These Gorgeous Islands With Gin-clear Water Are the No. 1 Trending Travel Destination, According to Google
"Ranked the most-searched destination by U.S. users in Google's 2024 Year in Search, this trio of tiny islands off Lombok in Indonesia is described as "drop-dead gorgeous." The islands are surrounded by gin-clear waters that lap warm white-sand beaches, and the landscape is a lush tropical forest punctuated by swaying coconut palm trees. For divers, the area is enhanced by an underwater sculptural work by Jason deCaires Taylor located off one of the islands, which includes 48 figures circled on the ocean floor and has become a stunning marine habitat teeming with life. Reaching the islands typically requires flying to Lombok — which can take upward of 24 hours from the U.S. east coast and about 22 hours from the west coast — then taking a ferry of roughly 30 minutes to one hour. The islands' rising popularity has also contributed to local strains: the report notes a severe clean-water crisis, with many locals losing access to water." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
