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When you think of a winter vacation, do you imagine sunbathing on exotic sands, or perhaps making your way through the twinkling lights of an unknown metropolis?
It appears that American travelers enjoy both types of travel this time of year, according to new data released by Allianz Partners.
The travel insurance expert has analyzed more than one three million routes for round-trip flights from the US during a key winter holiday period to determine which international destinations are the most popular.
The top 10 is a pretty tempting list of some of the best destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe.
I know where I’d choose (Mexico, I’m looking at you), but what about you?
1. Cancun, Mexico
As if you really need someone to tell you that Cancun is a great winter vacation destination.
But did you know that the year 2024 will be one of the best times to visit this Mexican favorite?
Why not get there early and take advantage of a winter trip in January or February?
The new Mayan Train has just gone into service and there is a new airport in nearby Tulum, making the entire Cancun region even easier to explore.
There will also be a plethora of new hotels and resorts opening in the region soon – so there will be more choice and probably slightly lower prices due to competition.
2. London, United Kingdom
I’m British, so you don’t have to tell me how much it rains in Britain, but let me tell you that winter is still a magical time to visit the capital, London.
The city is iconic, and in reality it’s more like visiting multiple cities in one if you take the time to tour around.
Sure, the headliners like the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye are worth it, but you can enjoy a more off-road experience by visiting some of the trendy neighborhoods – each with their own distinct vibe.
My advice would be to explore places like Bermondsey for its indie breweries, Hackney for its vibrant culture, and Shoreditch for its great nightlife, including one of the best blues bars you’ll find this side of the Atlantic.
3. San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico
There aren’t many better places to soak up the Mexican winter sun than at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in San Jose Del Cabo.
Luxury resorts, unparalleled wellness spas, affordable accommodation for digital nomads – San Jose Del Cabo truly has it all, not to mention perfect winter weather and a slightly quieter and slower pace of life than Cancun.
And best of all, you can fly from as many as 23 different US cities this winter.
4. Montego Bay, Jamaica
Recently listed as one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for Americans, Jamaica’s Montego Bay offers you a little bit of everything.
It has idyllic beaches and luxury resorts, as well as bustling markets where you can experience a more authentic taste of Jamaican culture.
There are also outdoor activities to enjoy, such as a walk to the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls, a 55-metre high and 180-metre long waterfall that is the perfect place to enjoy the lush scenery of this magical island. .
5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana may play second fiddle in terms of popularity to some of Mexico’s iconic locations, but it makes up for this with perhaps even more beautiful beaches and affordable prices.
The all-inclusive hotels here are as legendary as the white sands and sparkling seas along the coastline.
And soon, Punta Cana will be connected to the Dominican capital Santo Domingo via a new train, as part of a major upgrade to the country’s rail network.
The rest of the top 10 has the same breakdown of four beautiful winter sun hideaways and one iconic European city:
- 6. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- 7. Nassau, Bahamas
- 8. Paris, France
- 9. Oranjestad, Aruba
- 10. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
