For most people, the winter is long, painful, and borderline unbearable. Many of us dream of a tropical destination during the cold months. With a little bit of planning, saving, and luck you may be able to ditch those winter blues and replace them with a sunny paradise for a lot cheaper than you may think. Learn more about the best places to travel in winter below. For more practical tips on travel, food, exercise, etc. check out more from Eva-Marie Berry on the rest of the site.
The Caribbean
As the closest destination on this list to the U.S., it is often much cheaper to fly to the Carribean islands than it is to fly all the way across the world. Airlines typically have dedicated flights and it is a normal route for many cruise lines. With more than 7,000 islands, 13 nations, and 12 dependent territories, there is something for everyone. Some of the most popular Caribbean destinations include Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, Cuba, and so much more. If you are looking for a place to escape the pain of winter, you can’t go wrong with any destination in the Caribbean.
Islands of Thailand
Want to party all night until the sun comes up, relax in a quiet area, see amazing landscapes and beaches, all while immersing yourself in one of the world’s friendliest cultures? Great. The islands of Thailand has something for everyone. This country is known as the “land of smiles” for a reason. Not only do the locals smile, but you will not be able to help but smile as well. Thailand is mostly known for Bangkok but its islands are legendary. Though the flight can be a bit expensive (not all the time), once you arrive, you will find that Thailand is one of the most affordable winter destinations in the world. Some of the more popular islands include Phuket, Koh Lanta, Krabi, Koh Lipe, and Koh Samui.
Costa Rica
The citizens of Costa Rica live by a simple theme: Pura Vida (translated into “pure life”). When you live in a paradise-like country, it’s easy to understand why this slogan is their way of life. Situated in South America, this small country has a little bit of everything, but mostly nature, beautiful beaches, peaceful vibes, and deliciously healthy food options. Just about 25 percent of this country is protected by being designated as national parks or reserves. With its close proximity to the U.S., flights can be found for a relatively cheap price and accommodations are more than affordable. Costa Rica is a must-see destination for anyone that wants a warm and sunny winter.
Bali
Last but certainly not least, Bali is one of the most popular winter travel destinations in the world. Though Indonesia has 17,508 islands, Bali stands out in particular. There are amazing volcanoes, jungles, beautiful beaches, rich culture, and wonderful people. Whether you are in search of an adventure or a relaxing time, Bali has it for you. If you find that there are too many other tourists, you can always hop on a ferry to a neighboring island. It’s a winter vacation that you will not want to come back from.