Winter does offer its advantages, no doubt. The winter holidays and ski season are two of the best times of the year. On the other hand, there's the chill. The chill! It penetrates down to the marrow of your bones, making your skin crawl and your teeth clatter.
We have good news for you if you hope to take a break from the icy weather. Plenty of pleasant climates can be found worldwide, and they welcome visitors at any time of year.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Getting to this Central American country is simple, thanks to direct flights from several U.S. cities like Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, and Miami. A tropical forest teeming with monkeys and even a few elusive jaguars may be found in this country, known for its gorgeous vistas.
The coast, though, is the real show-stopper. In the winter, Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, is most beautiful with its white sand beaches.
Its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef makes it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. The Alaia Belize is an excellent choice for a luxurious vacation because it is located on the beach and features a transparent swimming pool.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is another great option for a winter getaway, and it's easy to get there and back with the many direct flights between the U.S. and Mexico City. Numerous museums (though we'd be doing you a disservice if we didn't single out the Frida Kahlo Museum), fantastic shopping for both high-end and local markets, and some of the world's top restaurants (we're looking at you, Pujol) can all be found in Mexico City. Set up a shop in Las Alcobas if you're going to be in the city. After a day of city sightseeing, guests can unwind in the peace of the hotel's spa.
Key West, Florida
Visit the southernmost point of the United States for year-round sunshine. The island is a year-round pleasure because the average high temperature in Key West never drops below 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months. Fruity drinks on the beach, a stroll at dusk along Duval Street, and more Key lime pie than you can eat in one sitting: this is paradise.
Visit Key West and stay at Casa Marina Key West, a historic inn that has welcomed guests since 1920. You can enjoy the Florida sunshine at the hotel's pool, go on a golf adventure, or lease a sailboat all through the hotel's concierge.
Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Hundreds of islands make up the French Polynesian archipelago, but just a select few—Bora Bora and Moorea—receive the majority of the tourism. Choose one of its less well-known spots, like Rangiroa, if you're looking for a less touristy experience.
The atoll, only an hour's flight from Tahiti, features an infinite number of beaches and a huge lagoon teaming with marine life. Reserve one of the beautiful overwater bungalows or villas at the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa, each with its private plunge pool.
Panama Highlands
While Panama is known for its beautiful beaches, its interior highlands are worth visiting year-round, especially in the winter. Green mountains abound in Panama's highlands, providing excellent birding and adventure opportunities like traversing suspended bridges. In addition, the local coffee culture is highly rated. The Haven is a health hotel for adults that can immediately get you started on a coffee tour.
Namibia
Because you will have a fantastic time on a safari anywhere in Africa, you could choose somewhere less frequented. Namibia's remote setting and reliably mild winters deliver. It's also a great site to go on safari and spot big games like lions, elephants, leopards, and rhinos in seemingly barren settings. There are several outfitters in the region, but Natural Selection is the best. Several camps are available, including the well-known Shipwreck Lodge on the Skeleton Coast.
Puerto Rico, San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a great choice for those who want to combine a beach vacation with cultural exploration. No places are more picturesque than this city on the Caribbean Sea, with its miles of pristine white sand beaches and historic landmarks like Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Many excellent dining options await tourists (make reservations at Cocina Abierta). If you're looking for a boutique hotel with great views in San Juan, look no further than the O: LV.
