8 Fun Activities for Your Winter Getaway

Here's the perfect way to warm up!

You've escaped to warmer weather, and you're ready to kick off your trip the right way.

Now that you're soaking up the sun (pina colada, anyone?), lounging on the beach is just the start—there are plenty of activities to make you forget about the winter freeze.

1.) Beach Horseback Riding 

At Half Moon Cay, a renowned private island in the Bahamas, you can take a scenic horseback ride along a winding trail to the island's peak, where breathtaking views of the sparkling waters await. After the ride, you and your horse can both unwind by splashing through the surf!

2.) Indulge in a Spa Retreat 

One of the finest ways to escape the winter chill is to treat yourself to a spa session, especially a hot stone massage. Heated stones work their magic to dissolve stress and ease muscle tightness, and you can enjoy this treatment at a nearby destination or at a spa on a cruise ship if you're traveling by sea!  

3.) Beach Volleyball

Playing on sand can be far more enjoyable than on snow. This classic group sport is something almost anyone can enjoy and is often linked with beach outings. What other sport lets you leap around on the sand (besides a rough day on the golf course)? Whether you're at a beach in Bonaire or Bermuda, grab a ball and hit the shoreline.

4.) Explore Snorkeling

Few things epitomize the “tropical” vibe like the sight of colorful fish, easily spotted throughout the Caribbean, often just a few meters from the shore! Equip yourself with a snorkel and mask, and glide out to the lively coral reefs to trade the dull white and gray of winter for the striking shades of angelfish, blue tangs, yellowtail snapper, and parrotfish.

5.) Sunset Sailing

While a winter cruise may not be in the cards for those up north, if you were to venture out, you'd want to set sail before dinner to catch the sunset! Caribbean destinations like St. Thomas offer longer daylight hours, allowing you to cruise around verdant islands and witness the sunset over the ocean.

6.) Fishing

If you're pressed for time, you can warm up during winter without ever leaving the U.S. A trip to Key West is a fantastic choice, providing avid anglers the chance to get out on the water! Winter brings in catches like redfin, spotted sea trout, and black drum fish—and enjoying a day on a boat in 75-degree weather is certainly preferable to ice fishing!

7.) Jungle Adventure

Puerto Rico ranks among the top travel destinations for 2022, making it a prime spot to escape the cold. What’s the draw? It's home to the only tropical rainforest in the United States! El Yunque is just a short drive from the capital San Juan, where you can trek through the jungle, surrounded by lush flora, tropical wildlife, and natural pools.

8.) Stand-Up Paddleboarding

If surfing feels a bit daunting, consider enjoying the water in a more relaxed manner! Stand-up paddleboards are entertaining, relatively simple to navigate, and perfect for discovering coves, reefs, and nearby islands while getting some exercise! Head south to St. Kitts, where the water temperature is around 80 degrees, so taking a dip while you learn to paddleboard isn't a problem!