A tropical vacation provides a nice relief from ice and snow at Christmas.
When temperatures dip below freezing, and ice and snow coat your neighborhood, you might start dreaming of a tropical vacation. You can replace the snow with sand and the ice with the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea next Christmas. Whether you're interested in swimming and relaxing or hiking and exploring, the countries and islands touching the Caribbean can provide you with tropical solace from the sleet.
Philipsburg, St. Martin
Casinos are among the attractions in Philipsburg, St. Martin.
TripAdvisor recommends Philipsburg, the capital of St. Martin -- also spelled St. Maarten -- for a tropical getaway. This island is divided into a French side and a Dutch side. The city offers art galleries, casinos and a zoo, and has a thriving commercial district because of its duty-free and sales-tax-free status. The city offers gourmet dining, top-rated resorts and everything you'd expect from a tropical destination, including swimming, boating and diving opportunities.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Chichen Itza is the site of Mayan ruins, including pyramids.
Chichen Itza in Mexico offers a different type of tropical experience. It's the site of Mayan ruins, including two ancient pyramids, El Castillo and Kukulcan. These ruins are the biggest draw for visitors to the area and one of Mexico's most popular tourist attractions You can explore the ruins and enjoy the tropical lifestyle of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Bridgetown, Barbados, is rich in history.
Bridgetown is both the capital and the commercial center of Barbados, an island in the Caribbean. This city of 80,000 residents offers duty-free and sales-tax-free shopping, making it a popular stopover for cruise ships and other Caribbean travelers. In addition, Bridgetown offers a bit of history, including the Barbados Museum and one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in the Western Hemisphere. There's also swimming, diving and other recreational activities to fill your days.
St. Thomas
St. Thomas averages 79 degrees in winter.
St. Thomas is the most visited of the U.S. Virgin Islands, welcoming 1 million tourists a year -- despite its 3- by 13-mile size. Because of its popularity as a tourist destination, the island offers five-star cuisine, luxury resorts and shopping. With an average temperature of 79 degrees in winter, St. Thomas all but guarantees a warm Christmas vacation.
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