5 Warm Destinations to Visit this Winter

Some thrill at the first signs of winter. That first brisk wind ushers in a season of cozy days in with hot cocoa in hand and a crackling fire dancing in the fireplace. Others dread that first morning when they walk outside to go to work and see a pile of snow in their driveway. Snow shoveling and frustrating commutes through holiday rush hour traffic await in the not-so-distant future. Well, winter haters, this one is for you. Read on to discover 5 places to defrost your toes this winter!

Belize: Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker

True to its Caribbean culture, Belize is a place you go to slow down. Ambergris Caye is the tourist hot spot of the country where you can go to experience everything from amazing food and night life to snorkeling with sharks at Shark Ray Alley. But if all you really want to do is lie on a beach with a drink in hand, be sure to visit Caye Caulker. Travelers to this island call it an unexpected delight where life moves at a leisurely pace. Wherever your Belize adventure takes you, be sure to indulge in the freshest seafood your heart can desire, and don’t forget to order some top shelf Belizean rum.

Go here for: refreshing dips in the Caribbean sea, a chance to get acquainted with some exotic wildlife, and that true, slow-living Caribbean experience.

Mexico: Isla Mujeres

If you’re partial to that understated island vibe, skip the party in Cancun for the quiet, cobbled streets of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. A quick ferry ride from the Quintana Roo mainland, Isla Mujeres is a lesser-known and underrated tropical destination with a draw on travelers longing for that quaint, small-town feeling. A small island, Isla Mujeres can be traversed from one end to the other by car in less than 30 minutes making it easy to navigate. But if you want that salty wind-in-your-hair and warm sun-on-your-skin experience, I recommend renting a golf cart. Although tourism has increased over the years, Isla Mujeres is still a relatively hidden gem that offers all the elements of a delightful island vacation away from the flurry of tourists on the mainland.

Go here for: sunbathing on white, sandy beaches; snorkeling and scuba diving; and indulging in fresh seafood.

Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi

The gritty backpacker’s and love-stricken honeymooners’ dream alike, Thailand is a tapestry of vibrant color, fascinating culture, and beautiful people. City lovers will enjoy bustling Bangkok with its glitzy, modern skyscrapers and luxury dining experiences. Hop over to Phuket and explore some of Thailand’s serene beaches, experience the buzzing nightlife, and pay a visit to Big Buddha for a stunning view of this spectacular destination. For a more low-key island affair, stay in Krabi where you can lie on the soft, white sandy beaches; kayak through lush, green mangroves; and stop time with some of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas.

Go here for: lazy afternoons on the beach, adrenaline-inducing hikes, and exotic scuba and snorkeling excursions.

Egypt: Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh

For a less conventional winter vacation, visit the Middle Eastern seaside hot spots of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh. Located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, these locations are treasure troves of adventure, culture, and rich history from millenniums past. In Hurghada, see the gorgeous, glowing coral reefs around Giftun Island and the Straits of Gubal. Traverse the Sahara Desert by camel or zip through it on a quad tour. Visit a Bedouin village to see how this resilient people group has lived for thousands of years, and enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner beneath the stars. In Sharm el Sheikh, you can hike the famous Mount Sinai, dive on gorgeous reefs at Ras Mohammad National Park, dig your toes into the golden sand on the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, and peruse the shelves of the modern Library of Alexandria.

Go here for: an opportunity to immerse yourself in rich culture and history while enjoying the gorgeous landscape of these ancient shores.

Brazil: Rio de Janeiro

When the winter blues has you in the doldrums, pack your bags and join the party in Rio de Janeiro! If you dream of a warm snuggle in the sand with the sound of waves lapping the shore, Rio has a plethora of beaches to visit. Pop over to Ipanema Beach, made famous by the song, “The Girl from Ipanema,” for that quintessential Rio beach experience. You can’t visit Rio without paying homage to the colossal Christ the Redeemer on Mount Corcovado. Sugarloaf Mountain is another iconic landmark and can be summited on foot or by cable car for an unforgettable view of this remarkable city. For a truly memorable Rio experience, step outside your comfort zone and take a lesson in Samba, the Latin dance that originated right in this illustrious city.

Go here for: a vacation bursting with color, adventure, and music you can’t resist dancing to.

Are any of these destinations calling your name? Whatever your vacation style is, there’s an adventure waiting for you. Don’t put it off any longer. Start planning your winter escape now!