Tripadvisor just ranked the top 10 international winter getaways — here’s the countdown
Tripadvisor’s latest winter travel rankings reveal where Americans are heading abroad, with a few destinations that might surprise you.
If you’re already dreaming about escaping the cold this winter, you’re certainly not alone. But where are Americans actually planning to go?
Tripadvisor recently released its 2026 Winter Travel Index, revealing the most popular international destinations for the upcoming winter travel season.
The rankings include some familiar vacation favorites, along with a few destinations that might surprise you. I’ve visited several of these places myself, and I have a few recommendations for anyone considering a trip.
10. Playa Mujeres, Mexico
Just north of Cancun, Playa Mujeres is a resort-focused stretch of Mexico’s Caribbean coast. It’s particularly appealing for travelers who want beautiful beaches and easy access to Cancun’s international airport without staying in the middle of the Hotel Zone.
Many visitors come for the all-inclusive resorts, although excursions to Isla Mujeres, snorkeling trips, and outings around the Yucatán Peninsula can easily fill a few days.
9. Oranjestad, Aruba
Aruba’s capital brings a little more sightseeing into the typical Caribbean beach vacation. Oranjestad is known for its colorful Dutch Caribbean architecture, waterfront shopping, and restaurants, with some of the island’s best beaches just a short drive away.
Aruba is also a popular choice for winter sunshine, thanks to its warm, relatively dry climate. Travelers can spend their mornings exploring downtown and their afternoons at the beach without having to choose between the two.
8. Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
Cap Cana is a luxury resort community near Punta Cana, known for its upscale accommodations, golf courses, marina, and beautiful beaches.
Juanillo Beach is one of the area’s main attractions, with soft sand and turquoise water. For travelers who prefer a more self-contained resort vacation, Cap Cana makes it easy to spend most of the trip enjoying the property, although excursions are available throughout the Punta Cana region.
7. London, United Kingdom
London might not deliver the sunshine most travelers associate with a winter escape, but it has plenty going on during the colder months.
Holiday decorations, Christmas markets, West End shows, and seasonal events give visitors plenty of reasons to bundle up and explore. The city’s museums, historic attractions, and restaurants also make it relatively easy to plan around unpredictable weather.
I’d make time for some of London’s major attractions, but I wouldn’t underestimate how much fun it can be to explore its different neighborhoods.
6. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
I’ve visited Turks and Caicos, and Grace Bay is exactly the kind of beach people picture when they’re dreaming about escaping winter. The white sand and remarkably clear turquoise water are a huge part of its appeal.
Located on Providenciales, Grace Bay also has plenty of resorts and restaurants nearby. Travelers can spend their days lounging on the beach, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or exploring other parts of the island.
There’s quite a bit to do beyond the beach, too. My guide to things to do in Providenciales covers options such as Smith’s Reef, Bight Reef, and excursions to nearby cays.
One thing I’d recommend planning ahead for is the expense. Turks and Caicos can be surprisingly pricey, particularly when it comes to dining and groceries.
5. Paris, France
Paris is another destination that proves not everyone is looking for a swimsuit vacation this winter.
The city looks especially festive around the holidays, with illuminated streets, decorated department stores, and Christmas markets. Once January arrives, visitors can enjoy museums, cafés, and famous landmarks with fewer of the summer crowds.
The weather will be chilly, but that’s hardly a dealbreaker when you have the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and countless places to stop for pastries and coffee.
4. Palm–Eagle Beach, Aruba
Aruba makes its second appearance on the list with Palm–Eagle Beach, an area along the island’s western coast known for its long sandy beaches and resort accommodations.
Palm Beach tends to be the livelier option, with high-rise hotels, watersports, and restaurants nearby. Eagle Beach has a more spacious, relaxed feel and is famous for its white sand and distinctive fofoti trees.
With warm weather throughout the winter, it’s easy to see why this area continues to appeal to Americans looking for a beach vacation.
3. Bávaro, Dominican Republic
Bávaro, in the Punta Cana area, is one of the Dominican Republic’s biggest resort destinations. The coastline is lined with all-inclusive hotels, giving travelers plenty of choices when it comes to accommodations and amenities.
The appeal is pretty straightforward: warm weather, sandy beaches, and the convenience of having much of your vacation organized before you arrive.
For anyone who wants to get away from the resort, there are also opportunities for boat excursions, snorkeling, and exploring more of the Dominican Republic.
2. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo is one destination on this list I can personally recommend, particularly if you want to do more than spend your entire vacation at a resort.
On my trip, I stayed at Casa Maat at the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa, and I loved it. I also went whale watching, visited Espíritu Santo Island to see sea lions, went deep-sea fishing, and enjoyed an incredible dinner at Cocina de Autor.
Winter is an especially good time to visit if whale watching is on your list, since humpback and gray whales migrate through the region during the cooler months.
One thing worth knowing is that Cabo’s winter evenings can get chilly. I was glad I had something warmer to wear after sunset. (You can see all of my Cabo packing tips.)
For more ideas, I also put together a guide to 10 things I’d recommend doing on a first trip to Cabo.
1. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun claims the top spot on Tripadvisor’s international winter ranking, and its popularity isn’t particularly surprising.
Direct flights from numerous U.S. cities, a wide range of resorts, and consistently warm winter weather make it an accessible choice for a beach vacation. The Hotel Zone is particularly convenient for visitors who want to stay close to restaurants, beaches, and nightlife.
There’s also plenty to explore beyond the resorts. Day trips to Chichén Itzá, swimming in cenotes, and visiting Isla Mujeres are popular ways to see more of the region.
Cancun also ranked first for both Thanksgiving and the Christmas-to-New Year’s travel period in Tripadvisor’s winter data. For travelers who want to swap freezing temperatures for sunshine, it’s clearly still one of the favorites.
If you’d rather stay closer to home this winter, Tripadvisor also revealed its 10 most popular domestic winter destinations, including some places that might surprise you.
Tripadvisor just ranked America’s top 10 winter getaways — here’s the countdown
The 2026–27 list includes beach escapes, big cities, and a few destinations you might not expect to see in winter.
Read more: Tripadvisor just ranked America’s top 10 winter getaways — here’s the countdown
Tripadvisor Just Named the Top 20 Places in the World to Visit — Here’s the Countdown
If you’re trying to pick a trip and want destinations that real people consistently rave about (not just ones with pretty photos), this is a solid shortcut.
Read more: Tripadvisor Just Named the Top 20 Places in the World to Visit in 2026 — Here’s the Countdown
9 of the most unique places I’ve stayed around the world (and what they’re really like)
I’ve stayed in some pretty unusual places over the last 15 years of traveling. I’ve slept in a treehouse 53 feet above the Amazon rainforest, a dome tent in the Jordanian desert, and a castle in Ireland. But nothing quite prepared me for waking up to a giraffe sticking its head through my bedroom door, looking for breakfast.
Read more: 9 of the most unique places I’ve stayed around the world (and what they’re really like)
