There are so many amazing options out there for the best in sun holidays. It is important however to remember that it is not going to be a great year for cheap and cheerful deals.
Most tour operators do their contracting in U.S. dollars so the unfavourable exchange rate means sun holidays will be harder on the wallet. Additionally, it is shaping up to be a strong El Nino winter, which means cooler temperatures in closer (and typically cheaper) destinations like Florida, Bahamas, Cuba and parts of Mexico.
Although it is impossible to fully predict the weather, those craving heat are advised to drop a few extra dollars and go a little farther south.
According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization the Dutch island of Curacao, located just 60 kilometres north of Venezuela, is the fastest growing Caribbean destination for Canadians. Transat is launching new flights to the island this month.
The Dominican Republic is a great island for the variety of all inclusives offered at various price points.
Mega resort Casa de Campo in Dominican Republic continues to grow in popularity. Spanning 7,000 tropical acres Casa de Campo is home to three golf courses, a 370-slip Marina and Yacht Club, a polo club and Altos de Chavón, an artisan’s village modeled after a 16th century Mediterranean city with boutiques, museums and a 5,000-seat Grecian-style amphitheatre.
St Lucia wins the award for the most romantic sun destination. The most recognizable image of St Lucia are the picturesque and UNESCO protected Pitons, a pair of lush volcanic spires rising out of the water on the south west corner of the island.
Other areas of the island offer a stunning mix of rainforest, beach and enough mountainous terrain to ensure jaw dropping views from every vantage point.
The stunning Ladera Resort is a couples only resort, which sets the standard for romantic getaways.
With open air rooms complete with furniture and case goods made by local wood carvers, giant showers tiled with playful mosaics and private plunge pools all uniquely positioned with a view between the Pitons, you can't help but get in the mood.
The bodyholiday is a wellness resort on the north west side of the island offering everything from massages to complete seven day overhauls of your body, inside and out. Rendezvous is another couples only resort popular with people planning a destination wedding.
They will allow your single mother-in-law to come along if required.
Cuba is the obvious choice when it comes to best beach but a lesser known gem is the Caribbean island of Anguilla, with its' 33 long beautiful white sand beaches. Fly to St. Maarten and take a 20 minute boat ride to this island, which is a magnet for celebrities who want to vacation discreetly.
For best sun destination that includes a cultural experience consider up and comer, Panama. I just returned from there and it was amazing.
The highlight was a day with the local Embera people. Only an hour from Panama City, you arrive in the jungle and take a wooden carved boat up to waterfall. After a quick hike, you are taken to their village where you are treated to a dance performance and lunch. It was an incredible experience.
Remember to include Central America in your sun options!
