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Winter is a great time to travel. You can escape the cold, dreary weather at home and enjoy the sun instead.
As an added bonus, traveling in winter is often cheaper.
According to the latest data from Expedia, not only are visitor numbers lower in January and February, but flight prices also drop by an average of 15%.
So where should you go?
In our opinion, these are the 5 most popular international destinations this winter Expedia.com.
Follow the herd to these 5 epic winter hotspots.
5. Punta Cana
Punta Cana has a tropical climate and the winter months offer low humidity, warm weather and a warm welcome.
The dry season falls between December and April, so you don’t have to worry about rain ruining your winter stay.
The iconic beach town of Punta Cana is located on the easternmost coast of the Dominican Republic. You can enjoy a stretch of 32 km of beaches and crystal clear waters.
Juanillo Beach is considered the most picturesque in the area.
Punta Cana is the perfect place for an idyllic beach vacation, especially if you are interested in water sports and outdoor activities. Snorkel, swim in underground pools or go off-road with a dune buggy.
Thrill seekers should visit Scape Park, a natural theme park in the heart of Punta Cana. You can zipline across the jungle, explore hidden caves and jump from tall towers into the waters below.
General admission costs $129 per personwith additional costs for some on-site activities.
4. Montego Bay
If you want to spend those long winter days relaxing on a Jamaican beach, Montego Bay is the most popular choice. And it’s easy to understand why.
Breathtakingly beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts form the heart of this hotspot. The resort is also known for its world-class golf courses.
While you may think of Montego Bay as a well-known cruise ship stop, it is also an incredible destination.
Head to the street colloquially known as the Hip Strip (officially Jimmy Cliff Boulevard), where you can find a nice range of restaurants, bars and shops.
If you want to get wet, visit Doctor’s Cave Reef and Secrets Reef, some of the best snorkeling spots in Montego Bay.
And history buffs will be fascinated by Rose Hall Great House, an intriguing historic house museum that even offers ghost tours in the evenings. Day access costs USD 25 per adult and $10 per child.
3. Santo Domingo
Not content with just one entry on the list, the city of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic is the third most popular international destination for American travelers this winter.
This is a great place to experience authentic Dominican culture, but you’ll also find that you’re relatively close to crystal clear blue waters and beautiful beach resorts.
You can be on the coast in no time and only 30 minutes from the city.
Santo Domingo is a modern city. It features shopping centers, art galleries and entertainment venues, as well as historic colonial sites. Nevertheless, Santo Domingo is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean.
A special highlight of the city is the Alcázar de Colón palace. Built in the early 16th century as the governor’s residence, this is a beautiful building in its own right, but also features beautiful gardens that are well worth exploring.
2. Mexico City
In 2i.e The place is Mexico City, and what makes this so interesting is that it is the only destination in the top 5 that is not a beach resort.
If you’re looking for a city break, Mexico City is the place to go!
Delicious food, great museums and rich culture are all at the heart of a holiday here. The city has a rich cultural heritage and spectacular architecture.
So what should you do if you choose this city for your winter vacation? A highlight for art lovers is the Frida Kahlo Museum, a fascinating building with vibrant cobalt blue walls. General admission fees MXN$320 ($15.90) per person.
From an architectural perspective, Constitution Plaza is the main attraction not to be missed. This is a grand square with a 16th-century marble fountain, Fuente de Genova, and surrounded by shops and restaurants.
1. Cancun
It should come as no real surprise that Cancun takes the top spot on this list! It is consistently America’s favorite vacation destination.
Some destinations are popular for a reason, and that certainly applies to Cancun. It is also a relatively affordable hotspot, but you don’t have to sacrifice quality for your budget.
The highlights of a stay in Cancun are its beautiful white-sand beaches, vibrant nightlife and a huge abundance of all-inclusive resorts, meaning it’s a low-effort holiday destination.
There is so much to see and do here. So if you just want to relax on the beach you will find incredible white sand, but if you are looking for an active holiday you are spoiled for choice.
Visit Coco Bongo for an iconic and world famous night out, take a day trip to some of the many ancient Mayan ruins that surround the city, or take a boat trip to dive or snorkel in some of the most beautiful blue waters I have ever seen seen.
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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.
