10 Best Warm Places to Travel in Winter

10 Best Warm Places to Travel in Winter

1.Ambergris Caye, Belize Arturo Pea Romano Medina

With direct flights from several U.S. cities (including New York, Houston, Atlanta, and Miami), getting to the Central American nation of Belize is easier than you think. The country is filled with lush, verdant landscapes,

including a tropical forest home to plenty of monkeys and even a few rare jaguars but the true star is the coastline. To experience the white-sand beaches at their best in the winter months, make your way to Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island.

2.Mexico City, Mexico

Jorge Cast

Another destination with plentiful direct flights to and from the U.S. is Mexico City. Though winter in CDMX won't have the tropical heat you might expect from a Mexican vacation — temperatures tend to top out in the low 70s this time of year — it still provides a balmy alternative to snowy American locales.

The capital of Mexico is flush with cultural attractions, including countless museums (like the stunning Museo Frida Kahlo), incredible shopping at both high-end stores and local markets, and some of the best restaurants in the world.

3.Key West, Florida Peter Unger

Make your way to the southernmost point in the continental U.S. for a little sun all year long. Key West is a true delight in the winter months as the average high temperature never really falls below 75 degrees. It's the perfect place for fruity cocktails on the sand,

sunset strolls down Duval Street, and slice after slice of tangy Key lime pie. Make the most of your time here by booking a stay at Casa Marina Key West, a historic inn that recently underwent an extensive renovation. Through the hotel, you can book local food tours,

golf outings, and sailing charters, or you can choose to simply sit by the pool and soak in the Florida Keys sun.

4.Rangiroa, French Polynesia Mlenny

The French Polynesian archipelago is made up of hundreds of islands, with a few key spots (think Bora Bora and Moorea) getting most of the attention. If you're hoping to head somewhere a little less crowded, opt for one of its lesser-known destinations,

5.Panama Highlands Cavan Images

Panama is another destination with splendid coastlines, but its interior hillsides shouldn't be overlooked, especially for a winter vacation. Temperatures sit in the 60s and 70s year-round in the Panama highlands, creating ideal conditons for outdoor adventures.

6.Namibia Martin Harvey

No matter where you go in Africa for a safari, you're likely to have a great time so why not trade in the well-worn path for a more remote destination? Namibia offers seclusion, small crowds, and near-guaranteed warm winter weather.

It's also the perfect place for a safari to see animals like lions, elephants, leopards, and rhinos trotting through seemingly barren landscapes. There are several outfitters in the area, but Natural Selection is top-notch. It has numerous camps to choose from, including the famed Shipwreck Lodge on the Skeleton Coast.

7.San Juan, Puerto Rico

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Those wanting to mix in some beach time with a little history need look no further than San Juan. The capital of Puerto Rico is as idyllic as they come, with long stretches of white-sand beaches and historical attractions like the Castillo San Felipe del Morro.

Visitors will also find lots of delicious spots to eat (make reservations at Cocina Abierta). In San Juan, it's best to go boutique, so check into the O:LV hotel, which features a rooftop bar and pool offering the best views in town.

8. Dubai, United Arab Emirates Jorg Greuel

There's nothing better than desert heat in the dead of winter. When the first cold snap hits, book your ticket to Dubai. In this desert oasis, you can do just about anything you wish, including taking a dip in the Persian Gulf, shopping at some of the world's most luxurious stores,

dining at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, and visiting the tallest building in the world. Try Atlantis, The Palm for your overnight stays — it's a veritable playground for those looking to indulge in the finer things in life.

9. Bangkok, Thailand Pakin Songmor

The best time to visit Bangkok happens to be over the winter. The weather here is balmy year-round thanks to Thailand's tropical location, but the winter months offer slightly more comfortable temperatures than the rest of the year, with highs rarely exceeding 90 degrees.

To get the most out of this massive city, it's best to book a lengthy visit or get a guide there are tons of tour options on sites like Airbnb Experiences that focus on food, culture, and photography.

10.Bahamas Per Breiehagen

Sometimes, you just need to get away and not think about a single thing. And that's exactly what you can do in the Bahamas, an island chain that's just a three-hour flight from New York City.

There are a number of beautiful destinations to see here, and thankfully, many of the archipelago's inhabited islands are home to all-inclusive resorts that are ideal for families, couples, and even solo travelers.