Tropical vacations in January may be less busy and cheaper.
Tropical vacations in January can provide a welcome relief for travelers to get away from snow and cold temperatures in the north. There are virtually endless options for travelers looking for a January getaway. The most popular and value-minded vacations can be found in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.
Turks and Caicos
There are 40 islands that comprise Caribbean hot spot Turks and Caicos. Situated 575 miles south of Miami, Turks and Caicos is known for its turquoise water and serene white beaches. Waters off the coast feature 1,000 square miles of reefs and centuries-old shipwrecks for scuba divers and snorkelers. January guests may get a glimpse of the 2,500 humpback whales that migrate through Turks and Caicos each year. According to the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, the average temperature range between 80 to 84 degrees from November to May. Water temperature in the winter ranges from 74 to 78 degrees. Beaches Resort in Provenciales is the largest and most popular resort. All-inclusive packages are available.
Beaches Turks & Caicos
P.O. Box 186, Lower Bight Road
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
649-946-8000
beaches.com
Costa Rica
Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is located on Playa Matapalo, on the northern side of Costa Rica. Visitors would fly into Liberia, Costa Rica, with direct flight options from the United States available from Charlotte, North Carolina., Atlanta, Miami and Houston. Playa Matapalo features grey sands with transparent waters. The surrounding vegetation provides for eco-tourism, tours to volcanic areas and natural sanctuaries. Activities include surfing, diving, snorkeling, fishing, interior excursions, golf and shopping. The dry season lasts from January to May. Temperatures year-round average 74 to 88 degrees, according to the Costa Rica Tourist Board. The Riu Guanacaste is a five-star all inclusive resort that opened in 2009.
Riu Guanacaste
Sardinal de Carrillo, Playa Matapalo
Guanacaste
Costa Rica
888-748-4990
riu.com
Belize
Belize sits along the eastern coast of Central America, south of Mexico. Established as a British Colony in 1798, it became its own country in 1981. Belize's rich history features ancient Mayan civilizations, African slaves, English buccaneers and Spanish conquistadors. Inland activities include zip-line jungle canopy tours, cave tours and canoe trips through the jungle. Beaches line a 185-mile coast and the country boasts the longest unbroken barrier reef in the world for scuba diving and snorkeling. January high temperatures average about 80 degrees, according to the Belize Tourism Board.
Direct flights from the United States to Belize City are available from Charlotte, North Carolina, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Newark, New Jersey. Vacationers have many options for Belize condo rentals or resorts. The Blue Garden House in Placencia is one such vacation condo. Rates start at $100 a night for January visitors and are not all-inclusive.
Blue Garden House
Placencia Village
Placencia, Belize
800-766-9199
belizecottagerentals.com
Tags: Turks Caicos, Costa Rica, Playa Matapalo, available from, available from Charlotte, Blue Garden