10 Best Places to Visit South of the Border

As the winter season begins to rapidly approach us here in the US, some of our neighbors to the south are experiencing warm, tropical temperatures, and brilliant days of sunshine. South America will soon embrace summer as we endure the cold. For relief from the blistery weather that winter can bring, here is a list of places you can visit for some cool, tropical breezes and beautiful sandy beaches.

Mexico. Our closest neighbor to the south, you can drive or fly. Mexico has 31 states to chose from, with lots of history, parks, museums, restaurants, and tropical beaches. You can enjoy small towns, such as Taxco, where silver is crafted into exquisite pieces of art and jewelry, big city life in Mexico City, or Guadalajara, or the tropical beaches in Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, or Cancun, to name a few. Weather is ideal, as the days are pleasantly warm and the nights are tolerably cool. The warmth and hospitality of the Mexican people will keep you coming back again and again.

Grand Cayman Islands. The Caribbean is one of America's playgrounds and there is a plethora of islands to enjoy in this beautiful region of the world. Lucky for us these islands are practically in our backyard and a flight away. The Grand Caymans are three islands that are British Overseas Territories. Safe and upscale, the beaches are beautiful and the people are friendly. I haven't found anyone who has visited these islands and not been impressed. You are guaranteed a great time when you visit Grand Caymans.

Aruba. Bon bini na Aruba. In English, it means 'Welcome to Aruba,' and that is how they will greet you when you land at Queen Beatrix Airport in Oranjestad, the capital city. You will notice the Dutch influence the minute you arrive, with the colorful buildings and Dutch architecture. Divi divi trees are easily recognizable all over the island, bent by the constant winds that blow. Population, 120,000, this small 26 miles by 6 mile island is big on what it has to offer. Upscale, clean, with a strong economy, it is a great place to visit and easy to get around and communicate, as most Arubans speak four languages, English, Spanish, Netherlands, and Papiamento, a local dialect. There are 79 different nationalities that live and work in Aruba. It is also 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, and is part of the ABC Islands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Excellent hotels with first class service and white sandy beaches will keep you coming back for more!

Belize. Unique. Unusual. Exotic. That is how I would describe this democratic gem situated in Central America. I think Belize is one the world's best kept secrets. You are going to feel right at home here as it is the only official English speaking country in Central America. Known for its' awesome beauty, it boasts the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. It is a snorkeling and scuba paradise. It has parks, beautiful beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, safe food and clean drinking water. The African, Spanish, and Native Mayan Indian cultures come together here and blend into a rich land full of history and culture.

Costa Rica. Many Americans visit Costa Rica each year and that makes it a popular vacation destination for us. As a matter of fact, it has 1.5 million visitors yearly. This is the place to go surfing, snorkeling, and hiking. Or, swim at one of several sandy beaches. This country has lots of wildlife, a rain forest, and even has an active volcano! A large group of Americans retire here and call this place home. Go, relax, and enjoy the sun!

St. Lucia. Welcome to "The Friendly Island." Yes, this lush, tropical island with its' very friendly people is one of my favorite places to go. Another well-kept secret, St. Lucia is a mountainous island with breathtaking views, great hotels, excellent service, great snorkeling and diving, and more! It has a beautiful black sand beach, hot springs, waterfalls, a rain forest, and flora and fauna of many varieties. Castries, is the capital, with its open-air markets, cafes playing calypso, soca, and reggae, and restaurants that serve beer that is locally brewed. They drive on the left hand side with their British history and you can see a dash of French influence. English is their official language and they love a good game of cricket. Go to Pigeon Nation Park, just absolutely beautiful and one of the venues of the annual St. Lucia Jazz Festival, the second week of May.

Panama. It's name means: "Place of the abundant fish." Not only are fish in abundance, but great white sand beaches, wildlife, nightlife, National Parks and hundreds of islands, all to visit and enjoy in Panama. The country will surprise you as you travel to downtown Panama City, teeming with sky scrapers and tall, modern buildings, many hotels, and restaurants. The food is good, the hospitality is inviting and the weather is warm in Panama.

Anguilla. With 20 miles of white powder sand beaches, and water that changes from aquamarine to cobalt blue, its no wonder this is island is a pearl in the Caribbean. These beaches, I think, are some of the best in the region. There are 33 pristine beaches and all are public. Other amenities on this upscale island include boating, water sports, diving, snorkeling, golf, tennis, shopping, and spa's.

Ecuador. It is the second smallest South American country but it is big on diversity and places to see. The land where the panama hat originated, it has volcanoes, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere, (Volcan Chimborazo), old and beautiful colonial cities, rain forests, and open markets to shop. It is a nature lovers dream with abundant wildlife, the Amazon Basin, and The Galapagos Islands. With so much to see and do, you will be glad you chose to come!

Peru. Beaches, colonial architecture,museums, and nightlife are what you will encounter when you vacation in Peru. Sand board down gigantic dunes, take a ride on Lake Titicaca, or, be one of over 1000 visitors a day to Mach Picchu, home of the ancient Inca Empire. Peru has volcanoes and some of the world's deepest canyons. December through March are Peru's hottest months to enjoy the beaches that dot the Pacific coast.

These are ten great places to spend your winter months and have some fun. Who said winter had to be dreary and gray? No way, so, pack your bags, leave the cold weather behind, and head for sun! Happy travels!