Top 10 Winter Vacation Destinations

A few advantages do exist during the winter. The holiday season and ski season are both fantastic. However, the icy Aaaah, the chill It penetrates deeply, all the way to the bones, making your teeth chatter and your body shiver. There is good news for those who would like to take a break from the chilly weather, no matter how brief. There is no shortage of pleasant, year-round climates that are ready to welcome you.

Here are ten of the best warm places to visit this winter, from island getaways to sizzling cities.

There are several U.S. cities that are directly connected to a S traveling to this Central American country from major U.S. cities (such as Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, and Miami) is a breeze. It's a land of verdant landscapes, with a tropical forest that's home to monkeys galore and even the occasional jaguar. The coast, however, is the real draw. Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, is where you want to go to enjoy the white sand beaches at their best in the winter. The proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef makes it a popular destination for water sports such as scuba diving and snorkeling. Book a stay at the posh Alaia Belize, and enjoy the resort's glass-bottom pool and convenient proximity to the beach.

Another place where you can get many flights from the United States S that you should visit during the winter is Mexico City. There are countless museums in Mexico City (though we'd be doing you a disservice if we didn't single out the Frida Kahlo Museum), excellent shopping for both high-end and local markets, and some of the best restaurants in the world (we're looking at you, Pujol). Las Alcobas is a great place to call home while you're in the city. After a day of city sightseeing, guests can unwind in the luxury hotel's spa.

Start your journey to the southernmost point of the United States. S If you want to soak up some rays year-round, With an average high temperature that rarely drops below 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, Key West is a year-round paradise. The island is ideal for sipping tropical drinks while watching the sunset on the beach, strolling Duval Street at night, and eating more Key lime pie than you can possibly consume in a single sitting. Booking a room at Casa Marina Key West, a historic inn that has been open since 1920, will allow you to make the most of your time next to the clear waters. You can take advantage of the hotel's services to arrange for excursions like golfing and sailing, or you can just relax by the pool and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

There are hundreds of islands that make up the French Polynesian archipelago, but only a select few (like Bora Bora and Moorea) receive the majority of tourists. Choose one of its less well-known spots, like Rangiroa, if you're looking for a less touristy experience. The atoll is a group of islands about an hour's flight from Tahiti, and it features an endless stretch of beaches and a huge lagoon teaming with marine life. Plan a trip to the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa, where you can stay in one of their gorgeous overwater bungalows or villas complete with a private plunge pool.

Although Panama is best known for its beautiful beaches, a visit to its interior hills is well worth it, especially in the winter. In the Panamanian highlands, you can find lush, verdant mountains perfect for birdwatching and other outdoor activities like trekking across suspension bridges. In addition, there is a fantastic coffee culture here. To begin your coffee tour in style, book a room at The Haven, a wellness hotel designed exclusively for adults.

It's likely that you'll have a fantastic time on a safari anywhere in Africa, so why not try going somewhere a little less touristy? Namibia's secluded location and reliably mild winters don't disappoint. You can go on a safari and see lions, elephants, leopards, and rhinos romping around in the middle of seemingly empty plains. In spite of the abundance of local outfitters, Natural Selection stands out as the best. Several camps, including the well-known Shipwreck Lodge on the Skeleton Coast, are available.

You don't have to look any further than San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a beach vacation that also includes some historical sites. Long stretches of white-sand beaches and historic landmarks like Castillo San Felipe del Morro make this city on the Caribbean Sea one of the most picture-perfect places on earth. Also, there are many excellent restaurants available to tourists (I recommend booking ahead at Cocina Abierta). The O:LV Hotel is the best boutique option in San Juan, with a rooftop bar, pool, and some of the city's best views.

It's hard to beat the desert's year-round warmth, but it's especially welcome during the cold winter months. Plan a trip to Dubai for the first sign of frost. You can go to the beach, shop at some of the world's most exclusive boutiques, dine at restaurants with multiple Michelin stars, and even scale the world's tallest building without ever leaving this desert oasis. If you're looking for a place to let loose and enjoy the finer things in life, look no further than Atlantis, The Palm.

It just so happens that the winter is the best time to visit Bangkok. As the monsoons fade into the distance, the weather remains pleasant. The city is huge, so plan ahead and stay for a while if you can, or hire a guide; there are many culinary, cultural, and photographic tours available through platforms like Airbnb Experiences.

The city's canals should not be missed, and a tour aboard a traditional Thai long-tail boat can be arranged. Guests looking for the best hotel in Bangkok should book a stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, which was named the best hotel in the city by Travel Leisure in 2022.

You need to get away from it all and let your mind wander every once in a while. This is possible in the Bahamas, a group of islands that can be reached in a little over three hours from New York City. Many of the inhabited islands in this archipelago feature all-inclusive resorts that are great for groups of all sizes, from families to couples to solo adventurers, and everyone in between.