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Winter is just around the corner and with it shorter days and colder weather.
It’s the perfect time to plan a winter vacation, where you can escape the cold and enjoy plenty of sun, sand, and ocean waves.
We’ve identified the most popular international destinations for a winter holiday this year, whether you’re interested in wellness, culture or just want to lie on a sunny beach somewhere.
10. Phuket
One of the most popular international destinations right now is Phuket, Thailand.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand’s Andaman Sea and currently the most popular destination in Thailand. This is due to the island’s beautiful beaches, cultural sights such as the Big Buddha, delicious Thai food and more.
Although it can be expensive for American travelers to travel to Thailand, costs locally 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 per night.
9. Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is once again one of the most popular international destinations this winter. Puerto Vallarta has had a record year for tourism in 2023.
Travelers flock to this beach town on Mexico’s Pacific coast due to its status as one of the top wellness destinations in the world.
Wellness trips are 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 the body, mind and body. soul.
8. Montego Bay
If you dream of lying in a hammock on a white sandy beach with the sound of ocean waves and reggae music gently floating your way, then Montego Bay is the destination for you.
Montego Bay is the most popular tourist destination in Jamaica. It’s easily accessible from the United States, and low-cost airlines like Southwest and Frontier have launched new direct routes this year, making it easier than ever to travel to this island paradise.
Despite a recent wave of crime hitting the country, travelers continue to flock to Jamaica in record numbers. This is because tourist-oriented destinations such as Montego Bay remain safe, with most travelers staying in safe all-inclusive resorts.
7. Bali
Bali is one of the top international destinations for wellness and culture this year. This Indonesian island is incredibly diverse.
Located in the central part of the island, Ubud is known for its lush rice fields and cultural attractions. Canggu, on the coast, is a relaxed surfer’s paradise, while Kuta is also a beach town that mainly attracts many partygoers.
Thanks to its stunning natural beauty and affordable prices, Bali has become increasingly popular in recent years.
But there are still plenty of destinations where you can get off the beaten track in Bali and discover hidden waterfalls and tranquil beaches.
6. Playa del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen has been a popular destination in Mexico for some time, but there’s an exciting new reason to visit this winter: the launch of the highly anticipated Mayan Train.
This ambitious train project will connect many destinations in the Mexican states of Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Campeche, making it easier than ever to explore this part of Mexico. The train connects travelers in Playa Del Carmen with destinations such as Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Tulum.
The train is currently expected to enter service in December 2023, just in time for the winter season.
Playa Del Carmen has become a hotspot in Mexico known for its beautiful beaches, lively parties, great nightlife and luxurious resorts.
5. Tulum
Another top international destination this winter is Tulum, Mexico. Tulum has long been a popular destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, luxurious beach clubs, upscale dining and nightlife, and nearby Mayan ruins, but its popularity is likely to grow even further.
This is because it will be easier than ever to reach Tulum this winter. 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 brand 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 called the ‘new Tulum’) and Chetumal, two destinations in Quintana Roo south of Tulum.
4. Bahamas
For many American travelers, the Bahamas is an island paradise within reach. The Bahamas consist of 700 islands, of which only 30 are inhabited, and 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 such as Great Exuma (famous for its wild swimming pigs) and Eleuthra are also perfect if you’re looking for an island paradise getaway.
Several airlines, including JetBlue and Alaska Airlines, have launched new direct flights to the Bahamas from the US this year.
3. Punta Cana
We now enter the top three areas with Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. 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 more affordable destinations in the Caribbean, with all-inclusive resorts available for as little as $150 per night, including your hotel room, food, drinks and many activities.
While there are many beautiful destinations to visit in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is one of the best, with a wide variety of resorts to choose from and a well-developed tourist infrastructure, including an international airport with direct flights from the United States .
2. Los Cabos
Another Mexican destination topping the charts of the most popular international destinations this winter is Los Cabos. Los Cabos is the name of the region on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula and includes Cabo San Lucas, San Jose Del Cabo and the tourist corridor between the two.
Travelers have been coming to Los Cabos resorts in record numbers this year for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it is a beautiful destination with great beaches and outdoor activities such as boat trips and water sports. Second, travelers can find world-class amenities and resorts. And third: Los Cabos is one of the safest destinations in Mexico.
Many US cities have affordable nonstop flights to Los Cabos this winter, making it easily accessible for American travelers.
1. Cancun
The number one spot on this list is Cancun, Mexico. It should come as no surprise that this Riviera Maya beach hotspot remains the most 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 perfectly designed for travelers who want a relaxing vacation. There are an abundance of resorts to choose from, many of which are all-inclusive. There are countless options for dining, nightlife, shopping and activities.
And despite the large number of tourists Cancun attracts each year, it still boasts some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Mexico.
More than 40 cities fly nonstop from the US to Cancun, with more routes launching this winter.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
