The weather is getting colder, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay home and go into hibernation! There are plenty of places in the world where it’s warm enough that you can get away from the snow and ice for a while. We’ve rounded up three of our favorite tropical destinations to get you out in the sun again.

St. Lucia 

St. Lucia is the perfect tropical destination for anyone who wants to escape the cold weather and enjoy the sunshine. You can spend days relaxing on the fine, sandy beaches or tap into your adventurous side with snorkeling and hiking. On the northern side of the bay are the best snorkeling spots in St. Lucia, a protected area ripe with shimmering parrotfish, striped sergeant major, and more swimming among the coral. You may spot endangered sea turtles that nest all along the island’s beaches. You can also visit the world’s only drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs! Take a tour through the dormant volcano and head to the mineral-rich mud pools, where the mud is said to soften the skin and ease joint pain. You’ll cover your body with dirt and relax in one of the four small thermally heated pools. When you want to wash off, you can go to the nearby Toraille Waterfall, a 50ft drop that creates a refreshing pool to swim in. If you’re going to shop like the locals, then a visit to the market at Castries is a must. The market is in the island’s capital and is full of snacks, souvenirs, and more! Before you leave, try a local specialty, cocoa tea, a creation of coca sticks grated into boiling water. 

Curacao

St. Lucia is the perfect tropical destination for anyone who wants to escape the cold weather and enjoy the sunshine. You can spend days relaxing on the fine, sandy beaches or tap into your adventurous side with snorkeling and hiking. On the northern side of the bay are the best snorkeling spots in St. Lucia, a protected area ripe with shimmering parrotfish, striped sergeant major, and more swimming among the coral. You may spot endangered sea turtles that nest all along the island’s beaches. You can also visit the world’s only drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs! Take a tour. Curacao is a small island in the southern Caribbean. Its beautiful beaches, great food, shopping, and nightlife make it a favorite destination for escaping winter weather! Curacao is a dutch island located right outside the “hurricane belt,” which makes it the perfect place to visit all year round! Gentle trade winds help keep the temperatures in the mid-80s all year round so that you can enjoy all of your fun in the sun! The capital city of Willemstad is a UNESCO world heritage site dating back to the 17th century. The capital consists of several distinct historic districts, each reflecting a different era of the colonial period. The architecture was heavily influenced by Dutch concepts, the tropical climate, and other styles seen throughout the Caribbean region. After spending the day relaxing on one of the 35 cove-style beaches, you may want to wind down with a drink, and there is no shortage of tropical drinks in Curacao! Of course, the bright blue liquor, Curacao, is native to the island! The liquor is made from the peels of the Varaha fruit (a native bitter orange fruit) and adds a stunning electric blue hue to any drink. You can even tour the Landhuis Chobolobo, where you can find blue Curacao today!

Puerto Rico 

Puerto Rico is a tropical island paradise in the Caribbean Sea. It’s home to lush rainforests and white-sand beaches, so you’ll find plenty of activities to keep your mind away from the cold weather! Puerto Rico’s tropical climate makes it perfect for year-round tourism, but if you’re looking for something more enticing than just beachside relaxation, this is the palace for you! Puerto Rico has delighted the hearts of travelers for years, earning the name “Island of Enchantment” thanks to its colonial architecture, tropical climate, diverse landscapes, and traditional cuisines. Hiking is a popular pastime thanks to the various tropical rain forests and dry forests like the Guánica Dry Forest. Guánica is one of the world’s most extensive tropical dry coastal forests, with over 9,000 acres of land in total. There are 12 trails to choose from, with the most popular trail leading to a historic fort called Fuerte Capron, where you can have a spectacular view of the Guánica bay. You can spend your evening swimming in glowing waters, thanks to the bioluminescent bays that have a blue-colored glow from microorganisms. You can watch the brilliant waves roll in under the night sky. Even though Puerto Rico is a part of the US, the vibrant country has kept its rich culture and recipes! You’ll find the favorite local mofongo, a slice of meat or seafood-filled mound of plantains, or lechón, a roasted pig. Live music can be found at every local bar or restaurant in Puerto Rico, leaving you with no lack of nighttime entertainment. 
It’s time to grab your bathing suits and book your cold-weather escape today with Thomas Hogan Vacations! Thomas Hogan Vacations is your premier Myrtle Beach travel agency. Nothing beats the advice and resources of a real, life travel expert. We have the knowledge, experience, continued education, and, most importantly, the relationships to help you find the best accommodations, routes, and services worldwide! Please fill out our online inquiry form, or contact one of our agents to start packing for your getaway!