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Getting away this winter doesn’t have to be complicated, and TripAdvisor they couldn’t have made that clearer in their annual ‘Winter Travel Index’.
You won’t find any weird and wonderful off-the-beaten-path destinations here.
This is all about the favorites, the familiar and the reassuringly easy to get to!
So if you’re looking for a trip that’s simple, straightforward, and full of fun, then it’s time to follow the crowds.
According to TripAdvisor, these are the 5 most popular winter destinations for Americans:
5. Paris, France
Paris is the city of love and the city of light.
It has captured the hearts and imaginations of American travelers for decades, which is why it is the most popular European destination for American travelers this winter.
I love Paris, and I know that it is busiest with tourists in the summer months.
But it is especially magical in winter. Interestingly enough, this is the only winter weather destination to make the top five.
Visit Paris in December for the Christmas lights and Christmas markets. Or visit in January for the iconic Les Soldes (The Sales).
As a certified shopaholic, this is my favorite time to be in Paris. Unlike Britain or the US, where stores have sales all year round, Paris has government-mandated sales periods, with discounts of up to 80%.
In January 2025 these will be between January 8 and February 4. Don’t miss Les Galleries Lafayette, where the sales are world famous.
4. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen is the first of 3 beautiful Mexican beach destinations to appear on this top 5 list, proving that Mexico’s beaches are the place to be this winter!
Playa Del Carmen is a lively and tourist hotspot. It is known for its bars, restaurants and colorful murals.
In the heart of the city is 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida), which is bustling day and night. In fact, you can walk straight from the beach to 5th Avenue because the city’s main center is so compact. The Playa Playacar and Playa Punta Esmeralda are considered the 2 best beaches in Playa Del Carmen.
Just south of Playa Del Carmen you will find Xel Ha, one of the parks of the Xcaret Group. This is a natural water park, with unlimited snorkeling, food and drinks.
You can take a lazy river ride along a real river and zipline into the water.
This was by far my favorite experience during my stay in Playa Del Carmen! Admission costs $103.49 per person provided you book at least 3 days in advance.
3. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The 2i.ebut not the last, Mexican destination that must be on TripAdvisor’s list is Cabo San Lucas.
This popular beach town is located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula and is popular for its beaches, restaurants and bars.
One of the most famous beaches in Cabo San Lucas is Medano Beach. This is a great place to see and be seen, or to grab a bite to eat at the famous Mango Deck restaurant.
It is worth noting that many of the beaches in Cabo San Lucas are not safe for swimming due to strong waves and undertows, so do not swim at a beach that has a red flag.
But don’t let that stop you from sunbathing on their picture-perfect white sand beaches.
From November to April you can swim with whale sharks in Cabo, a bucket list experience (and one I’ve always wanted to do!) It’s an adrenaline-pumping opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Cabo Adventures offers these incredible tours with prices from $187 per person.
2. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana has exploded in popularity this year, and that popularity is only expected to continue into the winter months.
With its breathtaking beaches and subtropical climate, Punta Cana is the perfect destination to relax and unwind on the beach.
December marks the start of the dry season in the Dominican Republic, making the months between December and April the best time to visit the island.
The best beaches in Punta Cana are Bavaro Beach and Bavaro Beach thanks to their calm turquoise waters and incredible sugar white sand.
On the eastern edge of Punta Cana, Cabeza de Toro Beach is a great choice for snorkeling and swimming.
If you can drag yourself away from the beach, then one of the best attractions in Punta Cana is the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve. This is a breathtaking nature reserve where you can swim in forest edge lagoons with an incredible mix of native flora and fauna.
1. Cancun, Mexico
The biggest non-shock of the piece: Cancun takes first place! There’s never a time of year when Cancun isn’t popular with American travelers, but it comes into its own during the winter months.
Cancun’s winter temperatures are perfect for beach days and outdoor activities, and the water stays pleasantly warm.
What makes winter such a great time to visit Cancun is that it’s warm enough to sunbathe, but cool enough to wander the area’s most fascinating archaeological sites.
This is the perfect time of year to visit Chichen Itza, for example. One of the most iconic modern 7 wonders of the world. There are a large number of different tours to choose from, with stops in other cities for cenote tours. Chichen Itza Tours offers tour options ranging from $95 to $1,365.
And if you’re in Cancun during the holidays, you’ll find Christmas decorations and traditional nativity scenes all over the city. Most resorts also go all out with tasteful Christmas decorations. You can also take to the streets with locals and tourists for Cancun’s annual Christmas parade.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
