So many people I know are going away at the moment. The cold weather is making us all yearn for warmer weather and naturally, the result is a trip to a nice sunny and warm destination. We are literally spoilt for choice as to travel destinations. The biggest decider in some cases being the overall cost. Don’t let this hold you back though as you can find great quality holidays at affordable prices to stunning tropical destinations with Voyage Prive. I’m a sucker for great hotels and tend to avoid anywhere lower than 4 stars. I’m in my element with these guys with the fantastic choices available.
Choose from places like:
Dominican Republic
I love it here with its gorgeous long sandy beaches that literally stretch for miles. I think I’ve been 3 or 4 times now and am planning to visit again soon. Choose to stay at the hotel and relax or go on the various activities available the choice is yours.
There are plenty of things to do and see:
Zona Colonial
This small town is the capital of the Dominican Republic and where Christopher Columbus first landed in the America’s. Here you can walk along the cobblestone streets, admire the stonework houses and learn about Dominican history. You’ll find that you probably won’t need a tour guide although there are many around. The museums have self-guided tours and there are numerous art galleries and shops around. You’ll feel safe walking around the streets as there is plenty of security around. You will also find a wide range of restaurants and plenty of clubs if you’re after lively nightlife.
Bavaro Beach
It’s like paradise here and the biggest reason I return to this stunning area. Amazingly clear turquoise waters run along long white sand beaches lined with palm trees. Along the shore are numerous all-inclusive hotels. There are plenty of beach and sea activities to keep thrill-seekers coming back for more.
Damajaqua Cascades
Hugely popular due to the sheer beauty that this possesses. Also known as the 27 waterfalls, it’s visited by over 50,000 people yearly. It’s the perfect place to take fabulous pictures as well as swim in the natural pools that form below.
Whales
At Samana you’ll find the Sanctuary of the Humpback Whales. This is one of the best whale watching experiences in the world. Between December and March, humpback whales come to reproduce in the warm waters near the shore. You’ll see all sorts of acrobatics and may even hear whale songs and see newborn calves depending on timing.
And much more:
More options include The 3 Eyes National Park (Los Tres Ojos), Pirate Rum Factory and Taino Cave Tour From Punta Cana, Constanza & “The Dominican Alps, Puerto Plata, La Romana, Catedral Primada de America, the list goes on.
Mexico
Again, a place I really want to return. It’s not just a popular holiday destination, it’s ideal for honeymoons. My husband and I honeymooned there just near Playa del Carmen which is amazing I might add. The people are warm and welcoming and I have to say some of the nicest most genuine people I have ever met when traveling abroad. Their country has a rich history and plenty of places to visit. Tourists flock to Mexico each year to see the likes of:
Chichen Itza
The famed Maya ruins of Chichen Itza is a popular tourist attraction. This Mayan ruin exhibits a multitude of architectural styles. The city spans four square miles and is the second most visited architectural site in Mexico. It has been listed as one of the NEW seven wonders of the world.
Mexico City
Whether you want to savour some of the best cuisine in the world, visit some of the cities contemporary galleries, visit museums, or enjoy the nightlife in the cheapest city in North America Mexico City is the place for you. Want something a little more relaxed from the hustle and bustle then maybe visit one of the national parks located within the city limits.
Tulum
Here you will discover one of the most picturesque ruins in Mexico. Situated on a tall cliff the ruins of this well preserved ancient port city are the only ones built on an archaeological site that is near the sea. Views are amazing and many tourists go snorkeling and diving in the crystal clear waters it overlooks. Here visitors will also find nature reserves, water parks and plenty more to keep them busy.
Oaxaca
For those that want to sample real Mexico this is the place to visit. Oaxaca remains unspoilt by large developments. Close to the centre, you’ll discover the ruin at Monte Alban which has been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Foodies like myself will be interested to hear that this city has recently made an international name for itself as the foodie capital of Mexico. Make sure you sample the mezcal which is said to be some of the best in the country. Feeling brave then try the grasshoppers. This crunchy and salty snack is fried and served with lime. There is plenty of wildlife, you’ll also find 2 petrified waterfalls, well-preserved ruins, museums, a Baroque-style church it’s one of those places you should spend time in to make sure you get the most from your visit.
Guadalajara
The second largest city in Mexico and a lovely one to explore. This city has plenty of museums and cultural sites for those interested in Mexican history. It is also the birthplace of mariachi and tequila so goes without saying the nightlife is a popular draw for many.
Cuba
The hotel I stayed at was located in Varadero near to the airport and had the most immaculately kept grounds. I even spotted small sharks in the ponds dotted around the resort. There are some gorgeous hotels located all over Cuba. Cuba has been a popular tourist destination for years now. My idea of a perfect holiday is to sit back, relax and let the numerous staff at the all-inclusive hotel I am staying at pander to my every need and let me say I did just that. These hotels all have spas that provide a range of treatments to help you unwind.
For those that yearn to explore these are so popular tourist attractions:
Havana
Step back in time and see the beautiful famed grand colourful buildings in the streets of Havana. A must-see for any new visitor as it is popular for its culture and monuments as well as the architecture. It may take you a few days to see everything. It’s not just a popular daytime place to visit. There are plenty of bars and clubs. Want to mingle with the locals? Make sure you go to the bars further away from the Old Town.
Trinidad
Trinidad is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As in Havana, you will see brightly coloured colonial buildings, churches and cobbled stone streets. Unlike Havana the center of the town is closed to cars and only accessible on foot. Live music is everywhere and many meet here to dance, eat at one of the great restaurants and sip refreshing drinks.
Guardalavaca
This isn’t as densely populated with tourists as Varadero. This resort has some wonderful beaches that stretch for as far as the eye can see. The waters surrounding are crystal clear with plenty of marine life due to the offshore coral reef. Here, you can relax, take in the scenery and forget about all your worries. For me, walking along the beach here with white sand under my feet and the sea gently lapping at my feet feels like heaven.
Peninsula de Zapata
Ideal for nature and wildlife lovers Peninsula de Zapata is one of the most sparsely populated regions of Cuba. This national park boasts a wide array of plants, birds, crocodiles and other forms of wildlife. The views are incredible and visitors will see mangrove forests, swampy grasslands, coral reefs, seagrass beds and underwater canyons.
Vinales
Ideal for any nature lovers and those that appreciate beautiful scenery. Vinales is a small town with colonial wooden houses surrounded by mountains. You can go cycling, rock climbing, horse riding, caving in the most stunning settings. Visit the tobacco plantation and watch Cuban cigars being rolled.
Which of these wonderful holiday destinations would you like to visit most?
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I would so love a tropical getaway right now! This dull weather is really starting to get me down!
I know what you mean. The weather is getting worse.
Mexico is somewhere I’d love to go, especially as it would mean trying out loads of their local dishes which I love the sound of x
If you’re a food it’s perfect for you. So many wonderful flavours to discover and fall in love with.
We’ve always stayed at home for a Christmas. I love being in my own home but the thought of going somewhere lovely and hot could definitely pursuade me 🙂
Honestly, I’d love to escape somewhere warm over the winter. I would definitely be persuaded to visit somewhere nice and warm.
I’d love to visit Havana one day and Mexico. Both places look beautiful
They are both stunning. You need to make sure they go on your bucket list!!!
I would love a tropical getaway around about now, feeling inspired reading your post and in need of some warmth!
After this morning’s school run I’m really craving warmer weather. I hope you get to go somewhere warm soon.
Interesting fact: my son is 5 and is obsessed with the Mayan pyramids like Chichen Itza, would need to take him to see it 🙂
He would have the most amazing time. It’s great to be able to go and see these sites. Even more magical for your son if he is obsessed with these pyramids – he’ll have an amazing family memory to cherish forever.
I quite like the idea of escaping on a tropical getaway. I’m not sure I could do hot weather for Christmas, but either side of it I could manage.
Ha, honestly once you’ve been you won’t care – you’ll just want to go again and again.
We have cruised the Caribbean in November/December twice and loved it
That must have been amazing. It’s great to visit and see these gorgeous locations.
This looks like the thing I’d like to do most right now: get away from freezing Folkestone.
Ha, me too. I’d pack my bags super quick if I knew I could go now.
I’ve never once left the UK, but this post gives me serious, SERIOUS wanderlust. Can’t wait until the day I get on an international flight.
I hope you get to visit at least one of these places soon. They are amazing, a must see.
Would love to see whales up close!
It is amazing to get up close to these creatures.
Oh wow! I had no idea that there were that many things to do in Dominican Republic! I have a serious case of winter blues approaching and need some sun!
Sounds like it’s the perfect holiday destination. It will certainly cheer you up.
I’d love a tropical get away – Mexico sounds amazing! Desperately needing some sun at time of reading…
All of these destinations look amazing. I have tried going abroad for some Winter sun but I just love the winter too much, I felt like I was cheating on my favourite season x x
We went whale watching in Iceland but sadly missed the Humpback whales as they were heading south – would love to do it again somewhere warmer
I would be more than happy to go to any destination on this post. South America however, is probably top of my list, so much culture and history!
Oh there are some amazing places on this list, I would love to visit them all! And Whale watching is definitely on my bucket list. My sister had her honeymoon in Mexico and said it was amazing.
We’re not really tropical people, we love to visit places with temperate or cold climates (we honeymooned in Iceland in mid October, when it was already snowing, and it was perfect!) Having said that, I would love to visit Cuba one day, but when it’s least hottest there.
Lovely photography, really well done. Wish I had the chance to see these things!
Oh wow! That looks amazing shame I’d never be able to afford a trip there 🙁
Oh my gosh they all look amazing!!! Can only dream of being able to go on holiday!
Great post – lots of lovely holiday ideas for next year!
Ha, yes a number of great places to choose from.
Great idea, looks like a wonderful place and alot more warmer!
I’m not a sun lover so visiting places like this in winter would be best for me! Of all these places, Cuba stands out as the place with the most to see.
Oh, gosh, you’ve got me dreaming. I would love to visit Cuba as the architecture and the weather both really appeal to me.
I would love to escape to warm weather and sunny skies.It would make such a change than the typical uk Christmas, may have to do this next year.
I would love to get away to beautiful blue skies and warm weather, it would make such a change to the typical cold dark and stressful UK Christmas’s.
Some beautiful places I would love to visit one day
I would love to visit Cuba.
like go to Cuba and quite surprise on your discription, never imagin it like more like stepping back in time rather than stepping in spa. have give this rethink
What a fantastic list. I always worry about being too hot. Cuba and Mexico are very appealing
Both are wonderful. I loved them and would go again. The food is good to lol.
Wow. I need to win the lottery and visit all these beautiful places and experience all they have to offer.
A tropical getaway sounds amazing, the weather is so unpredictable at the moment!
It is awful here. I’d love anywhere on this list right now.
I have been to Mexico and this part of the world – totally loved it and would love to go again, – great memories
It is a lovely place to visit. I’m glad you enjoyed it too. Hope you get to go again.
Lovely post making me wish i was in warmer climate right now lol
Ha, me too. Wouldn’t that be lovely.
I would just love to visit Cuba, it seems so unique given it’s history.
It’s a gorgeous place to visit. I highly recommend it.
I would love a winter holiday, we used to go 2 – 3 times a year. I could do with some sun.
Same here. It’s been so cold and wet recently.
I think Vinales in Cuba attracts me the most – nature, quiet and looks like it’s slow-paced and relaxing.
Lucky you! I’d love to venture off to all the places you’ve mentioned. Bavaro Beach looks and sounds absolutely heavenly. Pity I’m broke.
The Dominican Republic looks fab! It would be nice to be somewhere sunny!
Id love a bit of winter sun, aiming for somewhere is February half term so interesting to read your suggestions
It sounds amazing, but I am not a fan of the heat, so give me cold any day!
Whales are the most awesome and majestic creatures on the planet. I would love to see them in their natural habitat.
I’d love to visit Cuba for an extended trip. So many places to see and I think would be fascinating. Great photos by the way!
My heart says yes but my bank account says no! I’d love some winter sun, It’s on the bucket list. Mexico is one of the places I’d love to visit. I’ve heard so many people Recommend it.
Oh my goodness I need some of this tropical action! Sounds amazing x
wow maybe travelling now isn’t the best time but next year or year after I’d love to visit some of these places