Getting away this winter doesn’t have to be complicated, and TripAdvisor couldn’t have made that clearer in their annual ‘Winter Travel Index’.
You won’t find any weird and wonderful off the beaten path destinations here.
This is all about the favorites, the familiar, and the reassuringly easy to get to!
So, if you’re looking for a trip that’s simple, straightforward, and big on fun, then it’s time to follow the crowds.
These are the 5 most popular winter destinations for Americans, according to TripAdvisor:
5. Paris, France
Paris is the city of love and the city of lights.
It has captured the hearts and imaginations of American travelers for decades, which is why it is the most popular European destination for American travelers this winter.
I love Paris, and I know that it’s busiest with tourists in the summer months.
But it’s particularly magical in the winter. Interestingly, this is the only winter weather destination to make the top five list.
Visit Paris in December for the Christmas lights and the Christmas markets. Or visit in January for the iconic Les Soldes (The Sales).
As a certified shopaholic this is my favorite time to be in Paris. Unlike in the UK or U.S. were stores have sales year-round, Paris has set, government-dictated sales periods, with discounts of up to 80%.
In January 2025 these will be between January 8 and February 4. Don’t miss Les Galleries Lafayette, where the sales are world-renowned.
4. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen is the first of 3 beautiful Mexican beach destinations to appear in this top 5 list, showing that Mexico’s beaches are the place to be this winter!
Playa Del Carmen is a vibrant and touristy hotspot. It is famed for its bars, restaurants, and colorful murals.
In the heart of the city is 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida), which is bustling day and night. Even better, you can walk straight off the beach and hit 5th Avenue because the main hub of the city is so compact. The Playa Playacar and Playa Punta Esmeralda are considered the 2 best beaches in Playa Del Carmen.
Just south of Playa Del Carmen you’ll find Xel Ha, which is one of the parks in the Xcaret Group. This is a natural water park, with unlimited snorkeling, food, and beverages.
You can take a lazy river ride along a real river, and zip line into the water.
This was by far my favorite experience during my time in Playa Del Carmen! Admission costs $103.49 per person provided you book at least 3 days in advance.
3. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The 2nd, but not final, Mexican destination to make TripAdvisor’s list is Cabo San Lucas.
This popular resort city sits 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 the Medano Beach. This is a great spot to see and be seen, or to grab a bite at the famous Mango Deck restaurant.
It’s worth noting that many of the beaches in Cabo San Lucas aren’t safe for swimming because of their strong waves and undercurrents, so don’t swim on any beach that has a red flag displayed.
But don’t let that put you off from sunbathing on their picture-perfect white sands.
From November to April you can swim with whale sharks in Cabo, a bucket list worthy experience (and one I’ve always wanted to do!) It’s an adrenaline pumping opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Cabo Adventures offers these incredible tours with prices starting from $187 per person.
2. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana has exploded in popularity this year, and that popularity is only set to continue into the winter months.
With its breathtaking beaches and subtropical climate, Punta Cana is the perfect destination to relax and unwind on the beach.
December marks the start of the dry season in the Dominican Republic, making the months between December and April the best time to visit the island.
The best beaches in Punta Cana include Bavaro Beach and Bavaro Beach thanks to their calm turquoise waters and incredible sugar white sand.
On the eastern edge of Punta Cana you’ll find Cabeza de Toro beach and this is a great choice if you want to enjoy snorkelling and swimming.
If you can drag yourself away from the beach then 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 forest fringe lagoons that boasts an incredible mix of native flora and fauna.
1. Cancun, Mexico
The biggest non-shock of the piece: Cancun takes the top spot! There’s never a time of year when Cancun isn’t popular with American travelers, but it particularly comes into its own during the winter months.
The winter temperatures in Cancun are perfect for beach days and outdoor activities, and the water remains pleasantly warm.
What makes the winter such a great time to visit Cancun is that it’s hot enough to sunbathe but cool enough to wander around the area’s most fascinating archeological sites.
This is the perfect time of year to visit Chichen Itza, for example. One of the most iconic modern 7 wonders of the world, there are a huge number of different tours to choose from, with stops in other cities for cenote tours. Chichen Itza Tours offers tour options ranging from $95 to $1,365.
And if you’re in Cancun during the festive season then you’ll find Christmas decorations and traditional nativity scenes throughout the city. Most resorts also go all-out with tasteful Christmas decorations. You can also join locals and tourists alike as they take to the streets for Cancun’s annual Christmas parade.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.