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When you think of a winter getaway, do you imagine sunning yourself on some exotic sands, or perhaps navigating your way through the twinkling lights of an unfamiliar metropolis?
It seems that American travelers value both kinds of trips at this time of year, according to new data released by Allianz Partners.
The travel insurance expert has analyzed more than three million itineraries for roundtrips from the U.S. during a key winter holiday period to determine which international destinations are the most popular.
The top 10 is a pretty enticing list of some of the best destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.
I know where I’d choose (Mexico, I’m looking at you), but what about you?
1. Cancun, Mexico
Like you really need someone to tell you that Cancun is an awesome destination for a winter escape.
But did you know that the year 2024 will be one of the best times to visit this Mexican favorite?
Why not get in there early and take advantage of a winter trip in January or February?
The new Maya train has just begun operations and there’s a new airport in nearby Tulum, making the entire region around Cancun even easier to explore.
There’s also a plethora of new hotels and resorts in the region soon to open – so there’ll be more choice and probably slightly cheaper prices due to the competition.
2. London, United Kingdom
I’m British, so you don’t need to tell me how much it rains in the United Kingdom, but let me tell you that the winter is still a magical time to visit the capital city of London.
The city is iconic, and in reality, it’s more like visiting multiple cities in one if you take the time to tour around.
Sure, the headline acts such as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye are worth your time, but you can enjoy a more off-path experience by checking out some of the trendier neighborhoods – each with their own distinct vibe.
My advice would be to explore places like Bermondsey for its indie breweries, Hackney for its vibrant culture, and Shoreditch for some great nightlife, including one of the best blues bars you will find on this side of the Atlantic.
3. San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico
There aren’t too many better places to get the Mexican winter sun experience than on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula in San Jose Del Cabo.
Luxury resorts, unrivaled wellness spas, affordable accommodation for digital nomads – San Jose Del Cabo really does have it all, not to mention perfect winter weather and a slightly quieter and slower pace of life than Cancun.
And best of all, you’ll be able to fly in from no fewer than 23 different U.S. cities throughout this winter.
4. Montego Bay, Jamaica
Recently listed as one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for Americans, Montego Bay in Jamaica offers you a little bit of everything.
It has the idyllic beaches and the luxury resorts, but it also has bustling markets where you can experience a more genuine taste of Jamaican culture too.
There are also outdoor experiences to be had, such as a hike up to the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls, a 180-foot high and 600-foot-long waterfall that is the perfect place for taking in the luscious scenery of this magical island.
5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana may play second fiddle in terms of popularity to some of Mexico’s iconic locations, but it makes up for it with arguably even more beautiful beaches and more affordable prices.
The all-inclusive hotels here are as legendary as the white sands and sparkling seas that run around the coastline.
And soon, Punta Cana will be connected up to the Dominican capital Santo Domingo by a new train, in a major upgrade of the country’s railway network.
The remainder of the top 10 has the same split of four gorgeous winter sun hideouts and one iconic European city:
- 6. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- 7. Nassau, Bahamas
- 8. Paris, France
- 9. Oranjestad, Aruba
- 10. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com