It seems like people either love winter or hate it. Those who love it may prefer the crisp temperatures that require bundling up in layers of clothing instead of peeling them off, or they may enjoy winter sports, such as skiing or ice-skating. Those who hate winter may feel weighed down by gray skies and miss the sun’s rays. But no matter how you feel about winter, the cold months can be a great time to vacation, whether you head to even colder temps or seek out warmer places for a little reprieve.
Escape to the beach
Now, for those who dislike even reading about cold-temperature trips, have no fear. You just need to head south. With the busy and destructive hurricane season Florida has experienced this past autumn, it may be wise to head for the southern Caribbean. “Aruba is a perfect choice with its year-round warm weather and stunning beaches,” says Tara Branch, travel agent and owner of Vacations by Tara, but there are plenty of other islands to choose from. If you can’t select just one island, visit several of them by taking a cruise. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a weeklong adventure to seven ports of call, including Barbados, Antiqua, and St. Lucia.
For those who are a little more adventurous, Tara recommends Central America. “In Costa Rica, you can spot sloths in the jungle, hike around volcanoes, and explore lush rainforests,” she says. “Or head to Belize to enjoy its incredible marine life, turquoise waters, and diverse cultural experiences.”
Tips to remember for any destination
Wherever you go in winter, Tara recommends travelers keep in mind the popular holidays and events in the locations they are visiting. For example, if you are heading to South America, our winter months are their summer season, so crowds may be heavier with children being out of school.
While most people think of summer being the busy travel season, it is important to be flexible even during winter vacationing. When recently helping some clients plan a trip to Australia for January, Tara says, “We had to adjust their itinerary to avoid the school holiday rush and the crowds from the Australian Open.” A seasoned travel adviser can help you navigate these issues, but if you’re doing your own planning, be sure to do as much research as possible to avoid complications.
By Carrie Vittitoe
P.S. Check out how this couple takes adventures here.
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