Brrr, it’s getting cold outside! The temperatures are dropping, the days are getting shorter, and keeping warm inside the house has become a top priority. But fortunately for travelers who are seeking a winter vacation, January is the cheapest month to fly away. At that point, the annual big rush to get home for Christmas is over and the must-visit destinations to stay for New Years have already come and gone, so airlines have no choice but to lower their prices to lure you to that winter sun break.
So, where can you go? Well, there are five continents to choose from that can easily fulfill the two essential components of a good winter getaway: sun and beautiful beaches. Here are a few of the very best places to lay out while winter’s cold passes by.
Florida, USA
With Christmas and New Years out of the way, along with a bevy of expenses from presents and partying, finding somewhere affordable closer to home may take your fancy. So, heading somewhere within the USA is your best bet. Think of sunshine and the first state to come to mind is the Sunshine State, Florida. It is very popular and enjoys an large influx of visitors during the winter months. There’s Miami’s South Beach and its high-energy nightlife, while West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Key West all of which are great for relaxation with a variety of hotel accommodations that can suit any pocket size.
Mexico
Offering color, culture and warmth, Mexico has stunning beach resorts for a great winter sun option. Visit Mexico’s most popular beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, which offers crystal blue water alongside miles of pristine beaches. Visit Los Muertos which offers romantic sunsets that radiate the sky. Take a stroll along the newly built pier and its multitude of great eateries and entertainers. Then there’s always the party town of Acapulco, the ancient Mayan ruins Rivera Maya located on the Yucatán Peninsula, and the amazing whale watching tours in Todos Santos.
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The Caribbean
Of course, the tropical islands of the Caribbean always conjure up the ideal imagery of long-deserted beaches and relaxing in a swinging hammock under the glorious sun. With more than 7,000 islands to choose from, you may select to visit the Dominican Republic, the most popular island, which has 3.6 million yearly unique visitors. To experience few tourists, you may also choose the lesser known islands of Grenada, Anguilla and Bequia. The Caribbean booms in the winter months, with planeloads of visitors arriving from around the globe. Many are lured by the regular high temperatures, Caribbean cuisine, and picture-postcard beaches. Finding out which island to visit takes a bit of research as there is a myriad of choices, so look early and book early for the optimal winter sun break.
Gold Coast, Australia
Sun, surf and sand never look so good as they do on Australia’s Gold Coast. It is made up of 35 beaches and attracts more than 400 million visitors a year. Remember that Australia experiences summer in December and January, so temperatures can soar. Surfer’s Coast is one of the most popular beaches, offering volleyball, sunbathing, and, of course, it’s a surfer’s paradise with ideal conditions to catch a wave. There is also a beachfront market three days a week where visitors can buy stroll through the 120 market stalls that features handicraft, jewelry, and a host of other souvenirs. Broadbeach, or “Broadie” to the locals, is a chic area on the coast where stylish cafes and shops are enjoyed. The Gold Coast is described as a playground for fun thanks to its plethora of adventurous activities, from swimming with the turtles at Mon Repos to the exhilaration of roller coaster rides at the numerous theme parks.
Dubai
For those searching for a beach where there are interesting things to do, unique people to meet and unexampled activities to take part in, Dubai is for you. The beaches are busy most of the time with people swimming, eating, and jogging. There is an abundance of high-end accommodations to choose that are near the amazing shopping malls. It is considered a world-class luxury destination. Some of the beaches are free to enter, while others have a small entrance fee. Women are allowed to wear bikinis and full suits, but there is absolutely no nude bathing. The most popular beach is Jumeirah Beach with restaurants, splash pools for kids, an open-air cinema and stunning sand sculptures. The Al Mamzar Beach Park has a number of playgrounds, picnic and BBQ areas, and Jebel Ali Beach, also known as Kite Beach, is famous for the number of kite surfers that frequent the area.
Thailand
Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles and is about the same size as Spain. The island of Phuket has one of the largest beaches in Thailand. You simply must visit the Hua Hin Beach, which offers a long shore that runs aside the Gulf of Thailand. It is a family-friendly beach that is popular with tourists. The tropical surroundings, cosine, and culture all contribute to a memorable vacation. The southern province of Phuket offers the limestone scenery of Phang Nga Bay, which boasts of being a James Bond movie filming site. A visit to Phi Phi Island reveals alluring white sands, crystal clear waters and contrasting cliffs. The capital city of Bangkok is vibrant and exciting, offering top-class restaurants, markets, and magnificent Buddhist temples and palaces.
This year when the weather starts turning cold, head inside and start looking for somewhere to take your winter summer break. You’ll enjoy the thrills of adventure or the tranquility of a soothing beach trip without having to look for yet another blanket!