Warm Weather Vacation Ideas

Going on vacation is such a wonderful way to get away from the daily grind, relax, unwind and explore a new place. Traveling during the winter to a warm weather destination is such a nice way to get through the winter doldrums. Warm weather destinations are so fun because you can often enjoy the beach, swimming, biking and dining al fresco. Not to mention it makes packing much lighter and fun. Warm weather vacations are the perfect escape from the ice and snow during the winter. This time of year can be hard on people– not enough sunlight and the cold winter weather can get old after a while. When the winter months drags on a winter vacation is a great cure for the winter blues. Now is a great time to start planning your warm weather vacation.

If you’re thinking of planning a warm weather getaway today’s post is for you! We are rounding up an epic list of places to add to your travel bucket list. If a warm weather getaway isn’t doable this year, check out our post on New England Winter Getaways.

Warm Weather Vacation Ideas

Playa Del Carmen, Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico, is another gorgeous destination for both families and couples. Playa Del Carmen is a favorite vacation destination for many with an array of all-inclusive resorts to choose from. Melia Paradisus was highly recommended by a reader. With both a family friendly and adult-only side, the reader raved about the excellent food and service. She said her stay was incredibly relaxing, with plenty of options for fun outings and relaxing poolside. There is also an option for private butlers in some rooms.

Gulf Coast of Florida

While Key West and Miami are often the more touristy Florida destinations, many readers recommended the Gulf Coast of Florida as an excellent warm weather destination for families and couples. The towns running from Clearwater up the gulf coast to St. Pete are all wonderful. St. Pete Beach in particular is known for having great restaurants, beaches, gentle surf along the gulf for young kids and is within walking distance of shops, restaurants and parks. A friend of ours suggested a touristy day trip to John’s Pass by Madeira Beach and Treasure Island–you can enjoy breweries, ice cream and a fun alligator shop.

St. Pete’s makes for an easy destination, fly into Tampa and it’s just a short drive from there and has lots of great budget friendly options. Sandpearl in Clearwater is a gorgeous waterfront hotel and the Residence Inn on Treasure Island is a well run family friendly hotel with great beach access and condo type rooms.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Known for its gorgeous pink sand beaches, Harbour Island, Bahamas is a favorite warm weather destination for many. Both family friendly and great for couples, Harbour Island has so much to offer and is easy to hop on a direct flight from many places in the U.S. Amongst it’s many attractions are snorkeling and diving along the beautiful coral reefs– Devil’s Backbone being one of the most famous known for its stingrays and turtles.

Bermuda

Also known for its world class pink sand beaches, Bermuda is a beautiful little island in the North Atlantic. Not only does it have incredible beaches, most well-known include Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay, but other attractions such as the National Museum of Bermuda and Dolphin Quest. With a fun mix of both British and American culture, Bermuda is a fun getaway for both couples and the whole family.

El Vendrell, Spain

One of our readers suggested El Vendrell, Spain and we haven’t stopped dreaming about it since. With everything from beautiful beaches to the most delicious food and not to mention, El Vendrell is part of the wine region and excels in its fine wines. Le Meridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa was recommended as an amazing family-friendly and couple-friendly hotel with a luxurious spa and awesome kids club for little ones while you relax. Does it get any better than that?

Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago of islands off the coast of East Africa. Known for its amazing beaches, coral reef, and nature reserves it makes an excellent warm weather vacation. Other attractions include their Giant Aldabra Toirtoise and mountain rainforests for hiking and exploring.

Palm Springs, California

My aunt and uncle have a house in Palm Springs and it is always one of my favorite places to visit in winter or early spring when the temps are still chilly in the Northeast. Although the flight is a little longer across country, the Palm Springs airport is super easy to navigate– it is small and partially outdoors, very California, and there are rarely any lines making it is easy to get in and out quickly. Palm Springs has excellent shopping, restaurants and so many fun options for tours and activities.

A trip with girlfriends could be spent doing the Legends and Icons Tour or Joshua Tree National Park is an hour east and makes for a great day trip. I brought my son last spring who was 1 at the time and he loved the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. They had an excellent light show that the whole family enjoyed.

Turks & Caicos

Turks and Caicos was also highly recommended among our community. This archipelago of islands in the Atlantic Ocean is also a British territory just south of the Bahamas. You’ll find luxury resorts on Grace Bay Beach, a 14-mile stretch of barrier reef on the north shore in Provo and a spectacular underwater wall. Known for its incredibly beautiful crystal clear waters, excellent warm weather all year round and is one of the safest places to travel– Turks and Caicos won’t disappoint.

St. Martin

St. Martin in the Caribbean Sea is another highly rated warm weather vacation for couples. Known for their beautiful beaches, private coves, diverse cuisine, and fun, festive nightlife– St. Martin is a favorite amongst our community. Winter is a great time to visit St. Martin as it is their dry season and the weather is warm and agreeable. St. Martin also has great shopping and are known for their delicious native-rum based guavaberry liquors.

St. Barth’s

Also an island in the Caribbean Sea, St. Barths, known as St. Barts, has beautiful white sand beaches, designer shops, yacht-filled harbors, high-end restaurants and fun attractions like the Wall House, a museum honoring Swedish colonial era exhibits and Fort Karl the 17th century structure looking out over popular Shell Beach.

Other Favorite Warm Weather Destinations from Readers

Aruba

Reader recommended Bucuti and Tara Resort— a small, adults only resort with a large beach, amazing service and food.

Dubai

Reader recommended for amazing hotels, pools, shopping, dining, history and adventure.

Cayman Islands

Recommended for families and couples, with good food, beautiful beaches, family-friendly activities, diving and of course…stingrays!

Scottsdale, Arizona

Recommended as an easy place to get to, with great food, hiking and spas.

Even more warm weather destinations

• Austin, Texas
• Nashville, Tennesee
• San Diego, California
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Culebra or San Juan, Puerto Ríco
• Aruba
• Anguilla

What are your favorite warm vacations during the cold winter months? Let us know in the comments below.