A selection of the ten best warm places to travel in winter
Of course, the winter months have their advantages - skiing, sledding, snowman building, and of course, holidays. But also the cold! It penetrates deep under the skin, right down to the bones, freezing everything...
Luckily, several year-round sunny destinations can offer the necessary respite from the cold air. There are 10 best warm places to visit this winter: from island getaways to bustling cities. They are listed on travelandleisure.com.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
With direct flights from several US cities, the Central American country of Belize is easier than you might think. The interior of the country is filled with lush, green landscapes that are home to monkeys and even a few rare jaguars. But the real star is the coast. For the best white sand beaches, head to Ambergris Caye. Belize's largest island is known for its water sports. For a luxurious visit, book a few nights at the Alaia Belize, which not only provides easy access to the beach, but also has a pool suspended six stories above the main access corridor, with portholes below that offer a bird's eye view of the grounds.
Mexico
While winter in CDMX won't have the tropical heat you might expect from Mexico, temperatures typically reach 70 degrees at this time of year. The capital is full of cultural attractions, including top-notch museums, incredible shopping, local markets, and some of the best restaurants in the world. Las Alcobas offers luxurious accommodations and a tranquil spa where you can relax after a day spent exploring the city.
Key West, Florida
Key West is a real treat during the winter months, as the average temperature never drops below 75 degrees. It's the perfect place for fruit cocktails on the sand, sunset strolls along the lively shopping streets, and slices of spicy key lime pie. Make the most of your time here by booking a stay at the historic Casa Marina Key West. Through the hotel, you can book local food tours, golf outings, and sailboat cruises, or you can just sit by the pool and soak up the Florida Keys sun.
Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Despite the fact that French Polynesia consists of more than a hundred islands, only a few attract the most attention. If you prefer something a little less crowded, try the quiet, underdeveloped Rangiroa Atoll. It has pristine beaches and a huge lagoon filled with marine life. Book a stay at Kia Ora Resort & Spa, which boasts stunning overwater bungalows and villas with private plunge pools.
Panama Highlands
Panama is another destination with a gorgeous coastline, but don't ignore its interior. The temperature in the highlands of the country creates ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Favorite activities for visitors here include bird watching, and for the more adventurous types, crossing the green mountains via the famous Boquete suspension bridges. The region also has a stellar coffee scene worth exploring. Book your stay at The Haven, an adults-only wellness hotel that will help you get on your coffee tour as soon as you land.
Namibia
If you're looking for an African safari this winter without the crowds in a classic destination like Kenya, try the lesser-visited area of Namibia. This country on the southwest coast of Africa offers seclusion, otherworldly scenery, and almost guaranteed warm weather. It is also an ideal place to see animals such as lions, elephants, leopards, and rhinos in their natural environment. There are several shops in the area, but Natural Selection is top notch. There are many camps to choose from, including the famous Shipwreck Lodge on Skeleton Coast.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
If you're looking to combine time in the sun with some cultural enrichment, look no further than San Juan. Puerto Rico's capital city has long white sand beaches as well as historical landmarks like San Felipe del Morro Castle. Visitors will also find many delicious places to eat. San Juan is best when it comes to boutiques, so check out the O:LV Fifty Five Hotel. It has a rooftop bar and a pool that offers some of the best views in the city.
Dubai
When the first cold weather arrives, book a ticket to Dubai. This desert oasis offers not only warm weather but also a stunning array of things to do, from swimming in the Arabian Gulf to shopping in the world's most luxurious stores and dining at several Michelin-starred restaurants. Try Atlantis, The Palm for an overnight stay - it's a true playground for those who want to enjoy the finer things in life.
Bangkok
Winter is the best time to visit Bangkok. The weather is pleasant all year round thanks to Thailand's tropical location. To get the most out of this huge city, it's best to book an extended visit or get a guide - sites like Airbnb Experiences have many options for tours focused on food, culture, and photography. Also, don't miss the city's canals, where you can take a long-tail boat ride. Make your home base the Mandarin Oriental, a perennial winner of the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards.
Bahamas
Sometimes you just need to get away and not think about anything. And that's exactly what you can do in the Bahamas, a chain of islands that are just a three-hour flight from New York City. There are plenty of great places to see, and many of the inhabited islands in the archipelago are home to all-inclusive resorts that are perfect for families, couples, and even solo travelers.
