The
Americas – the United States, Central America, South America, and the
Caribbean Islands - offer excellent destinations for those looking to winter
in a warm, sunny, snow-free place.
Franklin
County, Florida: Ask anyone who has visited Apalachicola, Carrabelle, and
St. George Island and they will say, "It is what Florida used to be like."
Franklin County, an hour’s drive south of Tallahassee on the Florida
Panhandle, is eighty-seven percent nature preserve with virtually deserted
pristine beaches.
Oxnard, California: The
Mediterranean climate makes it a perfect destination any time of year. At
Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort guests can enjoy their large
freeform heated pool or the long sweeping beach. Channel Island’s National
Park, called the American Galapagos is only 11 miles off shore, and Packer
Tours offers daily excursions.
Roatan,
Island, Honduras: Roatan Island, the largest of the Honduran Bay Islands
located in the western part of the Caribbean, has long been the secret of
the dive crowd and has now been discovered by the cruise crowd. Roatan has
its own unique culture where the English language is as common as Spanish.
There are a variety of accommodations from budget to luxury.
Montelimar,
Nicaragua: Located a short drive from the Managua, the country’s long
Pacific Coast is now competing with Costa Rica as a beach destination. The
all-inclusive, Barcelo resort has all the features one expects at a luxury
resort including the largest pool in Nicaragua, an amazing beach, a day full
of activities, and nighttime entertainment.
Punta del Este, Uruguay: Looking
for a world-class hotel on a beach? Then head to Punta del Este, a coastal
destination that has attracted visitors for more than 100 years. It is where
the beautiful people play and second only to Rio as the place to be seen in
South America. The Conrad Hotel is located on a beautiful beach with
Vegas-style shows and a casino.
Cartagena, Colombia: The coastal
city of Cartagena has embraced tourism with cruise ships making it a port of
call. The walled historic city is beautifully restored with a plethora of
shops, restaurants, boutique hotels, and museums. The Hilton Hotel located
just outside the historic district offers resort accommodations with
swimming pools, kid’s clubs, and water sports.
Cancun, Mexico: The all-inclusive
resorts of Cancun and the Mexican Riviera are world class by any standard.
They offer a plethora of activities in such ambient surroundings that the
difficulty is leaving the resort to discover all the other wonderful
adventures available. Top on any "must-do" is a visit to Xcaret Eco Theme
Park - the "everything" park with show, museums, and water sports.
Rio,
Brazil: Rio de Janeiro is unsurpassed for its natural beauty. The
magnificent shoreline boasts Sugar Loaf Mountain and the beaches of
Copacabana and Ipanema, while the mountains above Rio play host to the
world-famous statue of Christ and the largest natural urban park in the
world, Tijuca National Forest. Rio’s famous Carnival is a must-do.
Antigua: When Christopher Columbus
said, "What a beautiful land the sun lights up in the distance…" he was
referring to Antigua one of 11 links in the chain of Leeward Islands. The
draw of Antigua is it is off the mass tourist route. English is the main
language but the locals speak a patois with musical intonations that will
enchant.
Bahamas:
There are many islands in the Bahamas so snowbirds are spoiled for choice.
In Nassau the Sheraton is for those who want to be in the center of action
while the Atlantis Resort will delight guests looking for the
everything-resort. On land or on the water visitors never run out of things
to do.
Oxnard, California: The
Mediterranean climate makes it a perfect destination any time of year. At
Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort guests can enjoy their large
freeform heated pool or the long sweeping beach. Channel Island’s National
Park, called the American Galapagos is only 11 miles off shore, and Packer
Tours offers daily excursions.
Punta del Este, Uruguay: Looking
for a world-class hotel on a beach? Then head to Punta del Este, a coastal
destination that has attracted visitors for more than 100 years. It is where
the beautiful people play and second only to Rio as the place to be seen in
South America. The Conrad Hotel is located on a beautiful beach with
Vegas-style shows and a casino.
Cartagena, Colombia: The coastal
city of Cartagena has embraced tourism with cruise ships making it a port of
call. The walled historic city is beautifully restored with a plethora of
shops, restaurants, boutique hotels, and museums. The Hilton Hotel located
just outside the historic district offers resort accommodations with
swimming pools, kid’s clubs, and water sports.
Cancun, Mexico: The all-inclusive
resorts of Cancun and the Mexican Riviera are world class by any standard.
They offer a plethora of activities in such ambient surroundings that the
difficulty is leaving the resort to discover all the other wonderful
adventures available. Top on any "must-do" is a visit to Xcaret Eco Theme
Park - the "everything" park with show, museums, and water sports.
Rio,
Brazil: Rio de Janeiro is unsurpassed for its natural beauty. The
magnificent shoreline boasts Sugar Loaf Mountain and the beaches of
Copacabana and Ipanema, while the mountains above Rio play host to the
world-famous statue of Christ and the largest natural urban park in the
world, Tijuca National Forest. Rio’s famous Carnival is a must-do. 
Antigua: When Christopher Columbus
said, "What a beautiful land the sun lights up in the distance…" he was
referring to Antigua one of 11 links in the chain of Leeward Islands. The
draw of Antigua is it is off the mass tourist route. English is the main
language but the locals speak a patois with musical intonations that will
enchant.