5 Sunny places to stay a while

Whether you’re a snowbird or sun worshipper, leaving winter behind doesn’t have to mean returning to the same beach, year after year. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!) If your feet are itching to travel further afield, we have a few sunny suggestions. 

Florida

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Florida is a popular winter destination with more than 1250 golf courses and 189 beaches. The over 2000 kilometres of coastline is home to world-famous beaches, complete with sugar sand. Check out Destin, Florida, along the Emerald Coast for amazing fishing and snorkelling along the edge of the Continental Shelf.   

Florida is also home to many amusement parks for the young and young at heart. Explore the magic of Disney World and enjoy one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and rides while you meet your favourite Disney characters.   

Florida offers something for everyone. Plus, it’s perfect for extended and shorter stays, whether you fly or drive.  

Want more freedom? Rent an RV from CanaDream and wander the highways. Until October 31, 2022, CAA Members save 10 percent and get a free additional driver on vehicle rentals.

Costa Rica

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The northwest region of Guanacaste is renowned for its beaches and resorts, making it a popular destination for travellers. But don’t just get stuck in the sand; there is so much more to see than just the beaches.  

Arenal Volcano National Park is a can’t miss spot on your Costa Rica adventure. Arenal is Costa Rica’s most well-known volcano, and its symmetrical shape makes it a sightseer’s dream. In the surrounding national park, you will find hot springs to soak in, mountains to hike, and much more.   

If volcanos are not your thing, visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Located in the Tilaran mountain range, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is 1500 metres above sea level. The high elevation and cloud emersion make the Monteverde Cloud Forest a unique spot filled with lush green vegetation.   

Plus, Costa Rica is considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world. With 29 National Parks to explore, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for the eco-conscious adventurer. Many tours focus on protecting the environment and educating guests about the country’s biodiversity. 

Mexico

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Bienvenidos a Mexico! Whether you love all-inclusive resorts or exploring Mexico’s sun, sand and cities at your own pace, it is the perfect destination to escape cold Canadian winters. You can spend your days relaxing at the beach or searching for adventure.   

For a hands-on lesson in Mexican culture, learn about history through botany at the Jardin Etnobotanico in Oaxaca. The gardens are located on the former monastic grounds behind Oaxaca’s Templo de Santo Domingo and showcase Oaxaca’s biodiversity. Plus, you can learn about the Mayan people’s understanding of the ceiba tree and the indigenous uses of Oaxaca plants.  

Meanwhile, adventurers can float in the crystal-clear waters of cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula. The peninsula is famous for the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and stretches the states of Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Campeche.  

The Yucatan Peninsula has everything you need on your Mexican getaway, from lush jungles and Mayan ruins to white sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Whatever your dream winter getaway, CAA Travel Consultants can find you the perfect place to enjoy your holiday. 

Portugal

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Not into flying south? Try Portugal this winter. The southern Algarve district bustles with activity and is known for its Atlantic beaches and golf resorts. In the summer months, tourists flock to Algarve for its warm weather, crystal clear water and gold sand beaches that are a piece of paradise.   

In winter, the villages of the Algarve district are less crowded, making it easier to explore. You can visit at your own pace, without worrying about crowds. Plus, getting the perfect selfie at the sights is much easier without so many people around. 

The moderate temperatures mean fewer beachgoers at Praia da Marinha, one of Portugal’s best beaches known for its turquoise water and rock pools.  With temperatures around 15°C, Portugal’s winter attracts Canadians seeking sun and an escape from the below-freezing temperature of the north–plus, Lisbon is a quick (and inexpensive) train trip away. 

Cruises

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Can’t decide? See it all onboard a cruise ship. With itineraries ranging from a few days to several weeks, an ocean cruise is a perfect way to travel this winter. Explore many countries while only unpacking once.  

With entertainment on board and excursions on shore, everyone in the family is sure to enjoy a cruise this winter. From Broadway shows and immersive dining experiences on board to excursions and tours ashore that let you see the sights as if you were a local, a cruise is the best way to experience culture. Get to know your destination in ways that are unique to each cruise line and see so much more in one trip. 

Escape to one of these sunny places

Whether you want to explore tropical islands or see Europe by the river, CAA and our trusted cruise partners have everything you need to escape the cold aboard a cruise.  

Sunseekers, CAA Travel Consultants can find you the perfect place to enjoy your holiday. Visit a CAA Store or call 1-800-705-1803 to speak with a Trusted Travel Professional today.