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Winter is the very best time of year to escape to the Caribbean.
There’s no better time to flee the cold weather (and the holiday madness) to relax and unwind on huge stretches of white sandy beach.
The Caribbean is conveniently close to the U.S. which is one of the reasons it’s such a popular region for American travelers, with 61% of Caribbean visitors coming from the U.S. But where should you go?
According to a new report from Amadeus, these are the 5 most popular destinations in the Caribbean to visit this winter:
5. Aruba
With white sands and turquoise waters, the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba is a beach lover’s dream come true.
Aruba is an idyllic island with year-round sunshine, but it really comes into its own in the winter months.
Some of Aruba’s best beaches include Eagle Beach, Baby Beach, and Arashi Beach. Because Aruba is such a compact island, it’s easy to see them all in one trip.
If you can bear to drag yourself from the beach then the capital of Oranjestad is one of the most iconic and important attractions in Aruba. You can enjoy the Dutch colonial architecture and this is where you’ll find the best restaurants and shopping too.
Visit the National Archeological Museum of Aruba, which explores more than 3500 years of life on Aruba and features interactive displays suitable for adults and children alike.
Admission is free, but a suggested donation of $5 per person is encouraged.
4. Cuba
Cuba is an intriguing destination that many American travelers would love to visit, cementing its place as the 4th most popular destination in the Caribbean.
Cuba boasts a rich culture and welcoming people, sugar sand beaches, and historic architecture.
Cuba is a county with 2 distinct vacation types: You can explore the cities such as Havana, where you’ll find colonial buildings, records of historic events, and get a deeper understanding of the everyday lives of the Cuban people.
Havana is the place to visit museums, drink rum, and dance the night away! Taking a classic car tour of Havana is the best way to see the city, with prices starting from $50.
Or you can visit resort towns such as Varadero where the beaches are picture-perfect. This is where the majority of the all-inclusive resorts in Cuba can be found. Many tourists choose a ‘2 center’ vacation for the best of both worlds.
As an added bonus, we recently reported that Cuba had updated its entry rules for American travelers, making this previously impossible-to-explore nation easier than ever to visit.
3. Jamaica
American travelers have been advised to reconsider travel to Jamaica by the U.S. State Department, who have given the country a Level 3 travel advisory rating. But that doesn’t seem to have slowed the interest in this Caribbean island at all!
Jamaica is the 3rd most popular Caribbean destination. If you’re looking for a fly and flop vacation where you can relax and unwind in some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean then it’s a great choice!
Jamaica has great beaches, amazing food, and an incredible music scene, all of which adds to its relaxed and laid-back vibe. For this reason, Jamaica is often called the cultural capital of the Caribbean.
If you’re interested in learning more about the cultural influence of the island then Jamaica was the birthplace of Bob Marley and is home to an amazing museum dedicated to the artist. Housed in his former residence, entry to the Bob Marley house museum costs $25 per person.
2. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has soared in popularity, jumping from the 4th most sought-after Caribbean destination last year to the 2nd right now.
Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, American travelers don’t need to have a passport to visit. This means it’s one of the easiest Caribbean destinations to explore, especially for first time travelers.
Puerto Rico has so much to offer. Of course, you’ll find tropical beaches with crystal clear water here.
But you can also explore natural attractions such as waterfalls and hiking trails, as well as discovering Puerto Rico’s fascinating culture.
Highlights of a trip to Puerto Rico include exploring the art in the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and relaxing in the natural pools of Mar Chiquita.
If you only have time to visit one beach then make it El Escambrón which is a huge expanse of white sand and has been named the most picturesque beach in Puerto Rico.
1. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is officially the most popular destination in the Caribbean for the 2nd year running.
Here, you can see the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, but the most popular beach resort area is Punta Cana. Its 21 mile stretch of sandy beaches means there’s room for everyone, even in the winter high season!
The Dominican Republic is known for the high quality of its hotels and resorts, as well as its abundance of natural attractions.
Some of the best activities to enjoy here include visiting the national parks. Los Tres Ojos National Park is a sprawling oasis that’s easy to access and offers the chance to swim in freshwater pools while relaxing in the natural environment. The entry fee is RD$100 ($2.21).
If you’re looking for an activity that’s a little more high energy then try hiking to the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua. You can jump from the falls and slide down the rocks here.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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