10 Warm Weather Getaways to Escape to This Winter
Check out these hotels in Mexico, Belize and the Caribbean.
— -- intro: Winter is coming. While we all (or most of us) enjoy the first snowfall and twinkling holiday lights of the season, after sloshing in snow and donning our puffy jacket for a couple of months, we're over it -- and ready for summer weather. If you're like us and need a mid-winter, post-holiday break to cure the cold-weather blues, we recommend a vacation to a locale with warm temps and all-day sunshine. So for our fellow Northern Hemisphere residents, here are 10 warm weather getaways for your great escape this winter.
quicklist: 1title: 1. Tulum, Mexico text: Whether it be Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a popular winter getaway thanks to its consistently warm temps. But for this winter, we're suggesting you head to Tulum, located at the south end of Riviera Maya along the Caribbean Sea. Unlike party-centric Cancun, Tulum is a quiet, relaxing beach escape with easy access to the Mayan ruins. In January, the average high is 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so don't forget to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen.
Our Hotel Pick: Suenos Tulum or Dreams Tulum Resort & Spamedia: 35190847
quicklist: 2title: 2. Belizetext: The Central American country of Belize is known for its lush rainforests, Mayan ruins, and world-class snorkeling and scuba diving. Though it's a great travel destination throughout the year, the average high temperature in January is 82 degrees Fahrenheit, so we think it's just perfect for when you want to beat winter blues. Zip-line through the forest, marvel at the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and spot wildlife like howler monkeys and toucans from your cabana.
Our Hotel Pick: Portofino Beach Resortmedia: 35191625
quicklist: 3title: 3. Phuket, Thailandtext: Thailand's largest island, Phuket is known for stunning beaches, Buddhist temples, and plentiful water activities. Travelers can spend their days relaxing poolside, marveling at the Big Buddha sculpture, or snorkeling various reefs. If you're really looking for warm temperatures come January, Phuket delivers with an average high of 91 degrees Fahrenheit.
Our Hotel Pick: Trisara Phuketmedia: 35190897
quicklist: 4title: 4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic text: Located on the Dominican Republic's easternmost tip, Punta Cana is often said to have the best beaches in the Caribbean. Warm temperatures hover in the same vicinity throughout the year, so you can enjoy those pristine beaches whether it's January or July. Boasting several adults-only, beachfront hotels, it's an ideal getaway for couples who want to swap snow for sand.
Our Hotel Pick: Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort and Spamedia: 35191193
quicklist: 5title: 5. Dubai text: Dubai is best known for its towering buildings and being home to the world's largest shopping mall. The desert-filled city has an average high temperature in January of 75 degrees Fahrenheit; it's best to visit then as opposed to July and August, when temperatures routinely spike over 100 degrees. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beaches and warm water, smoke hookah with locals, and shop for spices and textiles at the many souks.
Our Hotel Pick: Fairmont The Palm, Dubaimedia: 35191439
quicklist: 6title: 6. Costa Rica text: Whether you head to the Pacific or Caribbean side (or both!) of Costa Rica , the Central American country is a nature lover's paradise. The wildlife-rich national parks and beautiful beaches are top attractions, while zip-lining, surfing, and hiking are popular activities. Warm temperatures throughout the year mean you can enjoy the "pura vida" culture 365 days a year.
Our Hotel Pick: Hotel Punta Islitamedia: 35191096
quicklist: 7title: 7. Buenos Aires, Argentina text: The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires has pretty parks, striking architecture, and a buzzing nightlife scene. Visitors should fill their time by sampling the city's famous beef, dancing the tango, and scoring some leather goods. As most travelers do, make sure to pay a visit to the Cementerio de la Recoleta and visit Eva Perón's grave.
Our Hotel Pick: Legado Mitico Buenos Airesmedia: 35191541
quicklist: 8title: 8. Key West, Floridatext: Closer to Cuba than Miami, Key West is a tiny city in the Florida Keys bursting with charm. The tropical climate in Key West means warm weather year-round, with January seeing average highs of 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The locale is also a family-friendly destination, with kid-approved activities like eating key lime pie, building sand castles, and visiting the Ernest Hemingway House.
Our Hotel Pick: Sunset Key Cottages, a Luxury Collection Resortmedia: 35190946
quicklist: 9title: 9. Sydney, Australia text: If you'd rather Santa be wearing swim trunks than snow boots, head to Sydney, where it's summertime in December. Capital of New South Wales, Sydney is best known for its visually stunning Opera House and Harbor Bridge, excellent surfing, and of course, phenomenal snorkeling and scuba diving. Spend your days at Bondi Beach and forget all about the cold winter.
Our Hotel Pick: Quay West Suites Sydney media: 35191046
quicklist: 10title: 10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia text: The capital and most populous city in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, historic Hindu temples, and the Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary. Though the city can be quite hot -- with an average high of 90 degrees in January -- it's a welcome retreat with plenty of shopping, parks, museums, and bars to keep travelers busy (and in air-conditioning if so desired).
Our Hotel Pick: Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpurmedia: 35191341
Related Stories
ABC News Live