Top Winter Sun Escapes
Why chase the sun this winter?
When the snow is piling up and the days are short up north, your best option is to escape to a warm, sunlit paradise. For 2025 & 2026, Mexico and the Caribbean continue to shine as top winter-sun destinations, offering sun, sea, culture, and value.
Top picks for 2025:
Cancún & Riviera Maya, Mexico
From soft-sand beaches and cenotes to vibrant nightlife, this region blends relaxation and adventure. It ranks among the top value destinations for winter sun.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
All-inclusive resorts, turquoise lagoons, and easy access from many North American cities make it ideal for first-time tropical escapes.
Riviera Nayarit / Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Less crowded than some Riviera Maya resorts, but still offering excellent resorts, adventure tours, and charming towns.
Jamaica (Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios)
Expect reggae beats, waterfalls, and resort comfort, plus great flight connectivity from both Canada and the U.S.
Turks & Caicos, Aruba, Barbados
For travelers seeking luxury and exclusivity, these islands offer upscale resorts, snorkel reefs, and fewer crowds.
Insider tips
Travel in shoulder seasons (late November, early December, late April) to dodge crowds and get better rates.
Contact us for only the best deals on all-inclusive packages bundling meals, drinks, and excursions often saves more.
Choose resorts with on‑site activities (snorkeling, kids’ clubs, wellness) so you don’t overspend on extras.
New flight connections which are enabling more direct and quicker routes.
Our Pick of a 7‑day itinerary (Riviera Maya)
Day 1 – Arrival & Sunset at the Beach
Arrive in Cancún or Cozumel International Airport.
Transfer to your resort or boutique hotel in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Akumal.
Settle in and unwind with your toes in the sand and a drink in hand.
Don’t miss: The first sunset over the Caribbean Sea, best viewed from a beach bar with live music.
Day 2 – Explore Tulum & Swim in a Cenote
Morning: Visit the iconic Tulum Ruins, perched on a cliff above the turquoise water.
Afternoon: Refresh with a swim in nearby cenotes like Cenote Calavera or Gran Cenote.
Optional: Enjoy lunch at a jungle eco-café and shop local crafts.
Evening: Head back for dinner and stargaze from your rooftop terrace or beach.
Day 3 – Sian Ka'an Biosphere Safari
Full-day guided tour of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Boat through mangroves, spot dolphins and sea turtles, and float in natural lagoons.
Explore untouched beaches and learn about Mayan ecology and preservation.
Day 4 – Snorkel or Dive in Cozumel
Take the ferry to Cozumel Island for world-renowned diving or snorkeling.
Explore vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and tropical fish at Palancar Reef or El Cielo.
Relax on Cozumel’s quieter beaches and enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views.
Evening ferry back and low-key night to recharge.
Day 5 – Chichén Itzá + Valladolid
Early morning departure for Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Visit the pyramid of El Castillo, the Sacred Cenote, and learn about the Maya calendar.
Stop in the charming colonial town of Valladolid for lunch and a stroll.
Day 6 – Free Day or Optional Adventure
Option 1: Total relaxation! Sleep in, enjoy the spa, sip cocktails by the pool or beach.
Option 2: Adventure seekers can try:
ATV jungle tours
Ziplining through the canopy
Kite surfing in Tulum
Paddleboarding in Akumal Bay (spotting sea turtles)
Evening: Celebrate your last night with a beach bonfire or dinner at a rooftop restaurant.
Day 7 – Breakfast & Departure
Enjoy one last beach walk or ocean swim.
Grab a hearty breakfast and pack up.
Transfer to the airport with sun-kissed skin and memories to last a lifetime.
