Winter has its moments—hot chocolate, cozy fires, and snow-covered landscapes that look straight out of a Hallmark movie. But let’s be real: the charm fades the second you have to scrape ice off your windshield or slip on a patch of black ice. If the cold has overstayed its welcome, it’s time to trade the frost for my favorite footwear, flip-flops. Here are seven sun-drenched destinations that will warm your soul (and your toes) this winter.
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1. Belize
Photo by Meagan Wristen
Forget the frostbite! Belize calls you to its warm embrace with a symphony of coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and adventures that sound like something out of a child’s imagination book. Snorkeling in Belize isn’t just swimming; it’s like being teleported into a National Geographic documentary, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of marine life. And if you prefer terra firma, the jungle awaits with open arms. Remember, it’s not sweating; it’s your body’s way of saying, “Thank you for the vitamin D.”
Panama, where the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal competes with the natural wonders of its jungles. It’s a place where you can hike through rainforests in the morning and explore the cosmopolitan streets by night. Want to feel like Indiana Jones? Visit an indigenous village. (Don’t climb the waterfall! I feel on my face.) Craving for culinary adventures? The food scene here might just make you consider permanent residency. Just a heads up: the jungle might not have Wi-Fi, but it promises a better connection.
If the Caribbean was a royal family, Nevis would be the elegant, less flashy sibling who doesn’t need the spotlight to shine. Its beaches whisper tales of serenity and seclusion, while the historic ruins tell stories of a time gone by. Nevis is the place to go when you want to disconnect and recharge, where the only thing you’ll be uploading is your feet on a hammock.
Ah, Florida. You might think you know it, but Tampa Bay is here to surprise you. It’s where you can have breakfast with giraffes (don’t worry, they prefer leaves over pancakes) and scream your lungs out on a roller coaster before lunch. The Florida Aquarium offers a dive into the marine life without getting wet, and the seafood? Let’s just say you’ll understand why the pelicans look so smug. Tampa Bay is where winter goes to retire.
5. The Bahamas: Choose Your Own Tropical Adventure
The Bahamas are like a box of chocolates for beach lovers – you never know what you’re gonna get, but it’s all delightful. Cat Island is your go-to for quiet beaches where the waves gently kiss the shore. For those who prefer their beach days with a side of luxury, Nassau’s mega-resorts offer opulence and maybe a celebrity sighting or two. It’s a place where the hardest decision you’ll make is between the beach chair or the hammock.
If you decide you want to leave the resort head out and explore the ancient Mayan Ruins of Tulum or Chichen Itza, then cool off in one of the region’s stunning cenotes—these underground swimming holes look like something out of a fairytale. If you love marine life, snorkeling in Akumal Bay gets you up close with sea turtles, while theGreat Mayan Reef (the world’s second-largest barrier reef) is a diver’s dream. And when the sun sets, Playa del Carmen’s nearby 5th Avenue is the perfect place to shop, sip margaritas, and dance the night away.
7. Costa Rica
Photo by Meagan Wristen
Costa Rica is where you go when you want adventure, wildlife, and beaches—all in one trip. Zip-line through the cloud forests of Monteverde, spot sloths and monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park, or soak in the volcanic hot springs of Arenal. If surfing is on your bucket list, Tamarindo is one of the best places to learn. For something unique, take a night tour to see bioluminescent waters glow as you paddle through. And, of course, Costa Rica’s motto is “Pura Vida” (Pure Life), so expect to slow down, relax, and live in the moment.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re looking for adventure, history, relaxation, or a mix of all three, these destinations promise one thing: no winter blues in sight. So, grab your swimsuit, book that flight, and trade the snow for sun. After all, the only ice you should be dealing with is in your tropical cocktail.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).
I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.
If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.
Choose Activities and Tours
To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.
When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.
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