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Traveling this winter doesn’t have to be complicated. TripAdvisor makes that clearer than ever with its annual Winter Travel Index.
There are no off-the-beaten-path weird and wonderful destinations here.
This is all about what you like, what’s familiar, and what you feel comfortable accessing.
If you’re looking for a simple, straightforward, fun-focused trip, follow the crowd.
According to TripAdvisor, the top five most popular winter destinations for Americans are:
5. Paris, France
Paris is the city of love and the city of light.
It has captivated the hearts and imaginations of American travelers for decades, making it the most popular European destination for American travelers this winter.
I love Paris and I know it’s busiest with tourists during the summer.
But winter is especially magical. Interestingly, it is the only destination in the top five for winter weather.
Visit Paris in December to enjoy Christmas lights and Christmas markets. Or visit the iconic Les Soldes in January.
As a certified shopaholic, now is my favorite time to be in Paris. While stores in the UK and US have had sales all year round, in Paris there is a government-mandated sale period with discounts of up to 80%.
January 2025 will run from January 8th to February 4th. Don’t miss Les Galeries Lafayette, which is world-famous for its sales.
4. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen is the first of three beautiful Mexican beaches on this top 5 list, proving that Mexican beaches are the perfect place to go this winter.
Playa del Carmen is a vibrant tourist destination. It is famous for its bars, restaurants and colorful murals.
Fifth Avenue (Avenida Quinta) is in the center of the city and is busy day and night. Even better, the city’s main center is so compact that you can walk straight from the beach to Fifth Avenue. Playa Playacar and Playa Punta Esmeralda are considered the two best beaches in Playa del Carmen.
Just south of Playa del Carmen is Xcaret Group of Parks, Xel Ha. This is a natural water park with unlimited snorkeling, food, and drinks.
You can ride in a pool that follows a real river or take a zipline underwater.
This was my favorite experience in Playa del Carmen. Admission is $103.49 per person if booked at least three days in advance.
3. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The second (but not the last) Mexican destination on TripAdvisor’s list is Cabo San Lucas.
This popular resort city 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 spot to see and be seen, or grab a bite to eat at the famous Mango Deck Restaurant.
Many of Cabo San Lucas’ beaches are unsafe for swimming due to strong waves and undercurrents. Therefore, please note that you should not swim at beaches with red flags.
But don’t let that deter you from soaking up the sun on the picture-perfect white sand beaches.
From November to April, you can swim with whale sharks in Cabo. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (and something I’ve always wanted to do!) Swimming with these gentle giant whale sharks in their natural habitat is an adrenaline-pumping opportunity. Cabo Adventures offers these amazing tours starting at $187 per person.
2. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana’s popularity has exploded this year, and it looks like it’s going to continue through the winter months.
With its breathtaking beaches and subtropical climate, Punta Cana is the perfect place to relax on the beach.
The dry season begins in December in the Dominican Republic, making December to April the best time to visit the island.
The best beaches in Punta Cana include Bavaro Beach and Bavaro Beach, with their calm turquoise waters and stunning white sand.
At the eastern end of Punta Cana is Cabeza de Toro Beach, perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
If you can get away from the beach, 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 a lagoon on the edge of a forest and boasts an amazing mix of wild flora and fauna.
1. Cancun, Mexico
The biggest non-shock of this piece: Cancun takes the top spot! There is no time of year when Cancun is unpopular with American travelers, but it really shines during the winter months.
Cancun’s winter temperatures are perfect for beach days and outdoor activities, and the water remains pleasantly warm.
Winter is the best time to visit Cancun because it’s hot enough to sunbathe, but cool enough to explore the region’s most fascinating ruins.
For example, now is the perfect time to visit Chichen Itza. One of the most iconic modern-day Seven Wonders of the World, Cenote Tours also includes stops in other cities, with a variety of tours to choose from. Chichen Itza Tours offers tour options ranging from $95 to $1,365.
If you visit Cancun during the festive season, you’ll find Christmas decorations and traditional nativity scenes all over the city. Most resorts have tasteful Christmas decorations. You can also join locals and tourists alike in Cancun’s annual Christmas parade.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone and not of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any organization included in the post.
