Sun-kissed white sand beaches; tropical jungles filled with amazing creatures; ancient wonders set against tranquil rice paddies: these are the best destinations for beating off winter blues that US travelers can visit now.
Travel restrictions vary by country and may include mandatory quarantines. Visit the CDC website pages on COVID-19 for information on conditions in each country and follow local guidelines while traveling.
Travel restrictions vary by country and may include mandatory quarantines. Visit the CDC website pages on COVID-19 for information on conditions in each country and follow local guidelines while traveling.
The Riviera Maya, Mexico
Stretching along the Yucatán Peninsula from Puerto Morelos in the north to Tulum in the south, the Riviera Maya encompasses major resorts such as Cancún and Playa del Carmen. It's easy to see why this part of Mexico is so popular: sandy beaches, warm waters, and a great range of hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Tulum is well worth a visit. Here, visitors can unwind at yoga retreats, explore the preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city, and snorkel at Gran Cenote, a cavernous limestone sinkhole.
When to go: the weather is dry and warm in November, without reaching sweltering temperatures.
Tulum is well worth a visit. Here, visitors can unwind at yoga retreats, explore the preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city, and snorkel at Gran Cenote, a cavernous limestone sinkhole.
When to go: the weather is dry and warm in November, without reaching sweltering temperatures.
The Bahamas
If basking on pristine sands and floating in teal-blue lagoons sounds like your idea of paradise, then the Bahamas is for you. Beachgoers visiting this scattering of tranquil isles will be utterly spoilt for choice, but few spots rival Eleuthera’s Harbour Island with its pink sands and electric-blue water.
If you’re looking for a side of adventure with your down time, Nassau, the capital, provides plenty of fun activities from aqua-biking to sunfish-boat sailing. You can even take to the air for a bird’s-eye view of the city and neighbouring Paradise Island.
When to go: the water is pleasantly warm in December, perfect for aquatic activities.
If you’re looking for a side of adventure with your down time, Nassau, the capital, provides plenty of fun activities from aqua-biking to sunfish-boat sailing. You can even take to the air for a bird’s-eye view of the city and neighbouring Paradise Island.
When to go: the water is pleasantly warm in December, perfect for aquatic activities.
Monteverde, Costa Rica
The small size of Costa Rica belies its huge diversity of wildlife: raucous green macaws circling the skies, sea turtle hatchlings braving the waves, slow-moving sloths dripping from the tree branches, and elusive jaguars prowling the jungle floor.
Monteverde's unique Cloud Forest Reserve helped cement Costa Rica’s reputation for ecotourism. Here, visitors can follow tree-top walkways for amazing views over the dense forest canopy, come face to face with an array of amazing animals, and can even stay in the heart of the jungle at eco-aware Monteverde Lodge.
When to go: the dry season begins in December and continues into March.
Monteverde's unique Cloud Forest Reserve helped cement Costa Rica’s reputation for ecotourism. Here, visitors can follow tree-top walkways for amazing views over the dense forest canopy, come face to face with an array of amazing animals, and can even stay in the heart of the jungle at eco-aware Monteverde Lodge.
When to go: the dry season begins in December and continues into March.
Cambodia
Cambodia is home to the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat. Set amongst a dense green forest, this ancient wonder is remarkable for its tall towers, reflective moat, and epic bas-relief panels. Those who drag themselves out of bed in the early hours of the morning will be greatly rewarded: there is nothing like the sight of Angkor Wat illuminated by the sun’s first rays as it slowly rises over the five lotus-bud-shaped towers.
When you’ve had your fill of sight-seeing, make the trip to Cambodia’s main beach resort, Sihanoukville. Here, white-sand beaches and azure waters provide the perfect place to slow down.
When to go: little rain between November and April means blue skies perfect for sightseeing and relaxing.
When you’ve had your fill of sight-seeing, make the trip to Cambodia’s main beach resort, Sihanoukville. Here, white-sand beaches and azure waters provide the perfect place to slow down.
When to go: little rain between November and April means blue skies perfect for sightseeing and relaxing.
Jamaica
Mist shrouded mountains soaring above emerald green forests where sparkling waterfalls tumble into pools of cobalt blue; long soft stretches of white-hot beaches dissolving into bathtub-warm waters; vibrant cities spilling downhill toward picturesque harbours: Jamaica is a treasure trove of beautiful sights.
Kick back on some of the best beaches in all of the Caribbean at Negril, plunge into the refreshing Blue Hole Mineral Spring, sail down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft, or take a hike through the scenic Blue Mountain Range, famed for its coffee plantations.
When to go: November-December brings Jamaica’s best weather.
Kick back on some of the best beaches in all of the Caribbean at Negril, plunge into the refreshing Blue Hole Mineral Spring, sail down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft, or take a hike through the scenic Blue Mountain Range, famed for its coffee plantations.
When to go: November-December brings Jamaica’s best weather.
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