Here’s how to warm up right!
Alright, you’ve hightailed it somewhere warm and you’re ready to start your trip off on the right foot.
When it comes to thawing out, laying on the beach in the sun (maybe with a pina colada?) is likely top of mind—with good reason. But now that you’ve escaped the cold, there are a lot of activities that can help you forget all about the winter chill.
1.) Horseback riding on the beach
On Half Moon Cay, a highly awarded private island in the Bahamas, you can ride a horse up a winding trail to the highest point on the island for incredible views of the crystal clear water below. After the workout, you and your horse can both cool down by riding through the waves!
2.) Spa time
One of the best ways to leave the cold behind is with a spa appointment, especially with a hot stone massage. Smooth, heated stones are used to melt away stress and muscle tension, and you can get one near the water—either at your destination or at a ship’s spa if you’re traveling by sea!
3.) Volleyball
Sand can be better to play in than snow. This classic team game almost everyone can play is commonly associated with beaches. What other game involves bouncing around in the sand (except a bad golf round)? Whether your beach is on Bonaire or Bermuda, grab a ball and head to the shore.
4.) Snorkeling
Nothing says “tropical” quite like colorful fish and they can be seen across the Caribbean, sometimes just a few feet off the beach! Grab a snorkel and mask, and swim out to colorful coral reefs to replace the white and gray of winter with the vibrant hues of angelfish, blue tangs, yellowtail snapper, and parrotfish.
5.) Sailing at sunset
You’re probably not boarding a pleasure cruise anywhere up north during the winter, but if you did and wanted to catch the sunset, you’d need to go before dinner! Caribbean islands, like St. Thomas, have longer days, so you can sail around lush green islands and watch the sunset over the sea.
6.) Fishing
If you’re short on time, you can get your winter warmup without ever leaving the country. A trip to Key West is a great option, and a chance to get out on the water for avid anglers! Redfin, spotted sea trout, and black drum fish are caught in the winter—and bobbing on a boat when it’s 75 degrees out sure beats ice fishing!
7.) Jungle tour
Puerto Rico is one of the top places to travel in 2022, and definitely one of the best places to warm up. Why? How about the only tropical rainforest in the United States! El Yunque is fairly close to the capital San Juan, where you can hike through the jungle past lush vegetation, tropical animals, and natural pools.
8.) Standup paddle boarding
If surfing seems a bit intimidating, why not get out on the water in a more leisurely way? Standup paddle boards are fun, relatively easy to use, and the perfect vessels for exploring coves, reefs, and nearby islands while getting some exercise! If you head south to St. Kitts, the surface water is about 80 degrees, so falling in while you’re learning to SUP is no big deal!