‘Tis the season for travel. Whether folks are looking to beat the winter blues, attend a festival, bask in the sun or hit the slopes, they’re set to jet.
Tripadvisor’s recently released Winter Travel Index found that 57% of Americans they polled are planning to travel this winter and nearly all of them said they plan to hit the road as much or even more than last year.
It’s not too late to plan your winter getaway. Whether you’re in the mood to splurge, your wallet can best handle a weekend jaunt, or something in between, here are destinations for every budget.
Where to go when you’re ready to splurge
For those with $5,000 and more to spend, the options are endless. Enjoy yourself.
French Polynesia
Set sail on Variety Cruises, for a 7-night adventure that leaves from Tahiti and stops in Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Huahine. Your days will be filled with water sports, visits to villages, archaeological and religious sites, 4×4 safari tours, and more. This trip is heaven for snorkelers and divers. Don’t worry if you’re not very experienced. With the patient crew’s help, I enjoyed a snorkel I’ll never forget. The beauty is astounding, underwater and everywhere, with the mountains, flora, and fauna. This will cure the winter blues for sure.
Anguilla
Soak up the sun on this small Caribbean Island that’s home to more than 30 beaches. Do every water sport imaginable. Dive shipwrecks, snorkel, kayak, sport fish and kitesurf. Take a boat to Sandy Island. This is a slice of serenity, with an amazing beach, no crowds and great food. The Sandy Island Restaurant is known for its coconut shrimp, crayfish and lobster. The band playing reggae favorites makes it extra special.
In Anguilla, the fun extends beyond the shore. There’s golf, tennis, art galleries, horseback riding and cave trekking. Stay at the Zemi Beach House on Shoal Bay. The suites are palatial, with full kitchens, a pool, private terraces and more. When you’re ready to pamper yourselves, the Zemi Thai House Spa has just what you need. It’s in a 300- year-old house brought over from Thailand and has a Hamman, sun deck, outdoor showers and vitality pool. Then, feast on sea-to-table goodies at Zemi’s fine dining spot, Stone.
Dominican Republic
You can’t go wrong with mountains, unspoiled beaches and lush greenery. Consider the all-inclusive Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda with its four “villages”. What matters most to you? Adults-only? Kid-friendly? Adventure? Wellness? If you have the kids in tow, the Explorer Cove village is likely ideal, with its kids’ club and family program. Maybe a bit of TLC is what you need? The Wellness Fusion program offers yoga, meditation, spa, healthy food and more. Explore, climb Montana Redonda, go whale watching, or take a sunset cruise.
Best places for a mid-range vacay
You can still do a little something-something with $2,000-$4,000. Keep these spots on the top of your list.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
If you’re making last minute winter vacay plans and you don’t have a passport, no worries, you don’t need one for St. Thomas. It’s all about the beaches — Magens Bay Beach, Smith Bay Beach Park and Eco Reserve, among others. Feeling adventurous? Parasail, jet ski, kayak, or paddleboard. If you’re traveling with the family, kids will love the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum and Tree Limin’ Extreme for ziplining. The Hideaway at Hull Bay’s cottages are family-friendly, as is the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort.
Downtown St. Thomas has cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings, jewelry stores and boutiques. The culinary scene is vibrant. Locals love Glady’s Café’s conch fritters and curry chicken. And for a romantic dinner, visit Oceana overlooking the Baye de GriGri, my favorite restaurant on the island. You can even catch a ferry to St. John to visit the legendary beach Trunk Bay, and Virgin Islands National Park.
Lake Placid, New York
If you want to stay stateside, and the cold invigorates you, head to the Adirondacks. Get snug at the rustic Whiteface Lodge, near Whiteface Mountain. The lodge is beloved because it has the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies. There are 22 miles of trails, terrain parks, and between-the-trees skiing. After all the action, settle into a room with an in-suite fireplace. Beware, you might get addicted to the warm cookies at turndown. In addition to skiing, snowshoeing, and chilling in the spa, the lodge boasts a heated indoor pool, ice skating, a movie theater, and yoga classes.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
In “Ochi” you’ll find fine dining, as well as simple but sumptuous restaurants, five-star and boutique hotels. Indulge your adventurous side by ziplining at Mystic Mountain, climbing waterfalls at Dunn’s River Falls, bamboo rafting, jet skiing, and paddleboarding, or take it slow and sun yourself on the beach.
The place to stay is my favorite resort, Sandals Dunn’s River. It stands out, with Jamaica’s first SkyPool Suites, and pools that stretch the length of your balcony while offering spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. The Coyaba Sky Rondoval villas feature oversized swim-up pools worth bragging about. With all of these amenities and butler service, you’ll bask in luxury. And, the spa is next level. I had one of the best massages ever.
Be a weekend wanderer
Even a weekend away can restore the soul. Refresh yourself for $1,000 or less at these destinations.
Houston, Texas
You might not want to go to Houston in the summer heat, but in January through March, the temperatures in the 60s can be just lovely. Museum lovers will be ecstatic. There are 19 options in the Museum District. Don’t miss the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum or the NASA Johnson Space Center.
And while you’re in the Museum District, hit up my favorite restaurant, Lucille’s. You won’t want to miss James Beard nominated chef, Christopher Williams’ elevated soul food with a tasty twist. Mo’ Brunch Brews is also worth a visit. This Black-owned restaurant is a great spot for a vegan brunch, with goodies like the hot honey ‘shrooms and waffles. Their collection of vinyl adds to the ambiance and you’ll hear all the oldies. As for where to stay, go boutique — I recommend the sophisticated Hotel ZaZa and the chic, Vesper Hotel with its French flair.
San Francisco, California
“The City by the Bay” certainly casts a spell. The Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Pier 39, museums, cable cars and Yerba Buena Gardens offer something for everyone. If you’re still undecided, let the art and music scenes settle the matter. Then, there’s the food. Try one of the 50 Michelin-starred restaurants in the area, or newer restaurants like Alora, a Mediterranean restaurant along the Embarcadero. Stay at the elegant, historic InterContinental Mark Hopkins, with its famed Top of the Mark restaurant, and sweeping city views perfect for cocktails.
Pensacola Beach, Florida
Pensacola Beach glistens like Caribbean waters, without the crowds. It’s great for a long weekend hang. While it may be too chilly to take a dip, there’s something to be said for a stroll on the beach followed by cocktails at the Salty Rose Beach Bar and Grill at the The Pensacola Beach Resort. I recommend a stay at the resort, or the Surf & Sand Hotel. For a historic stay full of elegance, book the Black-owned Celestine Bed and Breakfast.
Next, head across the bridge into Pensacola. This small town delivers big on food, be it fine dining, pub grub or food trucks. Get a table at Angelena’s, owned by Food Network personality Chef James Briscione. Eat at George, and the Atlas Oyster House. Take the Seville Savories Food Tour, where tour guide and owner Duel will hip you to great eateries and offer a history lesson.
There’s also plenty of Black history in Pensacola. You’ll hear incredible stories at the African American Heritage Society. A visit with ranger, Casimer Rosiecki at Fort Barrancas will teach you about the history of the region’s enslaved people and Black soldiers that could inspire you to write a whole movie.
About the author: Sheryl Nance-Nash is a freelance writer specializing in travel. She enjoys writing about the intersection of travel, wellness, history, culture and the arts. Her work has appeared in Afar, Fodors, Global Traveler Magazine, CNTraveler.com, among others.
