As winter’s chill sweeps across the Northern Hemisphere, some dream of cozying up by crackling fires in snow-dusted chalets, while others yearn for sun-drenched shores where azure waves gently lap at their feet.
For sun-seekers, there’s no need to shelve dreams of paradise until the thaw of spring. If you’re ready to trade icy sidewalks for white sandy shores, there are plenty of destinations to satisfy your winter wanderlust.
With 42 years of experience as a travel advisor and visits to 127 countries, Roxanna Ferguson, an Independent Advisor at Direct Travel, shares her insights on the winter destinations popular among Kamloops residents and her top recommendations for must-visit spots.
The season may be cold, but your travels don’t have to be. Here are some top picks for where to go this winter.
Mexico
Our southern neighbor remains a perennial favorite for Kamloops residents, particularly destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and the Mayan Riviera. Each location has its own unique charm and appeal. Apart from its stunning beaches and rich cultural history, Mexico also offers affordable all-inclusive packages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
Dreams Bahia Mita Resort, located just 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, combines the best of both worlds for all ages for multigenerational winter getaways. The resort is uniquely divided: one half caters exclusively to adults (Secrets), while the other welcomes families (Dreams). This arrangement allows family members to select accommodations on either side while still enjoying the amenities and experience of a single resort.
If you are looking for something other than these top three destinations in Mexico, Ferguson says Huatulco is also worth considering. This quieter, less touristy spot offers a more authentic Mexican experience away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
“I’m a Huatulco fan, I’ve always been a Huatulco fan,” shares Ferguson. It’s a place that I sell more of than any travel agent in Kamloops. There’s a lot of people who still don’t know where Huatulco is, which is why I like it.”
Ferguson’s favorite property in Huatulco is Las Brisas, a resort set on its own private bay with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It has three safe swimming beaches: one for swimming only, one for snorkeling, and one for water sports.
In addition to its breathtaking natural beauty, Huatulco offers a wide range of activities, such as scuba diving and hiking in the nearby Sierra Madre mountains. Las Brisas is perfect for a tranquil winter escape with its laid-back atmosphere and secluded beaches.
Ferguson also highlights Mazatlán as the top value destination in Mexico with Sunwing Vacations right now. Residents of Kamloops can easily book a direct flight from Kelowna to Mazatlán, offering an escape from the winter blues.
Although I have hesitated to recommend a Sunwing charter vacation, Ferguson assures me that their reliability has significantly improved.
With its vibrant culture, stunning colonial architecture, and beautiful beaches, Mazatlán evokes an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure and, according to Ferguson, “the best bang for your buck in Mexico.”
Belize
Belize has rapidly gained popularity, surpassing other Caribbean favorites like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, for travelers seeking diverse, adventure-packed experiences. With stunning coral reefs, uncrowded Mayan ruins, and an expansive coastline, Belize offers something for every type of traveler. Its accommodation options range from beach resorts and overwater bungalows to jungle treehouses or private yacht charters for those looking to snorkel, sunbathe, and explore the Caribbean at their own pace.
Ferguson likes to book a combination of beach and jungle. “Between the Mayan ruins they have and the waterfalls, the caves, and the cave tubing, it’s got that real adventure component like Costa Rica does, but it’s more affordable and has better beaches.”
Peak travel season aligns perfectly with the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, making it ideal for those seeking an escape from the cold. January through March offers warm, dry weather, suitable for exploring the diverse landscapes that span lush jungles, ancient Mayan sites, and vibrant coastal waters. A host of local events, like the San Pedro Carnival, adds cultural vibrancy to an already dynamic destination.
There are many different levels of accommodation in Belize, ranging from really cheap to Five Star. You can stay in $30 hotels, but many $250 per night options exist. Luxurious stays like Alaia Belize, with its unique pool suspended six stories high, elevate the experience for those seeking both adventure and elegance.
However, Ferguson recounted a 30-day itinerary she organized for friends from the end of February to the end of March, showing how inexpensive a trip to Belize can be.
“With their airfare, it was $7700 for two people total, which included breakfast, transfers, and ferries. They didn’t need fancy, so we picked the lower-end accommodation side. The most expensive part of their trip was renting a golf cart.”
Ambergris Caye, the country’s largest island, is a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts. It offers access to the Belize Barrier Reef and the famous Great Blue Hole.
There is so much to discover in Belize past spending your vacation poolside. “A lot of people who go to Belize don’t know the magnitude of what’s available to do in terms of adventure outside of beaching. Yes, it has beautiful beaches, but there’s so much more. You’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t add that part in.”
South America
I asked Ferguson if she could send her clients anywhere in the world this winter, where she would choose. Her response was clear: Colombia.
Ferguson describes Colombia as an underrated gem with so much to offer. In previous decades, Columbia had a bad reputation, and rightfully so, but it has since cleaned up its act. Top travel magazines like Condé Nast have declared it an up-and-coming destination, and even AMA Waterways is bringing a boat to offer river cruising there.
Colombia’s peak travel season is from December to February. The weather is mild and dry during this time, ideal for exploring the country’s various attractions. Additionally, many festivals and events occur during these months, adding to the already dynamic destination.
Ferguson is taking a large group to Columbia in February, just in time to experience the 2nd largest Carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro’s. The Barranquilla Carnival is celebrated between the 18th and 21st of February in Barranquilla.
In 2003, UNESCO declared the Carnival a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and, in 2008, an intangible cultural heritage.
Ferguson also suggests exploring Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands in South America. It’s a destination that is near and dear to my heart after visiting last winter. I had the privilege of exploring the islands 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador on Aqua Mare, Aqua Expeditions’ 164-foot super yacht.
However, there are more budget-friendly options for visiting the Galápagos, such as small group tours or land-based accommodations. You will see marine iguanas, penguins, sea lions, and giant tortoises (Galápagos translates to “saddle” or “tortoise”) in their natural habitats.
For the more adventurous, there are opportunities to snorkel, swim with sharks, and hike up active volcanoes. While there, I witnessed a volcanic eruption on Fernandina Island—an experience I will never forget.
With its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes, the Galápagos Islands offer a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. And with peak travel season aligning with North America’s winter months, it is an ideal destination for those seeking to escape the cold while experiencing something truly extraordinary.