While winter doesn’t technically start until Dec. 21, if you live in much of the U.S., you know it gets cold long before that each year. While some of us love snow, many folks make a habit of getting away from winter for a bit by taking a trip to a warmer, sunnier locale. So, for those of you looking to escape the cold this winter, here are four great winter vacation destinations to consider.
Florida
The don’t call it the “Sunshine State” for nothing. Visit pretty much anywhere in Florida to escape the dreary winter and you’ll understand why it’s the go-to retirement destination for people from the Northeast. With more than 1,300 miles of coastline on the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is the perfect place for a warm winter getaway.
Florida is a diverse state. Some parts share culture with the Southern U.S., while South Florida has a huge Hispanic influence due to immigration from the Caribbean and beyond.
South Florida is home to Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, which are beautiful places any time of year. Miami Beach is a premier destination if you’re willing to shell out for a luxurious hotel room. Orlando has Disney World and lots of fun places, but no beach. The Tampa-Fort Lauderdale area is a nice, laid back place to visit, as is the panhandle, where you’ll find tourist towns like Destin.
New Orleans
There’s so much to see and do in New Orleans that it’s not really known as a winter tourist destination; it’s a year-round one. There’s no other city in the U.S. like New Orleans, which is a blend of French, Spanish and Afro-Caribbean influences. Gorgeous architecture, tasty food and historic sites are aplenty.
Of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a trip to the famed French Quarter, home to beautiful buildings and the famous Bourbon Street. There’s more to do than party in the French Quarter, though. Grab coffee at Cafe du Monde, just across the street from Jackson Square, or talk a quiet walk along the winding Mississippi River.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
The Mexican resort city lies right near the Pacific Ocean, sandwiched between the beach and tall mountains to the east. It’s easy to visit, as there is an international airport just outside of town, and ground transportation is easy. Once you arrive, you can walk the boardwalk and take in the beautiful ocean views as you visit shops and restaurants.
If you’re looking to get away from the tourist hustle and bustle, pay a visit to the Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta’s “old town.” Here you can experience Mexican culture without all the traps of tourism.
Puerto Vallarta has a reliable bus system that makes getting around a breeze. For just the equivalent of 50 cents in U.S. currency, you can hop on a bus and ride it anywhere in the city.
St. Lucia
This island nation in the Caribbean offers an idyllic beach vacation for winter-weary visitors. The sea couldn’t be more blue or the plants more green, and an average daily high temperature above 80 degrees doesn’t hurt, either.
St. Lucia is home to the Pitons, a pair of famous rock structures. There’s a volcano you can drive right up to and check out, as well as lush Botanical Gardens. The resort you choose can help you best plan your visit. Many offer package plans, taking the stress of planning out of your hands so you can relax and enjoy your vacation. Isn’t that the whole point?
On the converse of all this: If you live in a warm climate and like to get away and see some snow in the winter, we know this list doesn’t help you much. But don’t fret! We’ll have you covered next week, when we talk about a few snowy destinations worth a visit in wintertime.
At PC Housing, serving travelers is our job. We offer short- and long-term rentals across the U.S. and Canada for business travelers. Stay in a home on your next trip — not a hotel! Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we serve travelers like yourself.