Tired of the same old sunny vacation? We’ve gathered the best sunny destinations that aren’t Florida for Canadian travellers looking for some beach, family fun, great food and epic escapes, and lots of sun-filled adventures.
Alternatives to a Florida getaway
Try a sunny alternative this year! Our list of cities and islands beyond Florida is filled with trending sunny vacation destinations in the U.S., islands in the Caribbean, and coastal cities in South America that are fit for so many types of travellers. From the best time to visit, the top experiences in each destination, and how to get around, we have everything you need to get started planning your next sunny getaway.
Enjoy a sunny vacation to Tybee Island
The perfect vacation spot for those that are looking for a beach trip but want to skip Florida, is the beautiful destination of Tybee Island, Georgia. Only a 25-minute drive from Savannah (where you’ll want to fly in), this sunny destination is perfect for those looking for filled with fun outdoor activities: you can walk along the pier, go bird-watching, or take the kids fossil hunting on the beach! While still somewhat off the typical travellers radar, Tybee Island is a little gem in the southern U.S. just waiting to be discovered.
When is the best time to visit Tybee Island? You’ll find nice weather year-round on Tybee Island, with the coolest temperatures in January (around 16 degrees) and the warmest in July and August (30-31 degrees). Try and avoid the peak season from late spring until after Labour Day, including major U.S. holiday weekends. For the perfect holiday with smaller crowds, aim for a trip to Tybee in April to late May or September to early November. You can also plan your trip in the winter months when the birds migrate down from the Arctic. For more info on bird-watching on Tybee Island, check out this page.
What should you do on Tybee Island? Tybee Island is one of the best sunny destinations in October with its laidback island vibe. Rent a bike and explore the island on one of their biking trails that offer scenic views of the ocean. If you’re looking for a simple island trip then head to Tybee Island Beach, park your towel and soak up the sun. While you’re at the beach, you can do some fishing at the Pier or take in the beautiful sunset.
How do you get around Tybee Island? As we mentioned, Tybee Island is an ideal spot for biking. Once you get to Tybee Island, park the car and explore Tybee on foot or by bike–it’s the perfect outdoor escape for the whole family!
Go Backpacking in Cartagena
Cartagena, Colombia is known for its colourful culture, with lots of Caribbean sun to boot. With a huge party scene and lots of day trips available, it’s no surprise Cartagena’s become a popular long weekend getaway destination for Canadian travellers. Plus, it’s an affordable city for backpackers on a budget—if you plan it right you can visit for under $50 a day.
When is the best time to visit Cartagena? Cartagena sees lots of sunny days and 30-degree temperatures year-round. If you don’t want big crowds, try and avoid the high season in December and January when the locals are on vacation, and the months of March, July, and August which is the top of the tourist season. Your best bet for good weather and low traffic in Cartagena is in June or September.
What should you do in Cartagena? Head to a local tour agency (found in most hostels in the Old Town and Getsemani area) and book a day trip to a nearby island. One island recommendation is San Basilio de Palenque. If you’re looking for a lively evening you can spend the night on a party bus (chiva), which is a great way to meet friends if you’re travelling solo. Cartagena is filled with Caribbean culture and colonial history, so start your history tour by heading to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a landmark castle that was started in 1639 and took over 15 years to finish–it even has underground passages!
How do you get around Cartagena? One of Cartagena’s highlights for the budget backpacker is the fact that it’s a completely walkable destination, so walking is your best way to travel around. But if you need to go a distance longer than a quick walk, then taxis are affordable and readily available. Ask your hotel or guesthouse for the rates beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
Be an eco tourist in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a hot spot for ecotourism and it’s showing no signs of stopping. Not only is Costa Rica one of the most bio-diverse nations in the world, but they are also leading the way for sustainable tourism to keep this beautiful land preserved. With direct flights now available from Montreal and Toronto, it’s easier now than ever before to get to the land of pura vida.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica? We’re not really convinced that there’s a bad time to visit Costa Rica, considering the weather is beautiful year-round (albeit sometimes rainy). The monsoon or ‘green season’ is from May to November, where there are fewer tourists and the rainforests are lush. The ideal time to visit Costa Rica for good weather and reduced crowds is in the off-season which is typically in May, and September to November.
What should you do in Costa Rica? There are a ton of things to do during your trip to this eco-paradise. Visit Arenal Volcano to see the impressive site of an active volcano or relax at the Tabacon Hot Springs. Another bucket list experience in Costa Rica is a canopy tour and zipline through the jungle in Monteverde. You’ll most likely be flying into San Jose International Airport and spend a night there, so why not get a history lesson at Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, where you can explore the history of the country.
How do you get around Costa Rica? If you need to be on your own schedule, the best bet for transportation is renting a car in the capital of San Jose and heading from there. There’s also plenty of buses leaving from San Jose that can take you to major destinations throughout the country at an affordable price.
Explore history in Havana
The capital city of Cuba is on our list of value destinations for 2020, and if you’re looking for sand and sun (and salsa, of course), Havana is a city not to be missed. If you’re looking for beaches, history, and lots of soul, then Havana is the place to go for a sunny vacation getaway.
When is the best time to visit Havana? The best time to visit Havana is in April and May. While this is considered the wet season, the weather tends to be pleasant, the prices affordable and the crowds low. You’ll want to avoid November to the end of March when the biggest crowds and the highest prices are seen.
What should you do in Havana? In a nutshell: dance, listen to music, then dance some more. And learn about Hemingway. If you’ve got a few hours and are itching for a scenic walk, take the time to wander Old Havana, where you’ll find unique architecture and museum stops. Or for a relaxing day soaking up the sun, hit up Playas del Este where you can enjoy the palm trees, blue waters, and white sands.
How do you get around Havana? The best way to get around Havana is to walk or hire a taxi. If you need to get off your feet but don’t want to miss out on the sights, take a ride on a Bici two-seater taxi, which is similar to a rickshaw. Havana also has a budding bicycle sharing program focused on the Habana Vieja (Old Havana) area.
Family-friendly fun in the sun in San Diego
Families with the kids in tow tend to look for sunny destinations with lots of family-friendly activities, and San Diego has got that galore. From spending a day on the beach to learning and playing, San Diego is another destination in the southern U.S. that should be on your radar.
When is the best time to visit San Diego? The best times to visit San Diego to catch the sunny weather but skip the crowds. Between March and May, you’ll find weather reaching temperatures of 19-degrees and above and, so long as you’re not headed there over Spring Break then you’ll find fewer crowds. Likewise, you’ll get 21-degree and higher temperatures between September and November and it’ll be less crowded.
What should you do in San Diego? There are a ton of things to do in San Diego for your family. Belmont Park is a historic beachfront amusement park built-in 1925. You can play laser tag, climb a fake palm tree or ride a roller coaster. You can visit the Fleet Science Center located in Balboa Park where you can study the planets, participate in experiments and experience live shows. Or you can laze around on Coronado Beach, which is consistently named one of the finest beaches in the U.S.
How do you get around San Diego? Getting around San Diego can be fairly easy. There are a ton of public transit options, plus the city has train and trolley options—the Old Town Trolley or the Coaster Train are good eco-friendly alternatives to exploring the city if you don’t want to rent a car.
Experience the food in New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana, is known for a lot of things—history, music, hauntings, and food! It’s one of the best sunny destinations in February if you’re looking to celebrate Mardi Gras, which happens on February 25th this year.
When is the best time to visit New Orleans? Mardi Gras is of course the most popular time to visit New Orleans but there are plenty of other weekends that are ideal for exploring old New Orleans. If you’re looking for low crowds and more affordable prices, aim for booking your New Orleans trip from December to January.
What should you do in New Orleans? There is a ton to do in New Orleans, but whatever you decide to do you do not want to skip visiting the French Quarter. Known of the heart of the city it has great eats, music and gorgeous architecture. And don’t forget the Bywater, a neighbourhood known for its lively art scene, beautiful street art, cafes, and bars.
How do you get around New Orleans? The best way to get around New Orleans is by foot, there is so much to see and do that’s within walking distance. If you need to go a bit further, there is some great public transportation in the city like the streetcar. Or you can always rent a bike and cycle around.
Experience a little romance in Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, is a beautiful historic city in the southern United States known for its 1670 roots, cobblestone streets horse-drawn carriages and architecture reminiscent of the old south. If you’re looking for a unique romantic adventure for you and your partner, you can find it here in Charleston.
When is the best time to visit Charleston? If you’re headed on an adventure to Charleston, you’ll want to book your sunny vacation from March to May or September to November. During this time, you’ll find warm temperatures that won’t be stifling. As a warning though, avoid travelling during Easter time when hotel prices rise.
What should you do in Charleston? Looking for things to do in Charleston? Be sure to head to Ravenel Waterfront Park and admire the pineapple fountain! For a perfect evening walk, the Battery is a beautiful promenade where you can take pictures and enjoy the evening ocean breeze of coastal South Carolina.
How do you get around Charleston? You have a few options when getting around Charleston, from public transit to taxis—traditional taxi, water taxi or even bike taxi. Otherwise, when you’re just exploring around you can walk.
Visit Disney in Anaheim
If you’re packing the kids for a family vacation and Florida is on your radar, chances are Disney World is somewhere on the to-do list. But if you’re skipping the Sunshine State altogether, you have a Disney alternative: Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
When is the best time to visit Anaheim? Anaheim is one of the best sunny destinations in October, which is coincidentally when you can find cheaper prices and fewer crowds (even at Disneyland). If you’re looking for a less packed vacation that still delivers on the weather, you’ll want to head to Anaheim between March and May when you’ll get 22-degrees or higher or September to November where you’ll see 23-degrees or higher. Just avoid major U.S. holidays like Spring Break, Easter, and Labour Day.
What should you do in Anaheim? There are a ton of family-friendly things to do in Anaheim, but it’s included on this list because of Disneyland. This is the original of the Disney parks designed by Walt Disney himself, which makes it a great place to visit especially if your family has smaller kids because there’s less space to cover. If you have older kids that are itching for roller coasters and thrill rides, you’ll want to check out Knott’s Berry Farm home to a ton of roller coasters. And for an exciting night out, head to Medieval Times where you can catch a joust while you eat!
How do you get around Anaheim? Getting around Anaheim is pretty easy, but depending on where you’re going it can get pricey. You can check out their public transit options, which can get you to most of your activities on a genuine budget. Lyft and Uber are also good options.
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