It’s the annual trade-off: when the cold weather arrives, thoughts turn to warm destinations and how we can get there. That makes it one of the busiest travel times of the year, so it’s a good idea to start planning early and make it easy on yourself.
With so many popular warm weather locales, it can be a challenge to pick out just where you’ll head on your vacation. Consider these options for easy, headache-free getaways where you can soak up the sunshine and forget about freezing temperatures.
* Southern California: Flights to Los Angeles are cheap and abundant, so it’s easy to fit a trip into your budget. Take in Hollywood, Venice Beach and the city’s diverse neighborhoods for a varied experience. Or, consider San Diego vacations for some beachfront fun and relaxation. Buying a vacation package that includes flights, car rental and hotel rooms from an online travel site like Travelocity.com will make your planning even easier.
* Las Vegas: Vegas is a lot more than just gambling and shows, and travelers who don’t have it on their list of must-see destinations should think again. The city is overflowing with incredible dining options from some of the world’s top chefs, and the shopping is second to none. But, of course, you want to spend some time outside: Consider hitting the links for a few rounds of golf or take a drive to visit Hoover Dam or do some hiking in the nearby desert scenery.
* Costa Rica: If your idea of warm weather vacationing goes beyond lounging on the beach, you should definitely consider Costa Rica vacations. It’s becoming one of the top ecotourism destinations in the world, and it’s a perfect destination for those who want a little adventure. Take a zip line through the rainforest canopy, search out dazzling butterflies on a nature hike, hold on tight for a wild river rafting experience or gallop down a sandy beach on horseback – many hotels can arrange excursions for you, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the day.
* Mexico: One of the easiest ways to enjoy Mexico’s charms is to book an all-inclusive vacation. It often keeps costs lower and takes the planning pressure off you almost completely. Be sure to check out the many destinations available in Mexico — you can choose the Caribbean coast and the Riviera Maya or the dramatic Pacific coast. Wherever you go, you’ll find a wide array of resort choices that offer you activity options, luxurious accommodations and top-notch dining options.
