If the colder weather has you dreaming of beaches and sunnier weather, you’re not alone! This is (typically) the perfect time of the year for a getaway to some warmer weather. If you’re thinking about traveling this winter, these 7 destinations are perfect for a warm winter getaway and offer plenty of outdoor activities to keep you socially distanced and help you travel responsibly.
1. Maui, Hawaii
What to do: Maui has LOADS to do, whether you just want to relax on a new beach every day or experience some incredible adventures. Go whale watching or snorkel with sea turtles, then try a waterfall hike. Pipiwai Trail or Waimoku Falls are two of our favorites. The Road to Hana—a super scenic, super winding road—takes you through 65 miles of rainforest and has several waterfalls and hikes to stop at along the way. Of course, there’s also black-sand beaches, mountains, luaus to attend, surf lessons to take and more.
COVID restrictions: Travelers to Hawaii must present a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours prior to departure or quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Weather forecast: Maui is typically between 70-75°F during the day regardless of when you visit.
2. Aruba
What to do: Aruba is one of our favorite Caribbean destinations. With it’s large white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters and incredible weather, it makes a great winter getaway. Although there’s plenty of activities if you want them, Aruba is one of the best places to go if you’d like to seriously kick back and relax on the beach. Head to Eagle Beach or Palm Island for classic Caribbean beaches or check out Arikok National Park for some incredible lava formations and swimming holes.
COVID restrictions: Travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure to Aruba. You’ll also need to purchase an Aruba Visitors Insurance ($30) before arriving. Travelers also have the option of taking a Covid test upon arrival in Aruba and quarantining until you get your results (within 24 hours, in most cases.)
Weather forecast: Average temps in winter are between 80-88°F.
3. San Diego, CA
What to do: San Diego makes a great winter getaway whether you’re driving from a nearby city for a weekend or coming from the other side of the country and staying for awhile. From incredible beaches to the expansive Balboa Park, San Diego’s delicious street food scene or hiking, there’s plenty to do while staying outside and socially distanced. Plus, the perfectly-sunny year-round weather makes it an easy yes for a winter trip.
COVID restrictions: At the time of writing, California is under a regional stay-at-home order and has advised against nonessential travel. A 14-day quarantine is required by travelers for the near future.
Weather forecast: Winter weather temps rarely drop below 50°F and usually climb to about 65°F during the day.
4. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
What to do: Check out this one-of-a-kind beach and dive right into the crystal blue waters. The Pink Sands Beach is close to Dunmore Town, making it a perfect day trip. There’s plenty to do throughout the winter that will keep you busy since it stays so warm throughout the year. Go snorkeling or scuba diving or just relax on the perfect pink sand and snap some pics for the ‘gram.
COVID restrictions: The Bahamas are requiring negative PCR tests taken within five days before traveling. Travelers also need to fill out a “Travel Health Visa” application and opt in for COVID-19 health insurance covering the length of stay. Of course, you’ll also need to abide with all local regulations (i.e. wearing a mask, maintaining distance, etc.) If you’re staying more than four nights in the Bahamas, you’ll need to get a rapid test there as well. Want to stay for awhile? Students and professionals work remotely from the Bahamas for up to one year with the launch of the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program.
Weather forecast: Average winter temperatures stay between 70-75°F—and don’t worry, the water stays around 75°F in the winter too.
5. Delray Beach, Florida
What to do: While not as popular as the famous Miami Beach, Key West or Clearwater Beaches, that’s a plus for Delray Beach because it’ll be much less crowded than more famous areas of Florida. There’s plentiful suntanning opportunities and places to swim and snorkel. Besides, the city of Delray Beach has plenty of boutiques, local art galleries, restaurants and cafes—perfect for when you need a quick break from the sun.
COVID restrictions: There are currently no statewide travel restrictions for Florida.
Weather forecast: The daytime temps are typically around 75°, even in the middle of winter.
6. Austin, Texas
What to do: If you’re looking for a winter getaway that doesn’t necessarily involve a beach, Austin should be your new go-to. Austin is famously known for its music scene and its BBQ—and those are definitely two can’t-miss aspects of Austin! Franklin BBQ is one of the most famous (and most delicious!) BBQ places in Austin, but as such, it can get BUSY. Get there early or plan to stand in line for a while before getting your order in. Austin also has plenty of outdoor activities to do—and the good weather to match! Go for a swim in the Barton Springs Pool (a 3-mile outdoor pool in Zilker Park) if it’s hot. You can also wander around Austin’s hip and funky downtown streets or check out a contemporary art museum.
COVID restrictions: There currently aren’t any statewide restrictions for traveling to Texas.
Weather forecast: Average winter temps are around 60-65°F—cool enough to enjoy being outside, but still warm enough to enjoy!
7. Cancun, Mexico
What to do: If you need a really sunny winter getaway, Cancun is always a good go-to. This year is no exception. It’s an easy destination to travel to, with many direct flights to Cancun from the US. Plus, there’s a variety of resort and accommodation options that will allow you to stay close to the beach and stay away from many other people. Enjoy a week of sunshine on the beach, go snorkeling or surfing—even check out an underwater art museum!
COVID restrictions: Currently, air travel to Mexico from the US is permitted. No country-wide testing or quarantine requirements are in place, but some airlines or hotels may require it.
Weather forecast: Temperatures stay in the low 80s throughout the winter months.
So, you in? Our cheap flights make it easy to get away, even if just for a weekend. Where will you go next?
