With direct flights from many cold-climate U.S. and Canadian cities, you can trade in your parka for a pina colada and be on a warm beach in no time.
If you’re looking for an excuse to replace your snow shovel with a sand shovel, we’ve got you covered. Dig out those bathing suits and flip-flops, throw them in a suitcase, and within a few hours, you’ll be lying on a warm, sunny beach with a cocktail in your hand. Fortunately, the airlines know how desperate you are to escape the cold, so chances are there’s a direct flight from your closest major city to a lounge chair on the beach with your name on it.
Top Picks for You
Cabo San Lucas
WHERE: Mexico
Direct flights from New York, Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary
California’s Baja peninsula is one of the Pacific’s most pristine spots that could (and should) become your annual winter escape. Cabo’s Medano Beach features two all-inclusive, all-suite sister properties, the Roman-inspired Pueblo Bonito Rose and Mediterranean-style Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos. You can charter a boat for a little deep-sea fishing or take a slower course and paddle your way over to the famous natural rock formation, Los Arcos. Resort guests have access to amenities at both resorts, including multiple restaurants and bars, bartending and cooking classes, guided tours, and a full slate of kid’s activities.
Punta Cana
WHERE: Dominican Republic
Direct flights from New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Minneapolis
If you’re looking to warm up with an action-packed beach vacation, head to Club Med Punta Cana, where there’s no shortage of activities. Looking to learn a new skill on your winter escape? Be a trapeze artist at the Circus School by Club Med, or hone your bow and arrow skills at the resort’s archery school. Newly renovated accommodations include the Tiara Exclusive Collection, spacious two-bedroom oceanside suites with a private infinity pool and bar. The adults-only Zen Oasis area is the place to wind down, while the kids club will keep the little ones busy with water and land activities like windsurfing and sailing.
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Puerto Vallarta
WHERE: Mexico
Direct flights from Calgary, Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, Montreal, New York, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most authentic vacation destinations, with interesting historic and cultural sites and world-class Mexican cuisine. Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments is a beachfront resort that will make you forget it’s winter with activities like water aerobics, beach volleyball, ping pong, beach soccer, water polo, dance classes, cooking workshops, morning yoga, and more. Set aside at least one afternoon for a little people-watching while sipping margaritas at one of the local bars along the famous “El Malécon” pedestrian promenade.
Grace Bay Beach
WHERE: Turks and Caicos
Direct flights from Boston, Montreal, New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Toronto, and Chicago
If you’re tired of seeing snirt (snow and dirt), the turquoise blue waters of the Turks and Caicos are calling. Grace Bay Beach is often considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Ocean Club Resorts are luxury condominium-style apartments ranging from cozy studios to spacious three-bedroom villas literally steps from the ocean’s edge. With the clear blue waters, this is the spot for water sports so take advantage of the resort’s sailboats, snorkel equipment, paddle boards, and ocean kayaks.
Playa del Carmen
WHERE: Mexico
Direct flights from New York, Chicago, Seattle, Denver, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and others
Mexico’s Riviera Maya, located just south of Cancun, offers a more laid-back vibe than the infamous beach resort party scene. If you’re looking for a resort that offers a setting like no other, check out Playa del Carmen’s Xcaret Mexico and its sister Xcaret properties. These adjoining resorts are built among ancient Mayan caves with meandering underground rivers and emerald-green cenotes that showcase the natural beauty and history of the region. If you’re truly looking to escape, hammocks and lounges tucked away into secret caves, and coves offer the utmost privacy and seclusion. For a little extra indulgence, take advantage of the resort’s wellness programs with experiences and treatments based on ancient Mayan traditions.
Palm Beach
WHERE: Aruba
Direct flights from Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Minneapolis
Aruba has earned the right to call itself “One Happy Island” thanks to always-sunny weather and an unbelievably friendly vibe. Shake off those winter doldrums at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino located along the island’s wide, white sand Palm Beach. Whether you opt for a beachfront palapa or a poolside cabana, just make sure your cocktail has an umbrella. With six restaurants, a full-service spa, and a newly renovated casino, you’ll never have to leave the resort. Book an evening with the resort’s ‘sunset concierge’ and enjoy a private culinary adventure on the beach against the backdrop of a magical Aruban sunset.
San Juan
WHERE: Puerto Rico
Direct flights from New York, Newark, Minneapolis, Detroit, Chicago, Boston, New Jersey, and Philadelphia
Make your friends back home jealous with a round of winter golf in paradise at one of the two championship golf courses at the Palmas del Mar Golf Club. You’ll have access to this top club as a guest at the Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort. If tennis is more your game, take a private lesson at the renowned Palmas del Mar Tennis Club. There’s so much to see in Old San Juan, so be sure to block off an afternoon to explore the historic and cultural sites – and taste a few of the local delicacies. Be sure to save time for a tour at the Casa Bacardi rum distillery.
Seven Mile Beach
WHERE: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Direct flights from Boston, Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Toronto
The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, located along Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach, invites you to sit back, relax, and get on island time. The resort’s fully furnished beachfront bungalows offer all the comforts of home, only you’ll step outside onto sand rather than snow. Have your camera ready for some of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets. The resort has a unique culinary offering with its “Back to Roots Dinner series,” a four-course farm-to-table dinner hosted by local Cayman farmers where guests can feast on the island’s abundant local seafood and sides.
Bridgetown
WHERE: Barbados
Direct flights from Montreal, Boston, New York, Toronto, Calgary, Seattle, Washington
Breathe in the fresh ocean air of Barbados at O2 Beach Club & Spa, a brand-new, all-inclusive luxury resort located along the island’s southern coast. You’ll be tempted to spend your days at Brisa, one of the island’s only rooftop pools, taking in ocean views while sipping on a tropical craft cocktail. Sign up for one of the resort’s unique classes and learn to cook local cuisine or learn to play the steel pan drum. If you’re in need of a little pampering, O2 features a new oceanview 5,600-square foot, full-service aqua spa with the only Hammam treatment room in Barbados.
Placencia
WHERE: Belize
Direct flights from Toronto, Calgary, Chicago, and Denver
Get your dose of vitamin sea at Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas in the quaint, low-key region of Belize’s Placencia Peninsula. This small, intimate resort offers luxury villa accommodations with a maximum capacity of only 86 guests spread across 20 acres – so it will feel like your own tropical paradise. There’s a funky little mini golf course on-site, pickleball, and some old-school beach games. An added bonus? The resort has its own tour company, so a guide is at your disposal whether you want to go diving, fishing, or sightseeing.