… for those you leave behind!

Let’s face it, the only downside to a winter getaway is not having one. Besides, who doesn’t want to escape the winter gales and freezing temperatures and head to sunny shores? There’s nothing worse than scanning everyone else’s winter-sunshine snaps on social media knowing that you’re destined for a long cold winter with no respite.

Here’s some guidance on where you could spend your winter this year or next.

Where the Sun Always Shines

Some destinations have all the luck. Expect year round sunshine on Mexico‘s southern shores. Whether you seek the lively surf and sapphire tones of the Pacific Coast or love to bask in the turquoise hues of the Caribbean, Mexico takes the prize when it comes to winter beach breaks.

For Pacific paradise, head to the Punta de Mita area for some chic beach schmoozing, or Costa Careyes for a boho luxe vibe. Alternatively, Sayulita is a buzzing surf town with colourful boutiques and fun bars, or check out Puerto Vallarta with its mile long seafront boardwalk called the Malecon. No matter where you choose on the Mexican Pacific coast, prepare yourself for stunning sunsets over the sea.

On Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, the Riviera Maya, Tulum and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere offer a unique Caribbean experience. More than the typical white sand, crystalline water and palm trees that you expect in the Caribbean, this region is a hive of cultural, historical and geographical treats. Dive in millennia-old waterholes known as cenotes that the ancient Mayan people believed to be sacred portals. Tour archeological wonders including pyramids and seafront temples. Explore the second largest coral reef in the world. This part of the world is simply amazing!

Warmer Isn’t Always Better for a Winter Getaway

Not everyone is looking for that winter tan and beach weather. Sometimes, just a change of scenery and a few degrees warmer is enough to rejuvenate the senses. City breaks are a great idea for winter inspiration. In fact, it’s often more pleasant visiting a city in winter than in the heat of the summer. Take advantage of shows, art galleries, museums, theatre and more, sharing the city with fewer crowds.

Great choices for city breaks this winter are: Lisbon, Portugal where you can revel in late nights and witty Portuguese songs at a fado club or visit St. George Castle, a Moorish construction in a dramatic hilltop location. Seville and Madrid, Spain where you can enjoy flamenco dancing and music, and even visit a local designer to have your own flamenco dress and shoes tailored especially for you. Or Florence and Rome, Italy, avoiding the summer crowds to see some of the world’s most cherished renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David in Florence or the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

When the Whales Arrive

One of the highlights of the winter season on Mexico’s Pacific coastline is whale watching season, when pods of humpback whales make their way south to breed and feed from November until around the end of March. Banderas Bay — which includes Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta de Mita, Sayulita and San Pancho — and Costa Careyes become hot spots for whale watching. Tons of boat tours leave daily in search of breaching whales and tail-slapping calves. Oftentimes, you will see whales from the comfort of the shoreline pirouetting and jumping in the distance.

Polo Season

If you love horses, polo season is another winter treat in Mexico. World-class polo clubs in Costa Careyes and San Pancho on the Riviera Nayarit enjoy a full season of events, games and classes from November until the end of April. Read more about polo season on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

Winter Golf Getaways

Finally, golf is a year-round sport in most of the destinations served by Tripwix. Autumn and Spring tend to be the high seasons for the Portuguese and Spanish courses. Therefore, winter is a great time to practice your swing in Europe if you prefer to share the fairways with fewer fellow golfers, weather permitting. However, Mexico is the clear winner for winter golf getaways. Banderas Bay and Riviera Maya offer the best weather (and world-class courses) for golfers during the winter months when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is at its lowest.

Click here for our top 6 recommendations for a winter getaway or contact our luxury travel specialists today:

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