Do You Have Your Sights Set on the Caribbean This Winter? Here’s Why You Should.

The Caribbean is already carving out a name for itself as one of the must-visit destinations for the coming year. It comes as no surprise, considering everything this beautifully eclectic region has to offer. According to one report by Caribbean National Weekly, the region has continued to shine as one of the top global tourism performers – with several countries seeing record numbers of visitors this year. Plus, with the cold grip of winter on the horizon, the warm beaches of the Caribbean will soon be all the more appealing to travelers in the Northern Hemisphere. Haven’t started planning your 2024 travels to the Caribbean as yet? Here’s why you should. 

Warm Winter Escapes And More Await in the Caribbean 

Photo by Leonardo Melendez / LMP Studios

With more and more travelers craving sun, sand, and sea, the tropics are the place to be this winter. From Belize to Barbados, Caribbean vacations are currently one of the top travel trends. In Belize, even with the occasional cold front, average temperatures remain balmy and pleasant – a good respite from snow and freezing cold.  

Beyond just the weather, though, the Caribbean is a treasure trove of cultural and culinary experiences, including during the winter months. Look to Belize for Christmas Brams and festive eats like relleno negro and tamales. Additionally, get to experience timeless traditions like the Maya Deer Dance and the Garifuna Jankunu dance. Meanwhile, in St. Kitts, the month of December is when carnival comes alive. And in Trinidad, it’s the time of Parang music and ponche-de-creme. 

Caribbean Countries Travelers Have Been Searching About 

Paddle boarding in Caye Caulker. Photo by the Belize Tourism Board

Roughly thirty-five percent of Americans typically travel to a warm vacation destination during the winter months, says Travel Trade writer Kristin Mariano. In terms of Google Searches, the Island of Saint Martin and the country of Belize have both been dominating, with over two million searches each.

Photo by Duarte Dellarole

Photo by Duarte Dellarole

Hopkins, Belize. Photo by the Belize Tourism Board

The entrance to Barton Creek Cave. Photo by the Belize Tourism Board

Despite those phenomenal numbers though, Belize remains – for the most part – a hidden gem of a destination. That means travelers get to enjoy all the perks of a dreamy Caribbean vacation minus the crowds. What’s more, Belize’s dual identity as both Caribbean and Central American, means there’s much more to this tiny nation than its sandy beaches and azure seas. 

Winter Escapes in Belize: Where to Stay 

Photo Credit: La Perla del Caribe

For an extended vacation: villa-style vacation rentals like those at Ambergris Caye’s La Perla del Caribe make the perfect locale for a lengthy beach getaway. Whether you’re hoping to embrace digital nomad life or are just looking to escape the winter blues, this island escape is quintessentially Caribbean with a side of luxury. 

Photo by Duarte Dellarole for the Belize Biltmore Plaza

For bleisure in the city: Have to do business this winter? Combine work and play at the conveniently located Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza found in the Belize District. With the airport just 15 minutes away and endless adventures within close reach, the Biltmore is a home away from home for winter and beyond. 

Photo Credit: Muy’Ono Resorts

For a rainforest escape: Trade snow and cold for misty mornings and just-right temperatures in Belize’s rainforests. At Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge, treehouses and casitas nestled amidst the trees set the scene for a green winter. 

Photo Credit: The Villas at CocoPlum

For a luxurious winter: Set on the beaches of the Placencia Peninsula, The Villas at Cocoplum are where luxury meets beachfront relaxation. Enjoy 5-star accommodations, complete with sea breeze and picturesque sunrises. It’s perfect for exploring one of the country’s top beach destinations. 

Featured Photo by La Perla del Caribe / Morgane Photography