7 Hidden Island Alternatives to Overrun Santorini and Bora Bora - Flight Routes and Points Strategy for 2025
7 Hidden Island Alternatives to Overrun Santorini and Bora Bora - Flight Routes and Points Strategy for 2025 - Moorea Instead of Bora Bora Direct Flights from LAX on United Airlines Starting March 2025
United Airlines is launching direct flights from Los Angeles to Moorea starting March 2025. This new route, clocking in at just over 11 hours, positions Moorea as a direct rival to the more famous Bora Bora, which has become a bit overrun. The expectation is that many travelers will opt for Moorea, seeking a more relaxed pace without the crowds, but with the same Polynesian vibe and striking landscapes. Moorea’s proximity to Bora Bora, in French Polynesia, has always made it an option, but accessibility has typically involved an extra island hopping leg, with a large part of arriving traffic coming from nearby Bora Bora. The direct route changes the dynamic as many travelers seek less crowded and more unique experiences which will only further push this trend in the coming year.
Starting March 2025, United Airlines will initiate direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Moorea, an interesting shift for those looking past the usual Bora Bora route. This move by United hints at a larger strategy focused on under-the-radar destinations in the South Pacific. It's a good indicator of where some are choosing to go. This new routing could also mean a more budget friendly vacation, as demand can certainly affect prices to a tropical paradise without sacrificing that picture perfect experience. The LAX-Moorea flight clocks in around 8 hours or so, about what you might spend getting to Bora Bora, making it a reasonable choice if flight times are your main concern. Those collecting United MileagePlus miles could find this route particularly useful for rewards, adding another consideration if you like optimizing point redemption. If food and flavor is of interest, Moorea offers a blend of French and Polynesian cuisines. Moorea is often thought of as the less busy cousin to Bora Bora. The island's slower pace can make for a much more relaxed holiday. Moorea boasts some of those amazing reefs, and interesting hiking trails so the usual snorkeling and outdoor activities, are certainly there. Additionally, you'll find many opportunities to engage in local customs and festivals. Getting over to the well known main island of Tahiti is fairly easy from Moorea, by ferry. Lastly, Moorea's waters are a haven for diverse marine life, prime for scuba and snorkeling without so many other tourists competing for that experience as it occurs in Bora Bora.
7 Hidden Island Alternatives to Overrun Santorini and Bora Bora - Flight Routes and Points Strategy for 2025 - Milos Greece Adds Daily Ferry Service from Athens and New Airport Terminal Opening Summer 2025
Milos, Greece, is stepping up its accessibility game by launching a daily ferry service from Athens, running during the summer months. With at least six daily boats, the island is positioning itself as a more convenient option for those looking past the usual, over-touristed Cycladic spots like Santorini. This also means less time needed on the water. Adding to this, a new airport terminal is slated to open in summer 2025, set to improve travel further by accommodating more flights. This should give more options to reach this island. Travelers can pick between the quick high-speed ferries or slower, more budget-friendly options. It’s certainly aiming to be a compelling pick for anyone wanting something a bit less mainstream while still getting that Greek island feel, at least according to those interested in better ways to arrive at a popular vacation destination.
Milos, in the Aegean, is poised for a considerable improvement in connectivity. The introduction of a daily ferry service from Athens is set to reduce travel time to a mere 2.5 hours, a substantial cut from the previously longer and less direct routes. This shift makes the island a significantly more attractive option for those planning their visit. Coupled with this, the island is preparing for the opening of a new airport terminal in the summer of 2025, aimed to further increase accessibility and modernize the travel experience.
Milos, not only boasts over 70 distinct beaches, also has its fair share of volcanic rock formations. The new terminal and resulting increase in flights, potentially from Aegean Airlines, could also mean better airfare prices for travelers. The effect on local tourism should be significant, with potential growth in culinary tourism as well. The island features uniquely prepared seafood and local dishes, like the Milos-style squid, all a far cry from the food in the most over-run of tourist areas. The island has exceptionally clear waters that would be a draw for those looking for good diving and snorkeling experiences. Increased visitor numbers might mean more local dive companies and hence increased opportunity to discover Milos from a new perspective. The new terminal is expected to handle a respectable 500,000 yearly passengers, which is a boon for the region and is likely to encourage visitors to seek out historic attractions, like the ancient theater. With the new ferry and improved airport access, island-hopping options in the Cyclades will likely be impacted, as Milos offers an alternative to those well established tourist spots like Mykonos. With new flight routes come potential opportunities for those traveling with points; watch for promotions for the new route, which could lower the price for those using points. Many might find the allure of Milos in its history and as the discovery site of Venus de Milo to be of note, especially as access gets easier. Lastly, the airport terminal project should create local employment, improving regional economics and perhaps providing better services for those coming to Milos.
7 Hidden Island Alternatives to Overrun Santorini and Bora Bora - Flight Routes and Points Strategy for 2025 - Huahine French Polynesia Gets First Points Hotel with Marriott Autograph Collection
Huahine, a stunning island in French Polynesia, has recently announced the opening of its first points hotel, joining the Marriott Autograph Collection. This is a noteworthy addition that elevates the island's appeal to travelers interested in unique stays, and allows use of loyalty points. Known for its dramatic landscapes and culture, Huahine remains less known than Bora Bora. The new hotel could attract a traveler looking for a mix of natural beauty and calm, distinct from more crowded locations. With more people looking for places beyond the usual tourist spots, Huahine offers a good alternative for those seeking an authentic escape.
Huahine, located in French Polynesia, is now home to its first points hotel, under the Marriott Autograph Collection banner. This development is a nod to the island's growing appeal as a destination, offering travelers the option of leveraging Marriott loyalty points and benefits. The introduction of such a brand might signify that Huahine is moving past its status as an 'off the beaten path' location and is now becoming a destination on the traveler’s map of desirable vacation spots.
For those seeking less crowded locales, Huahine presents an interesting contrast to the usual tourist spots. The island, though previously more challenging to get to, might see increased attention from carriers with hotel chains like Marriott putting stakes in the ground with loyalty options that appeal to those looking for good redemption possibilities. The integration of points and miles with hotel options will likely draw the attention of travel enthusiasts, many of whom prioritize travel locations based on their strategic value for maximizing points use.
Huahine stands out for its unique blend of Polynesian and French culinary practices. The focus on locally sourced food, especially seafood, presents an opportunity to indulge in the island's native cuisine, adding to the appeal for travelers who enjoy an authentic culinary adventure. The area is quite interesting to those looking beyond just the tourist traps. It should prove to be quite a treat to foodies, especially when combining it with opportunities to discover some of the regions ancient historic attractions like temples and fishing technology. This island presents both an opportunity to simply relax as well as an opportunity to learn more about this part of the world.
Huahine's waters are certainly another main attraction as they teem with vibrant marine life. This certainly can make diving and snorkeling enthusiasts flock to the less crowded spots and more pristine conditions that Huahine can provide, compared to some of the bigger name destinations. With a new collection point, this might bring more tourists, so expect to find more diving and snorkeling tours and shops than in prior years. Expect also more luxury experiences opening, especially as hotel chains start showing more interest. There may well be a race towards providing the best experience in the region, which could mean travelers might benefit from this increased competition, by receiving higher value experiences.
Those inclined towards adventurous exploration may be intrigued by Huahine, offering a range of activities beyond the standard beach fare. This can include hiking trails and more traditional Polynesian activities like outrigger canoe trips. With more and more travelers moving away from the overly busy tourist zones, Huahine's potential for growth may well have a knock-on effect, attracting additional investment in infrastructure, services, and potentially more flights to the region. The resulting improved connectivity with other islands will only create new opportunities for travelers seeking different experiences during their stay in the region, allowing them to create an "island hopping" vacation while getting the best of both worlds, both a modern points hotel option and a more native experience. Lastly, photographers and nature enthusiasts might find a lot of appeal with Huahine, considering its scenic lagoons and abundant green, natural environment, potentially leading to more interest through social media, and, in turn, attracting even more investment.
7 Hidden Island Alternatives to Overrun Santorini and Bora Bora - Flight Routes and Points Strategy for 2025 - Lofoten Islands Norway Launch Year Round Air Service from Oslo on Norwegian Air
Norwegian Air has begun year-round, direct flights from Oslo to the Lofoten Islands, serving Leknes and Svolvær airports. This will improve access to this Northern Norway region, known for its scenery and the chance to see the aurora borealis. This move also supports a trend towards choosing less crowded destinations. Now that Widerøe is part of Norwegian, passengers may find better connections within the region. This improved accessibility could bring many visitors to the Lofoten Islands who are interested in a less common destination in 2025, as they move past places like Santorini and Bora Bora.
Norwegian Air is now providing continuous, year-round flights from Oslo to the Lofoten Islands, specifically landing at Leknes and Svolvær airports. This is noteworthy as these islands, with their striking geological formations and dramatic peaks, become much more accessible outside of the short summer tourism season. This opens up interesting perspectives for travel research.
The increased flight frequency to this area is due to a mix of airlines, including Norwegian Air, SAS and Widerøe; the latter now a part of Norwegian after an acquisition in 2024. Their collaboration is intended to provide more reliable options for anyone trying to get across the networks. Prior to this development, reaching Lofoten required more complicated, often seasonal flight routes, making a trip something that needed significant planning, and costing significantly more. With these additions the potential exists to find competitive pricing amongst airlines, especially compared to prices that previously were more inflated when only one option was available.
The natural beauty of the Lofoten Islands, its iconic fjords, and opportunities to experience the Northern Lights are expected to drive up visits to Northern Norway with this new flight option, which opens up a variety of potential use-cases, both summer and winter, for travelers of different interests. The area has traditionally been seen as a summer destination only, with winter activities requiring complicated routes. The new flight service could shift this focus towards a more balanced yearly travel pattern.
The new routes also aim to improve how easy it is to reach remote locations, with the Lofoten Islands being only one aspect of what could become a larger network for 2025. With this service, combined with alternative transportation methods such as bus, train, car, and ferries, an increase in overall accessibility to this region is expected. The culinary focus with its reliance on traditional methods for preserving fish, such as stockfish, could appeal to those with an interest in discovering the more traditional aspects of regional culture and diet. Moreover, the region boasts a rich Viking history with archaeological sites of interest. This means there is potential for this location to diversify from just being the typical landscape view.
Additionally, with this increased accessibility, there may well be additional opportunities for various outdoor activities such as winter skiing and summer hiking, plus kayak and fishing adventures. For photographers, the area provides excellent light conditions, especially during the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights seasons. With Norwegian Air now providing the direct link there is the possibility of better use of miles and points from loyalty schemes for flights, plus associated benefits. This route could become useful for strategically offsetting the cost of these trips, making travel to previously expensive regions cheaper. The new routes, in turn, are also likely to stimulate the local economy with increased demand for services, accommodations and local experiences, all things worth considering when planning for 2025 travel experiences.
7 Hidden Island Alternatives to Overrun Santorini and Bora Bora - Flight Routes and Points Strategy for 2025 - Palawan Philippines New Private Island Resort Accepts World of Hyatt Points
A newly opened private island resort in Palawan, Philippines, now accepts World of Hyatt points for stays. Banwa Private Island, a luxurious 15-acre escape with beachfront villas and a 360-degree suite, is recognized as one of the best resorts in the Philippines, offering exclusivity and private experiences for those seeking refuge from typical popular spots. Being able to use Hyatt points here provides an option for those chasing a more upscale vacation with point redemption opportunities in these less traveled locations, which adds more possibilities to consider when planning upcoming trips.
A recent addition to Palawan, Philippines, sees a new private island resort opening, now part of the World of Hyatt program. This resort is noteworthy for its high-end amenities and remote setting. This development is of particular interest to those who like to optimize points and miles, suggesting a move from hotel chains towards capturing that market. The location itself is striking, boasting notable biodiversity and limestone cliffs, making it visually interesting to the discerning traveler.
The Philippines is an interesting place for anyone working with points, thanks to many regional carriers providing attractive options for flights. This presents some intriguing possibilities for planning around award flights. Additionally, Palawan's access to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, adds another dimension for travelers seeking a more explorative vacation, with opportunities for geological discoveries, or just something different. It’s worth investigating some of the flights to the region, as some of the more budget-oriented carriers might present worthwhile pricing opportunities from major Asian hubs.
The introduction of World of Hyatt options at this resort seems to highlight a strategy towards luring loyalty program members to these more isolated locations. Palawan, often described as the "Last Frontier," does suggest a focus on a more private kind of trip that combines relaxation with some exploration. The locale and surrounding area presents potential for both exploration and luxury.
Palawan itself presents a diverse selection of fresh seafood. This could be a real treat for anyone who appreciates cuisine and is interested in regional tastes. The region's position amongst El Nido and Coron certainly presents possibilities for those keen on island hopping excursions. Those looking for more wellness oriented options will probably find this Palawan destination caters to that, and may find spa and other more holistic offerings here.
7 Hidden Island Alternatives to Overrun Santorini and Bora Bora - Flight Routes and Points Strategy for 2025 - Sao Miguel Azores Portugal Gets Direct Delta Flights from JFK Starting April 2025
Delta Airlines is set to launch direct flights from New York's JFK to São Miguel in the Azores, Portugal, starting in April 2025. This new year-round route should improve access to the Azores, known for its volcanic landscapes and hot springs, for US based travelers. These flights will provide a more convenient option for visitors looking for an alternative to over visited locations. Previously Delta flights to the region were seasonal only, creating a challenge to arrive outside the usual summer months. The Azores may well become a more attractive location for those seeking lesser-known destinations.
Delta Airlines is initiating direct flights from New York’s JFK to São Miguel in the Azores, Portugal, commencing in April 2025. This new route should provide a better connection to the island, known for its distinct landscapes including geothermal hot spots and volcanic calderas. Travelers will likely have a more convenient method to reach this scenic location, which is quickly gaining recognition as a great place to explore for those seeking something different from those overcrowded well known places.
Various sources mention several other lesser-known island spots that are good alternates to the most popular areas such as Santorini and Bora Bora. These destinations offer some different natural settings, with less intense tourism compared to those over visited hot-spots. These are potentially a draw for people who are tired of those typical vacation crowds, as they provide serene settings, and culturally relevant explorations.
São Miguel specifically is noted for its geological features, especially the Sete Cidades area, a crater which contains two differently colored lakes. The geothermal activity has a direct effect on the food scene as well, including *Cozido das Furnas*, a stew cooked underground. The island and the region of the Azores also provides a great location for whale watching. Delta’s direct flight could affect prices with other carriers also trying to gain market share on this new, and growing destination. The diverse environment here could have wide appeal with many endemic species and interesting locations like the hot springs around Furnas.
The location has several historical sites as well including areas of Ponta Delgada that provide an insight into the islands history. For those using Delta’s SkyMiles this offers an opportunity to maximize rewards points on a route that is a bit less ordinary. The locale offers many outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing and scuba; something that may appeal to those who want an active vacation in a less populated zone.
7 Hidden Island Alternatives to Overrun Santorini and Bora Bora - Flight Routes and Points Strategy for 2025 - Con Dao Vietnam Opens New International Airport with Qatar Airways Service via Doha
Con Dao, a stunning archipelago in Vietnam, has recently marked the opening of its new international airport, significantly enhancing its accessibility to global travelers. Qatar Airways has introduced a route connecting Doha to Con Dao, a development poised to bolster tourism and interest in the island's rich natural beauty and historical context. This improvement comes as part of broader efforts to modernize Vietnam's aviation infrastructure, with the airport expected to accommodate millions of passengers in the years ahead. As travelers increasingly seek out hidden gems away from overrun destinations like Santorini and Bora Bora, Con Dao stands out as an enticing alternative, offering unique experiences in a more tranquil setting.
Con Dao, a Vietnamese archipelago, recently unveiled its upgraded international airport, and Qatar Airways is now offering service via Doha, broadening its access to international travelers. This new service provides travelers an opportunity to explore the region more easily. The enhanced airport is an important development for Vietnam’s infrastructure and should help support its growing tourism sector. This shift provides another choice to well known and sometimes over-touristed locations. The strategic Doha connection could be interesting for travelers coming from various regions.
The emergence of alternative island destinations that mirror the attraction of popular places like Santorini and Bora Bora continues to grow as more people look for less crowded options, while seeking unique cultural experiences, all which focus on new flight options and points strategy for 2025. There is an ongoing trend of travelers searching for ‘hidden gems’ which can also influence price, making these locations more competitive, and provide interesting opportunities.