a seat at the table with household names.
This stunning vacation hotspot is brimming with scenic, volcanic landscapes and postcard shores.
La Soufrière is one of the tallest volcanoes in the Caribbean. You should definitely pack your hiking shoes for an incredible trek through lush jungles — just know the volcano remains active.
But for the less adventurous, you’ll find idyllic fishing villages wrapping the coast and the hidden gem of Bequia Island, for a day trip you’ll never forget.
Delta is launching new flights from Atlanta, one of many hubs connecting St. Vincent.
What’s new in St. Vincent & the Grenadines this summer?
Like Antigua, St. Vincent has their own Carnival celebrations. Check out Vincymas, “The Hottest Carnival in the Caribbean”.
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.