Three of the Best International Destinations for Winter Sun

If you don't want to spend your entire winter in the freezing rain, or under a blanket of snow, depending on where you live, here are three of the best international destinations for your winter vacation in the sun.

Tulum, Mexico

During most of my vacations I'm constantly on the go, exploring as much as I can fit into the time that I have. Tulum was the first vacation I've experienced that wasn't like that. By the time I returned home, I was so relaxed that even the worst traffic snarl or torrential downpour could not have dampened my mood.

Although there is a time and place for busy and adventurous vacations, I also discovered the many benefits of a more relaxing, laid-back trip, and Tulum fits the bill perfectly.

Tulum can be easily accessed by flying into Cancun International Airport, and flights from the U.S. are much cheaper to Mexico, than most other tropical destinations. Many resorts and hotels offer a free or inexpensive shuttle from the airport to their lobby, as it's about 75 miles from Cancun to Tulum.

Though you'll have lots of lodging options to choose from, I highly recommend a stay at the All-Inclusive Freedom Paradise in Tulum. It's a beautiful, but low-key resort, sitting on a secluded white sand beach, on the edge of the dazzling turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Tulum is full of ancient Mayan ruins and lots of recreational opportunities for the adventurous, as well as being ideal for those who want to spend a relaxing vacation without getting in a car until you return home. Snorkeling is amazing, with a natural reef sitting in the water right in front of the hotel, and you're likely to spot a local iguana handing behind the tall grass. Rooms offer sliding glass doors that lead directly to the beach.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

St. Vincent is a tropical paradise, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea in the southern portion of the
Windward Islands. The Grenadines consist of 32 spectacular islands, filled with tropical rainforests, waterfalls, amazing beaches and azure colored waters.

The climate is a balmy 80 degrees all year long. The only time you might want to avoid going is peak hurricane season, which is from June through November, although the islands sit on the southern edge of the hurricane belt and they are pretty rare in this region. The last major one to hit was back in 1955.

It's not quite easy to get to St. Vincent, but it is well worth the journey. The two main options include flying into Puerto Rico, and then to St. Vincent, or by taking an international flight to Barbados, and a separate jaunt to St. Vincent. Once there, ferries are readily available to take you to nearby islands.

For those who enjoy a unique tourist experience, consider a stay in nearby Bequia. The island is just ten square miles, and there are no big buildings or large resorts to be found. Instead, there are more personal Bed and Breakfasts, cottages, or even homes for rent with beautiful views of the Caribbean.

Pleasant Top is an exquisite home that sits on top of a hill overlooking Admiralty Bay, surrounded by exotic fruit trees, including mangoes, passionfruit, bananas, limes and more. Here you can even take a dip in the swimming pool offering the same picturesque views. That is, if you haven't spent your entire time snorkeling among the turtles, angel fish, moray eels, parrot fish, coral, and wide variety of sea life.

It's also surprisingly affordable at $1,000 week, with a jeep available for an additional $70. Definitely one of the best values and most wonderful vacations I've ever had. For those who like Disney's Pirate films, many of the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" scenes were filmed on Bequia, St. Vincent, and the surrounding isles.


Sardinia

The island of Sardinia is a special secret for many Europeans, but it's an ideal destination for American travelers as well. The Italian island is the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea. Though it's a popular playground in the summertime, winter offers many sunny and warm days, and without the crowds of tourists.

Lavender covered mountains dip down to the sea and offer many private, and romantic, sandy coves. Sardinia is a magical island, filled with culture and tradition. Historical towns dot the landscape, perfect for exploring on days that are a bit cooler.

A Bed and Breakfast is your best option for accommodations on the island, and though I've been lucky to stay here in my Irish cousin's vacation villa, there are many that come highly recommended. The island is full of friendly people, and a B and B will offer a warm welcome as well as a great way to get to know the locals, and Sardinia's culture.

Marina di Castello is wonderful choice. A most charming, comfortable and clean stay, will be assured by your very kind hostess, Sabrina. She'll direct you to some of the most amazing Italian food you could ever experience, as well as different attractions and historic sites throughout the island.

The most difficult part about a tropical vacation is returning home to an icy, cold winter. But that's just means it's time to plan your next trip!