9 WARM, SUNNY PLACES TO TRAVEL TO DURING WINTER

Powder-white snow certainly adds an element of magic to travel, but sometimes the long winter nights bring a sense of longing for what's missing: warmth. If you're tired of being cold, there are tons of destinations worldwide where the mercury hasn't plummeted. Some are as close as the desert landscapes of the U.S. Southwest; others are farther-flung tropical paradise. Whether you're after 48 hours of vitamin C or a longer warm-weather vacation, here's where to go to escape the cold this winter. Mexico's greatest secret is that if you head north or south of any of the big-name beach cities, you'll find a gorgeous, more low-key beach. Avoid the crowds by going to small coastal towns like Mazunte, which is about an hour's drive southeast of beach hot-spot Puerto Escondido. Besides the area's three beaches, travelers can visit the National Mexican Turtle Center. If you're on Mexico's Caribbean coast, Bacalar is a quiet town that's a 2.5-hour drive south of Tulum airport. Note that you won't be on the coastal road, but you enjoy a taco or two in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a town about an hour into the drive. The idyllic area around Bacalar is known for Laguna de Bacalar, a lake with colors that change from aquamarine to cobalt because of the different depths of the water, earning it the nickname "The Lake of Seven Colors." Where to stay: Boca de Agua The 22-room Boca de Agua in Bacalar was built with the idea of minimizing impact. Among the resort's 82 acres, 90 percent of it has been untouched. Near Laguna de Bacalar, the property's rooms are housed in tree houses and incorporate salvaged materials, such as leftover wood from a plywood factory. Related: 10 Places in Mexico to Visit for Food, Beaches, and Amazing Sights Disney, beaches, Miami, oh my: It's a no-brainer that the Sunshine State is one of the best options for U.S. travelers looking for a domestic getaway without a hint of snow. Tons of direct flights to major hubs in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale as well as temperatures in the range of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit make all sorts of adventures accessible. (North and Central Florida are usually cooler but rarely snowy.) The Florida Keys entice with great snorkeling, diving, and ultra-fresh seafood. November to April coincides with Florida's high season, so get off the tourist trail by visiting less crowded outdoorsy spots like Dry Tortugas National Park (fun fact: more than 99 percent of the national park is water) or trailing North America's smallest deer species in Big Pine Key. Where to stay: Faena Hotel Miami Beach If you're thinking of spending time in Miami, book a stay at the 179-room Faena Hotel Miami Beach. Argentine hotelier Alan Faena designed the property in collaboration with film director Baz Luhrmann and costume designer Catherine Martin, so be prepared for some over-the-top quirks. Features include a giant mammoth skeleton on the back patio and cabaret and live music performances in the property's theater. A private beach and pool where you can relax beneath candy-striped red and white umbrellas round out the offerings. Related: A New Black Heritage Trail Puts Florida's Civil Rights History in the Spotlight While winter is a great time to visit Grand Canyon if you want to avoid the crowds, it will be cold. To get out in nature and be warmed by Arizona's sun, consider going to places such as Saguaro National Park, when winter makes the park's cacti-surrounded trails easier to explore. You can't go wrong with many locales in the state because you're guaranteed sunshine most of the year. Scottsdale is particularly luminous, with more than 330 sunny days per year; come for a round of golf, a spa session, or to enjoy the rugged landscapes along the Verde Canyon Railroad's four-hour journey. Where to stay: Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows The 23-acre Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows in Paradise Valley has plenty of options for guests: midcentury-style casitas, suites, and the Retreat, which is a group of accommodations that encompasses 20 bungalows and a private pool. Puerto Rico's temperatures consistently remain in the upper 70s to low 80s, even in winter, drawing snowbirds to the island's shores for a tropical getaway that doesn't require a U.S. passport. The island gets more crowded from December through April during its dry period, but there are plenty of less busy underrated beaches and cities outside the capital, San Juan. Where to stay: Casa Grande Mountain Retreat The 20-room Casa Grande Mountain Retreat in Utuado is about an hour and 20 minutes' drive southwest of San Juan. Take advantage of hiking trails, a saltwater swimming pool, yoga classes, and farm-to-table meals, plus the bliss of being totally disconnected; you won't find Wi-Fi at this 105-acre property. Related: The 14 Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico, According to Locals-From Rum Tasting to River Tubing When the Northern Hemisphere appears to be freezing over, those living in the Southern Hemisphere are out in shorts. New Zealand, with its seemingly endless collection of natural sights, is an ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of its best sights are found on a road trip, and the country's expansive EV charging network makes a sustainable trip even easier. Drive two hours from Christchurch and relax surrounded by the majesty of the country's Southern Alps, or head to the southwest corner of South Island and take on one of New Zealand's "Great Walks" at Fiordland National Park. From December to February, daytime temperatures average a very comfortable 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so picnics and trips to the coast are common then. Where to stay: Flockhill In between Christchurch and Queenstown, the four-bedroom Flockhill was one of Afar's picks for the best new hotels of 2023. Arguably the biggest draw of this 36,000-acre stay is its many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, whether you want to go horseback riding, cycling, or fly-fishing in Winding Stream. Related: 8 Can't-Miss Places to Visit in New Zealand Right Now Travel to the Land Down Under during the Northern Hemisphere's winter, and you'll visit during a time when plenty of reef-friendly sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are the most crucial accessories. Whether you're tooting around Sydney, wine-tasting in the Barossa Valley, or learning the long, rich history of Uluru, the sun will be out and the temperature high. For first-timers, Afar editor at large and longtime Australia fan Laura Dannen Redman suggests staying in Sydney and doing a circuit of Aussie landmarks, including the Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and the Opera House. Where to stay: Southern Ocean Lodge Southern Ocean Lodge, on Kangaroo Island off the coast of Adelaide, has a focus on sustainability, including a reliance on a hybrid solar-and-battery system and elevated boardwalks to minimize impact on the health of coastal plants. The property includes 25 ocean-facing guest rooms, a main lodge with a plunge pool, and commanding views of the water no matter where you are on property. Related: A Coast-to-Coast Guide to Australia's Best Wine Regions The dry season in the Philippines starts in December and runs until May, offering a sunny respite for those who'd rather trade snow for sand. The archipelago's more than 7,500 islands are home to one stunning beach after another. Set course for Great Santa Cruz Island to relax on the nation's pink-sand beach, for Siargao to surf, and for Bohol to observe bug-eyed primates and hills that resemble chocolate truffles. In between surfing and swimming, indulge in halo-halo and other culinary delights to cool down. Where to stay: Nay Palad Hideaway Nay Palad Hideaway on Siargao is an all-inclusive hotel about a 10-minute drive away from the crowds of downtown General Luna. The resort has 10 villas, a private beach on a calm bay ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, and 23 square miles of ancient mangrove forests where guests can kayak. Guatemala is less than three hours' flight from Miami (and around five from New York) and especially enticing during the country's dry season (November to April), when temperatures remain in the 70s. Start in Antigua, a small city that has gained popularity as an adventure travel base, then head three hours northeast. Small villages are scattered around Lake Atitlán, each with a distinct personality. Get your "om" on in the hippie enclave of San Marcos La Laguna, learn about local weaving techniques at San Juan La Laguna, or explore the coastline and hunt for the hot springs in Santa Catarina Palopó. Where to stay: Casa Palopó Casa Palopó, Guatemala's only Relais & Châteaux property, is on Lake Atitlán's northeastern shore. The property's 15 brightly colored rooms feature Indigenous Guatemalan artwork, and its hilltop position offers incredible views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. Winter may be high season in Egypt, but with good reason: the mild temperatures are ideal for exploring the country's many incredible ruins. Start in Cairo with the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, which opened on November 1, 2025, and a visit to the country's star, the Great Pyramid of Giza. From here you can hop on one of the many luxury cruises that ply the Nile, or create your own itinerary, guided by some of the world's great archaeological sites, such as Edfu and Karnak Temples. Sharm al-Sheikh and Hurghada on the Red Sea offers white sand beaches and fantastic snorkeling and diving, as does Egypt's Mediterranean-facing North Coast. Where to stay: Casa Cook North Coast If you're after a big resort, head to the Red Sea. For a more low-key affair, take a side trip from Alexandria to Egypt's Mediterranean coast. Casa Cook North Coast is a 38-room adults-only favorite of well-to-do Alexandrians and Cairenes, who come for its golden sand beach, saltwater lagoon pool, and warm service. - Sophie Friedman This article was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated on December 1, 2025, with current information. Sophie Friedman contributed to the reporting of this story.

2025-01-28T19:28:42Z