Not ready to leave the US? Here’s some winter getaway inspiration! Part 1
Being a travel advisor is all about asking and answering questions. I ask a lot of questions to help people decide where to go on vacation, and to fine tune their travel experience to suit their needs and preferences. Clients typically ask a lot of questions about their potential destinations, weather, and activities, and those questions help me to tailor their trips accordingly. This time of year, it’s all about the winter getaway. For some, it’s a spring break vacation; for others, it’s a post-New Year’s trip to break up the long winter months. Traditionally, people love to visit Mexico or the Caribbean between December and March. But this year, the majority of travel inquiries I’ve received are centered around staying in the US.
In my post discussing reasons to work with a travel agent, one of the most impactful has been the complex rules and regulations since COVID came on the scene. If you missed it, you can check out the ways working with me can make your trip easier and how I provide value here. The desire to take that much-needed vacay, but still stay in the US is strong among many travelers and is driven by many different factors. The changing landscape of the Coronavirus, and all the rules and regulations surrounding destination entry, as well as re-entry to the US can be daunting even for the experienced traveler. While the vaccine has definitely helped many feel more comfortable with travel, some still prefer to stay in the US to avoid any complications. That being said, I’ve had several clients travel internationally this year and all have had seamless experiences. Whatever side you land on with this issue, it’s always nice to have a reminder of the great getaway options available to us within the United States. Here’s part 1 of my list of some great choices for your winter escape!
Getaways in the Continental United States
Even the southernmost parts of the Continental US can get chilly during the winter months, and a true beachside vacation might not be warm enough for ocean swimming. But there are still some fantastic destinations with pleasant weather that you can explore!
Phoenix / Scottsdale, Arizona
The Phoenix / Scottsdale area is not just desolate desert; it’s got breathtaking views and a little something for everyone! For the outdoorsy traveler, you have the mountainous views and hiking trails; for sports lovers, this is the golf capital of the American Southwest with close to 200 golf courses nearby! Art and music lovers won’t be disappointed, and there are many wineries for my wine enthusiasts!
Average Winter Temperatures
There are actually many options in southern Arizona and all have very similar weather. I chose Phoenix / Scottsdale because of it’s accessibility, but there are several other areas to check out! Interested in exploring some other areas of Arizona? I can help!
Corpus Christi, TX
Like Chicago, Corpus Christi is a windy city! It is home to the Windsurfing World Championships and is a great spot for any other wind-related outdoor sport. Home of 80s-90s musician Selena, Corpus Christi has a tribute museum dedicated to her and a bronze statue of her near the downtown seawall. This is a haven for water sports including fishing, kayaking, boating, and kitesurfing. Spend a couple of days down at South Padre Island – it’s a national park where sea turtles hatch and venture to the sea! Lots of Spanish and Native American influence provide beautiful architecture and historical sites to visit as well.
Average Winter Temperatures
Key West / Key Largo Florida
Key West and Key Largo are both great options for individuals and families. Both have great beaches, fishing, and historical attractions. Key West is more commercial with a bustling atmosphere, more nightlife, and is pretty accessible without a rental car. Key Largo is more spread out, with a more outdoorsy focus.
Average Winter Temperatures
The average highs for Key Largo are usually about 2 degrees cooler than those listed above for Key West. Like Arizona, there are several other areas in South Florida that would be ideal winter getaways, but I chose to focus on these since they’re as far south as you can get! If you’re interested in other South Florida options, let me know!
San Diego, California
The San Diego area, while cooler than some of the other options, boasts so many attractions! I’ve spent some time exploring this area as well and highly recommend it for any type of traveler. Although it may be too cool for swimming, there are plenty of water tours and views that can still be enjoyed. If you’re willing to venture a little, there are great spots for wine lovers, sports enthusiasts, and families alike. Visit Old Town for historical and cultural vibes, or check out the Gaslamp Quarter for its nightlife. So many things to do, I couldn’t possibly list them all!
Average Winter Temperatures
Keep an eye out for part 2 next week, where we’ll explore some great winter escape options that are outside the continental US!
Want to know more about one of these destinations? Looking to plan a getaway? Email me at Megan@SummittoSea.com or scan the QR code below to get started on planning your trip!
