Winter is just around the corner and with it comes shorter days and colder weather.
It’s the perfect time to start planning a winter getaway where you can escape the cold and enjoy lots of sun, sand, and ocean waves.
We’ve determined the most popular international destinations for a winter getaway this year, whether you’re interested in wellness, culture, or just want to lounge on a sunny beach.
Phuket
One of the most popular international destinations right now is Phuket, Thailand.
Phuket is the largest island in the Andaman Sea in Thailand and is currently the most popular destination in Thailand. This is due to the island’s beautiful beaches, cultural monuments like the Big Buddha, delicious Thai food, and more.
Although getting to Thailand can be expensive for American travelers, land costs are low. For example, a one-hour massage on the beach costs as little as $8, and luxury hotels are available for less than $100 a night.
Vallarta Port
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is another of the most popular international destinations this winter. Puerto Vallarta has been having a record year for tourism in 2023.
Travelers flock to this resort city on Mexico’s Pacific coast due to its status as one of the world’s top wellness destinations.
Wellness travel has been one of the top travel trends of the year, and Puerto Vallarta is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for luxury resorts, spas, wellness retreats, and other activities that are good for your mind, body, and soul. health. soul.
Montego Bay
If you dream of lying in a hammock on a white sand beach while the sound of ocean waves and reggae music float gently towards you, Montego Bay is the destination for you.
Montego Bay is Jamaica’s most popular tourist destination. It’s easily accessible from the United States and low-cost airlines like Southwest and Frontier have launched new direct routes this year, making travel to this island paradise easier than ever.
Despite the recent increase in crime affecting the country, travelers have continued to arrive in Jamaica in record numbers. This is because tourist destinations like Montego Bay remain safe, and most travelers stay in safe, all-inclusive resorts.
Bali
Bali is this year one of the main international destinations for well-being and culture. This Indonesian island is incredibly diverse.
Ubud, located in the central part of the island, is known for its lush rice fields and cultural monuments. Canggu, on the coast, is a laid-back surfer’s paradise, while Kuta is another coastal town that attracts a more party crowd.
Thanks to its stunning natural beauty and affordable prices, Bali has become increasingly popular in recent years. But there are still many destinations where you can go off the beaten path in Bali and discover hidden waterfalls and quiet beaches.
Playa del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen has been a popular destination in Mexico for a while now, but there’s an exciting new reason to visit this winter: the launch of the long-awaited Mayan Train.
This ambitious train project will connect many destinations in the Mexican states of Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche, making it easier than ever to explore this part of Mexico. The train will connect travelers in Playa del Carmen with destinations such as Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Tulum.
For now, the train is expected to come into operation in December 2023, just in time for the winter season.
Playa Del Carmen has become a hotspot in Mexico known for its stunning beaches, lively parties, great nightlife, and luxurious resorts.
Tulum
Another of the main international destinations this winter is Tulum, Mexico. Tulum has long been a popular destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, luxurious beach clubs, high-end restaurants, nightlife, and nearby Mayan ruins, but it is likely to further explore its popularity.
This is because this winter it will be easier than ever to get to Tulum. Previously, travelers had to fly to Cancun, two hours north of Tulum, and then drive or take a bus.
But in December, Tulum will open a new international airport with direct flights from the United States. Travelers will also have the option to take the new Mayan Train from Cancun to Tulum.
And the opening of the Mayan Train in December will also make it easier than before to visit Bacalar (also known as the “new Tulum”) and Chetumal, two Quintana Roo destinations south of Tulum.
Bahamas
The Bahamas are an island paradise within reach of many American travelers. The Bahamas, made up of 700 islands, only 30 of which are inhabited, are located east of Florida.
Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is one of the country’s most popular destinations, known for its sprawling Atlantis resort. However, other islands like Great Exuma (famous for its wild swimming pigs) and Eleuthra are also perfect if you’re looking for a paradise island getaway.
Several airlines, including JetBlue and Alaska Airlines, have launched new direct flights to the Bahamas from the United States this year.
Los Cabos
We are getting into the top three territories now with Los Cabos, Cancún and Punta Cana.
Another Mexican destination that tops the lists of most popular international destinations this winter is Los Cabos. Los Cabos is the name of the region of the Baja California Peninsula that encompasses Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the tourist corridor between the two.
Travelers have flocked to Los Cabos resorts in record numbers this year for several reasons. First, it’s a beautiful destination with great beaches and outdoor activities like boating and water sports. Second, travelers can find top-notch resorts and amenities. And third, Los Cabos is among the safest destinations in Mexico.
Many U.S. cities have cheap nonstop flights to Los Cabos this winter, making it easily accessible for American travelers.
Cancun
It should come as no surprise that this Riviera Maya beach spot remains a popular international destination for American travelers.
Cancun continues to break all-time tourism records as the most visited beach destination in the world. Simply put, Cancun is designed perfectly for travelers who want a relaxing vacation. There are plenty of resorts to choose from, many of them all-inclusive. There are tons of options for dining, nightlife, shopping, and activities.
And despite the large number of tourists that Cancun attracts each year, it still has some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Mexico.
Punta Cana
American travelers have visited the Dominican Republic in record numbers this year and it’s not hard to see why.
This Caribbean island nation has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s also one of the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean, with all-inclusive resorts available for as little as $150 per night, including a hotel room, food, drinks, and plenty of activities.
While there are many beautiful destinations to visit in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is one of the best because of it’s development, with a wide variety of resorts to choose from and a well-developed tourism infrastructure that includes an international airport with direct flights from the United States.