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If you’re anything like me, the thought of winter approaching is enough to send a shiver down your spine.
Cold, dark and wet days just don’t suit me, and I’m sure there are plenty of other travelers who feel the same way.
For this merry band of sun seekers, there are many options available to help us find some winter sun and extend our vitamin D intake well into the colder months.
And in the United States, travelers are lucky enough to have a unique and breathtakingly beautiful winter sun destination right on their doorstep.
I’m of course talking about the Florida Keys. And luckily, for all winter avoiders, there are plenty of good reasons to take a trip to this idyllic archipelago now.
More ways to get there
This is a common occurrence every winter, but it’s worth noting that airline capacity to the Keys will increase dramatically in the coming months.
Key West International Airport (EYW), located on the extreme southwestern tip of this part of the islands, is currently undergoing a major airport expansion, which will Florida Keys and Key West Tourism Board says it is expected to be completed by summer 2025.
Airlines such as JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta and United will expand and expand their offering of flights to this airport in November and December from US cities including Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, New York City and Newark.
With so many flights from so many different airports, you should still be able to get a relatively affordable plane ticket if you book at the right time.
Development of accommodations
Despite its relatively small size, there is no shortage of lodging options in the 120-mile-long Florida Keys, many of which have recently been expanded or developed to welcome a new wave of visitors this winter.
Some of the highlights, according to a recent report, include Flamingo Lodge in the Everglades National Park, Casa Morada Resort in Islamorada, Sun Outdoors Sugarloaf Key in the Lower Keys, and Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton, which just underwent a major renovation .
Although it’s not known as the cheapest region to stay, the sheer number of resorts means you can at least do a little shopping.
Spacious attractions
Even though it may seem like a place where life moves more slowly, there is no shortage of attractions and things to do in the Keys.
The tourism board recommends the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, Crane Point Museum & Nature Trails in Marathon and the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum, which recently reopened after restoration work.
That’s before you even mention the fishing, water sports, wildlife viewing opportunities and state parks.
Relaxation is part of life
If you’re not sightseeing every day, then the Florida Keys are pretty much the perfect place to just exist and enjoy the warm winter days and beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
This part of the world is the ideal place to give yourself some time to reset.
Average temperatures in the Keys are in the mid-70s for most of the winter, and it is also the season when rainfall is scarce. Sounds like heaven to me…
No jet lag (for most of us)
The Keys are within reasonable flying time for much of the US population, and its location in the Eastern time zone means that jet lag isn’t much of an issue for most people who venture there.
When you think of the winter sun, you might imagine trudging halfway across the world or to the other hemisphere, but that’s just not the case here.
You can enjoy a near-perfect climate, close enough that you can realistically fly there even if you’re only there for a long weekend.
Embrace your nautical side
A brand new marina just opened in Key West this fall called Happy Landings.
This marina can accommodate 75 ships and has a jetty that is open 24 hours a day. If you have a boat of your own, or if you just enjoy looking at it and dream of owning one, this could be the perfect place for you.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
