Winter Vacations For Classic Safari: Kenya Tanzania And Zimbabwe
In times of transition, travel can be a salve for the souland perhaps there is no better place to reflect on the end of another year, and the change of seasons, than the so-called Cradle of Humankind: East Africa. Kenya and Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, are all open to U.S. travelers, and our favorite campsincluding Segera, Angama Mara, Singita Grumeti Sabora, and Mwibaare reporting some of the most vibrant wildlife activity that the reserves have seen in years, thanks to a decreased human presence. For a classic safari experience, with few other travelers and a renewed sense of meaning, Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe can be combined or enjoyed on their own for a romantic or family-friendly winter vacation.
Top 10 Caribbean Resorts For Winter Getaways
Things To Do In Barbados
Youll find Barbados is a perfect winter getaway for active and laid-back travelers alike. This small Caribbean island is about 166 square mileswhich makes it perfect for exploring by land or sea.
The most easterly island of the Caribbean, Barbados offers a mix of surfable waves and calm waters. Youll find natural wonders, like Harrisons Cave or Huntes Gardens, along with beautiful reefs that attract scuba divers from near and far.
Look for the most gorgeous beaches on Barbados southern and western shores.
Youll find the rum is fine and the people are friendly on this island country located in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies.
Foodies will be happy to find their share of Zagat rated restaurants and excellent street food. There are plenty of festivals throughout the year in Barbados, too!
So, if you want the best stay possible, try booking a room at the Yellow Bird Hotel in Christ Church. Guest rooms here are well-priced at around $100 per night. They offer stunning panoramas of the ocean from private balconies. Plus, its just a short, 11-minute walk away from Worthing Beach.
Additionally, the historic George Washing House is a mere 4 kilometers away. Its a fantastic place to visit after savoring a sumptuous complimentary breakfast beside the onsite pool and garden.
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Napa Valley And Sonoma County California
A slower pace of life settles over the Napa and Sonoma valleys after the grapes have been harvested and the new wines are safely tucked away to age in cellars and caves. Winter is dubbed Cabernet Season because chillier temperatures inspire a turn to heartier cuisine and bigger red wines. A visit during this cooler time of year still yields the many charms of both valleys, from wine tasting to soaking in thermal pools. But not only will you find a more intimate experienceone with fewer tour buses to battle and more room to linger over a tasting flight at a local wineryyoull also be able to enjoy it all for less.
Winter is also yellow mustard season in Napa and Sonoma, a time when the valleys are blanketed in the vivid yellow blooms of wild mustard flowers. Restaurant Montha time to sample world-renowned restaurants for a fraction of the usual pricetakes over Napa in January and happens in Sonoma later in winter. And despite fewer visitors, Napa and Sonoma still offer a full schedule of events such as art shows and gourmet food tastings.
For more information about where to stay and what to do in Napa during the winter, visit the Cabernet Season section of Visit Napa Valleys website. And check out Sonoma County Tourism for of winter-trip inspiration. To find air deals to San Francisco International, Oakland International, or the Sonoma County Airports, head to our sister site, Airfarewatchdog.
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Yellowstone National Park Wyoming
If youve ever visited Yellowstone National Park in summer you know how busy it can get. But winter vacations to this popular national park offer a very different experience. While the geysers are still steaming and Old Faithful is still blowing on schedule, the crowds are definitely not as thick, which is why it consistently ranks as one of the best national parks to visit in winter.
Of course, youll need to prepare for frigid temperatures the average winter highs are well below freezing during the day, and often drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit at night, so dress accordingly. Winter visitors can cross-country ski, snowmobile, take a tour of Old Faithful, and walk the boardwalks above the geysers.
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Sugar Beach Viceroy St Lucia
Sugar Beach Viceroy
Sugar Beach Viceroy was voted one of the 9 best luxury all-inclusive resorts by TripSavvy in 2020, awarded for having the Best View. Sugar Beach boasts one of the absolute best locations on the island, set between the Pitons and boasting two white-sand beaches. The resort is perfect for seniors, as well, as each cottage and villa comes equipped with 24-hour room service and butlers to attend to your every need. Check out the elegant dining options, tennis courts, and tree-house spa while visiting. There is currently a 30% offer on the all-inclusive offer at Sugar Beach Viceroy, and villas are roughly $1,300 per night, though pricing varies based on accommodations. Another option in Soufriere, Saint Lucia, is Ladera resort, which also features all-inclusive options.
Our Pick For A Budget Hotel In Grenada: Radisson Grenada Beach Resort
On the beautiful Grand Anse beach, the Radisson has two pools , three restaurants and three bars , and modern rooms with sleek decor.
Known for its reggae music, idyllic beaches, and vibrant culture, Jamaica has something for every type of traveler in terms of budget and experiences. Jamaicas northern coast is evocative of what most Caribbean-bound travelers expect: white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and pulsing nightlife. Jamaicas second city, Montego Bay, has long delivered these expectations to a steady stream of visitors. Sandy beaches stretch for miles east of the harbor, with only a brief interruption by Sangster International Airport. Gloucester Avenue, known as the Hip Strip, is the touristic hub with a wide selection of bars, restaurants, and beachfront hotels, plus beautiful beaches. Staying at a budget property located on the inland side of the strip, such as the El Greco Resort, can help cut costs without skimping on easy beach access.
Jamaicas capital, Kingston, often gets a bad reputation from travelers. Although visitors should exercise basic caution, especially at night, much of the city is safe for exploring. For a dose of Jamaican art, head to the National Gallery, which waives its admission fee on the last Sunday of each month. Meanwhile, the murals along the warehouses lining Fleet Street are free to visit at any time.
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Winter Vacations For A Mix Of City And Country: London And Hampshire
If your winter vacations preferences err on the side of cozy, London, its surrounds and the Cotswolds are open to travelers. We recommend holing up at an idyllic country estate like Heckfield Place, Belmond Le Manoir aux QuatSaisons or Cliveden House, or else your own private rental, where you will have plenty of time to make your way through The Holiday, Love Actually, Pride & Prejudice and perhaps even a Harry Potter marathon. Then, transfer back into the city for socially-distanced afternoon teas at such locales as Claridges and Sketchwhose winter decorations are absolutely over-the-top trips to Harrods and the National Gallery and meals at our favorite restaurants.
Crime Rates In Trinidad And Tobago Are Really High
Experienced travelers who like a good culture shock might find Trinidad and Tobago very interesting, but otherwise, it is best to skip it. Not only is petty theft very popular in urban areas, but you might also get robbed on roads. Some are more dangerous than others, but how is a tourist to know which one is which?
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Where: Island Of Hawaii Hawaii
Why Go: During the winter months the temperature on Hawaiis youngest and largest island barely dips below 70 degrees at night, with daytime temperatures averaging in the low 80s. Winter is the season for humpback whale watching, just one of the many other options for passing the day leisurely on the beach after snorkeling with sea turtles along Kahaluu Beach or hiking to the nearby Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary.
Where to Stay: The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a natural paradise along the Kona-Kohala Coast, where more than 865 acres encompass the award-winning golf course, spa, accommodations, and restaurants on the property. Hualalai is where many of the nations top athletes come to train for the Iron Man competition, and the resorts state-of-the-art fitness facility always has something creative going on with their daily classes.
Our Pick For A Budget Hotel In Martinique: Residence Oceane Hotel
Residence Oceane is a 25-room, off-the-beaten track, budget-oriented hotel built into a steep hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With no restaurant or bar on-site, the hotel caters mainly to families who prefer to stock their small refrigerators and cook simple meals at the kitchenettes on their outdoor terraces. While not located directly on the beach, guests can walk or drive to Anse LÉtang, a beach thats popular with surfers.
Often overlooked for neighboring Barbados, Grenada possesses a stunning coastline, natural beauty, and a charming capital that merit more attention. Winter temperatures typically hover around the 80s, and reliable sunshine is the norm. The islands most famous beach, Grand Anse, enjoys a sheltered position on Grenadas southwestern coastline. Grand Anses two miles of powdery golden sand are open to the public. For a more secluded environment, check out La Sagesse Beach, located in a sheltered cove on the southeastern shore. Technically an island, Hog Island can be reached by foot across the shallows of Woburn Bay or via chartered boat. The islands only establishment, Rogers Barefoot Beach Bar, is a no-frills rum bar serving up refreshing drinks and barbecue food on the weekends.
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Why December Cruises Matter
A Caribbean cruise can make a big difference for anyone wanting to visit the region but concerned about getting the best weather.
Cruise lines increase or decrease the number of available cruises during certain times of the year based on popularity. That popularity is often based on weather patterns.
For example, eastern Caribbean cruises are less likely to visit Dominica in December because of its high average rain. Western cruises jump in popularity thanks to the start of the dry season for those destinations.
Cruise ships usually go to destinations with some of the best weather and avoid ones that have consistently bad weather. Cruises also can avoid exceptionally bad weatheror at least try to avoid itby altering course.
They are less likely to alter course for mildly bad weather because of the extra fuel costs
Awesome Beaches In Curao
Curaçois home to so many amazing beaches I really had to whittle the list down. I chose the top 5.
Blue Bay is the biggest beach on the island and is located near the village of Sint Michiel just northwest of the islands capital Willemstad. Blue Bay is known for its diving and snorkeling.
Seaquarium Beach is located in the south part of Willemstad. It was named after the Curaçao Sea Aquarium located nearby. Its a public beach and host to a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Playa Kenepa is located on the western side of the island, 50 miles from Willemstad. The beach is small picturesque, in a bay between rocky bluffs.
is another popular, white sandy beach on the island. Its popular for water sports as well as the lively restaurant and shopping establishments.
Mambo Beach is the busy trendy beach on Curaço. there are lots of amenities in the area restaurants, shops and more.
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Everybody Loves Turks And Caicos For A Reason
It is almost impossible to come across a negative comment about Turks and Caicos. Especially popular among honeymooners, Turks and Caicos is home to numerous postcard beaches, big cave systems, and amazing seafood. The best news is that there are many budget-friendly hotels that wont break your bank on Turks and Caicos.
St Maarten / St Martin
Image via Flickr by Toddon
St. Martin is split into French and Dutch sides, each with its own character and charm. They offer a two-for-the-price-of-one experience. Famous for close-flying jets, St. Martin is also a popular cruising stop in the Caribbean. The southern Dutch side St. Maarten offers excellent nightlife, shopping, and beaches, while the northern French side is more laid-back and offers a chance to connect with the mountainous scenery.
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Where To Stay In Clearwater Florida
Stay at the family-friendly Winter the Dolphins Beach Club. Its named for a famous local dolphin with a prosthetic tail who inspired the Dolphin Tales movies. The resort partners with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and offers discounted tickets with every stay. Kids will enjoy the nautical-themed rooms and pool.
Fly To Trinidad And Tobago
Unlike other Caribbean island destinations, tourism is not a large part of the Trinidad and Tobago economy, making it a unique choice on our list of top spots in the Caribbean. The country has two main islands, three different mountain ranges and a ton of untouched wilderness. Trinidad and Tobago is a great winter vacation destination for people who love hiking, biking and hanging out on the beach.
In the capital city, Port of Spain, there are plenty of activities, including a walk along the waterfront park, the National Museum, the Botanical Gardens, and the 260-acre park .
While youre on your winter getaway in Trinidad and Tobago, make sure to eat one of the local rotis, which are flatbreads stuffed with different fillings. The rum is worth trying too!
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Escape The Winter Cold With One Of These Unforgettable Caribbean Vacations
If youve had enough of the winter cold, booking one of these incredible Caribbean vacations will give you the escape youre looking for. With a wide range of amazing rentals for tropical vacations, as well as some stunning beach vacation rentals, you have some incredible options for a wellness retreat in 2022, or you can plan ahead and escape the cold, and look forward to white beaches, taste cocktails and stunning waterfalls! So keep reading, book one of our favorite Caribbean vacations, and start planning which tropical cocktail youre going to try first!
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More Caribbean Fun: Most people head to the Caribbean for the beautiful beaches, and there are thousands to discover, from The Bahamas to Cuba. The Caribbean is also a top vacation destination because it has some of the best luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world and is among the best places to go snorkeling in the world, so you can be assured of a relaxing and memorable vacation.
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Things To Do In Martinique
This French-owned island is home to some incredible natural landscapes and a rich history. From its capital, Fort-de-France to Les Trois-llets, you will find a mix of lush gardens, delicious French and Creole cuisine, and stunning white-sand beaches in .
If youve never seen black sand, you can find it on Martinique at GrandRivière, a small fishing village located in northern Martinique.
The markets also hold loads of spices, exotic fruits, and medicinal herbs. Look for Martiniques ubiquitous ignames or yams. Youll find fine dining in Fort-de-France, where restaurants combine fish and local cuisines with a French flair.
This island in the lesser Antilles relies heavily on France for imports. Thats part of the reason why youll find boutiques, artwork, and the latest French fashion in the markets. Martinique may be one of the best shopping destinations in the Caribbean!
And for the perfect stay during your trip, try the Domaine de Robinson. The casual studios and bamboo beach bungalows here are well-priced at $127 per night. They offer stellar ocean views, and youll be surrounded by lush, tropical greenery.
All of the facilities here also come fully outfitted with kitchenettes, dining areas, private bathrooms, mosquito nets, and verandas with seaside views. Thats everything you need for an amazing long-term stay in the Caribbean.