When you’re feeling the chill of dark winter days, our annual Travel Hacker Guide’s Top Trending Beach Destinations are your dose of sunshine. These oceanside escapes saw the biggest increase in traveler interest this year versus last — meaning they’re hotter than ever. Just be willing to stretch your wings and fly: most places on our list require a passport.
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Maui
With flight searches up 136% this year, this Hawaiian mainstay is hotter than ever. Flight prices and hotel rates are lowest in April and you should book 2 months ahead of travel.
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Martinique
This island is a hilly, rugged escape that’s up 125% in searches this year. Practice your high school French and enjoy crystal blue waters after an all-day hike. Best of all, we found the lowest fares when you book as little as a month ahead.
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Guadeloupe
This beachy enclave is best in the spring when temperatures are up and precipitation is down. Just be sure to give yourself some planning time: the lowest airfare was found on flights booked 6 months ahead of travel.
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Phuket
Despite its name, this beach destination is no joke. To maximize your savings, the lowest airfare and hotel rates are found in September and October. (Just be aware that this is also the rainy season.)
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Auckland
Legendary landscapes and awe-inspiring coasts make New Zealand a dream spot for many travelers. Bonus: a trip here won’t take half a year to plan. We found the lowest airfare can be booked only 2 months ahead of travel.
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Bali
Eat-pray-love your way through this island destination. You’ll find the lowest airfare (and low hotel rates) in November, just before the rainy season. With searches up 37% this year, the best time to book is at least 6 months in advance.
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Colombo
Temps hold steady around 82 degrees throughout most of the year, making this destination a great faraway place to experience some sun and sand. Once you touch down in Colombo, head to Bentota to experience its stunning lagoons and beaches. Try to travel in the off-season (May and September) as flight prices go up dramatically from June through August.
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Maldives
Up 28% in interest, airfare drops significantly when tickets are booked 5 months ahead of travel. Just be prepared to pay high prices for that hotel room. Even in June (when median hotel rates are at their lowest) it’s still around $411 per night.
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Okinawa
Look for signs of spring on this Japanese island where temps stay in the 70s until June hits. Four months of planning should be all you need to find the best deals on airfare.
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Sydney
If you’re looking for a beach trip that will take you to the other side of the world, Sydney has you covered. Just remember: seasons are flipped. So if you want to sit beachside be sure to plan your travel during our winter months, when it will be summer Down Under. Plus, we recommend you book that trip 6 months ahead to find the best airfare.
For more about the hottest places to escape the cold, check out our Top Trending Beach Destinations in 2017’s Travel Hacker Guide. Travel Problem Solved.
