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If you’re anything like me, the thought of the approaching winter is enough to send a shiver up your spine.
Cold, dark, and wet days are just not compatible with me, and I’m sure there are plenty of other travelers out there who feel the same.
For this merry band of sun seekers, there are many options available to us to help us find some winter sun and extend our intake of vitamin D long into the colder months.
And in the United States, travelers are lucky enough to have a unique and breathtakingly beautiful winter sun destination right on their doorstep.
I am, of course, talking about the Florida Keys. And luckily for all winter avoiders, there are a host of great reasons to take a trip down to this idyllic archipelago right now.
More Ways To Get There
This is a common occurrence with each winter, but it’s worth noting that the airline capacity is increasing drastically to the Keys over the next few months.
Key West International Airport (EYW), located at the very southwestern tip of this stretch of islands, is currently undergoing a major concourse expansion, which the Florida Keys and Key West Tourism Board says is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.
Airlines including JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta, and United will be increasing and expanding their offerings of flights to this airport throughout November and December from U.S. cities, including Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, New York City, and Newark.
With so many flights from so many different airports, you should still be able to secure a relatively affordable airfare if you book at the right time.
Development Of Accommodations
Despite its relatively small size, there’s no shortage of accommodation in the 125-mile-long Florida Keys, many of which have recently been expanded or developed to welcome a new wave of visitors this winter.
Some of the highlights, according to a recent report, include Flamingo Lodge in the Everglades National Park, Casa Morada Resort in Islamorada, Sun Outdoors Sugarloaf Key in the Lower Keys, and Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton, which has just undergone a significant renovation.
While it’s not known as the cheapest region to stay, the sheer number of resorts means that you can at least shop around a little.
Ample Attractions
Even though it seems like a place with a slower pace of life, there is no shortage of attractions and things to do in the Keys.
The tourism board recommends the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, Crane Point Museum & Nature Trails in Marathon, and the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum, which recently reopened after restoration work.
That’s before you even mention the fishing, the watersports, the wildlife spotting opportunities, and the State Parks.
Relaxation Is Part Of Life
If you’re not into hitting attractions every day, then the Florida Keys is pretty much the perfect place to simply exist, enjoying the warm winter days and amazing sunsets and sunrises.
This part of the world is the ideal place to give yourself some time to reset.
Temperatures in the Keys average in the mid-70s for most of the winter, and it is also the season where there is hardly any rain. Sounds like heaven to me…
No Jet Lag (For Most Of Us)
The Keys is within reasonable flying time for a huge chunk of the U.S. population, and its eastern time zone location means that jet lag isn’t really an issue for most people who venture out there.
When you think of the winter sun, you may imagine having to trudge halfway across the world or to the opposite hemisphere, but that’s simply not the case here.
You can enjoy a near-perfect climate close enough to realistically fly there even just for a long weekend.
Embrace Your Nautical Side
A brand-new Key West marina has just opened this fall, called Happy Landings.
This marina is open to 75 vessels and has a 24-hour access dock – if you have a boat yourself, or if you simply like to go and gaze at them and dream about owning one, this could be the perfect place for you.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com