The Top Tropical Christmas Tips and Destinations

Escape the snow this holiday season and trade it for soft sandy beaches and swaying palm trees! A tropical Christmas is the perfect break from the ordinary, especially if you love warm and sunny weather. Discover the top tropical Christmas tips and destinations to make your holiday extra special this year! 

4 Tips for Your Tropical Christmas Vacation 

Picture this– You wake up on Christmas morning to the sounds of tropical birds chirping, the smell of sea salt in the air, and a view worth a million bucks! This could be you on your tropical Christmas getaway. 

But before you book your trip, explore some of the tips and tricks to make this Christmas as incredible as it can be when you leave the snow angels behind for an exciting tropical destination. 

1 | Book Early 

The winter months are some of the most popular times for tourists visiting the Caribbean Islands and other exotic areas. Due to high demand, prices will continue to rise the closer you get to the holidays. So, the best way to save some money and guarantee you get everything you want out of the trip is to book it as early as possible. 

2 | Bring Christmas Spirit with You 

Don’t forget to bring Christmas with you! While many hotels and resorts decorate to make the time of year special for tourists, it’s not a guarantee. Especially if you’re traveling with kids, be sure to pack decorations to fill your room or rental with holiday cheer!  

Try to limit the decor to lightweight and compactable items, like paper banners, ribbons, tinsel, and even Christmas tree-scented air fresheners. It also helps if the decorations are disposable, so you can swap them out and make room for souvenirs in your luggage for the trip home. 

3 | Pack Properly and Check the Weather 

Before tossing sunglasses, hats, shorts, and swimsuits into your luggage, check the weather! Most winter days in the Caribbean are warm and sunny, but the nights can get chilly depending on where you are. Not to mention, fall and winter are the islands’ rainy seasons! Rain is often quick to pass, but you should still be prepared. So, pack an umbrella, a rain jacket, and cozy clothes to keep you warm in the evening.  

As the trip approaches, continue to check the weather for your destination to ensure you’re packing correctly. And don’t forget your sunscreen! 

4 | Be Ready for a New Experience 

If you expect to partake in all your usual Christmas traditions, you may want to rethink the trip. It’s important to be ready for change and embrace the new when you book a tropical Christmas vacation! 

The Best Tropical Christmas Destinations 

Now, where to go? The Caribbean Islands are all wonderful and unique in their own ways, and deciding which is the best for your tropical Christmas can be challenging. Below are some top destinations families, individuals, and couples have enjoyed the most during the holiday season. 

The Cayman Islands  

Celebrate the season in the Cayman Islands! Not only are the sunny beaches and crystal-clear water some of the best in the region, but you’ll also be able to catch a few Christmas activities to make you feel at home. For instance, there is a Christmas Bus Tour of Lights that concludes with a holiday meal. 

St. Kitts and Nevis  

Get in the Christmas spirit by experiencing the winter Carnival festivities in St. Kitts and Nevis. If you’re looking for a lively, culture-filled holiday, there’s no better destination! Enjoy the colorful parades, thrilling music, fun dancing, and delicious Caribbean dishes from November to the first week of January at the St. Kitts and Nevis Carnival. 

Puerto Rico  

Puerto Rico is a popular place for tourists during the holidays. It’s a bit more familiar, which brings a comforting feeling when spending Christmas away from home. Here, you’ll find many of the same traditions, like streets full of Christmas lights, holiday shows, and even snow-capped mountains in the distance. 

The Bahamas 

Dress in bright colors and throw on your dancing shoes to celebrate the Bahamas’ annual Christmas Junkanoo Festival! Undoubtedly, the Bahamas is an incredible place to be for the holidays! Exciting parades, seasonal festivals and markets, and tons of tropical music are only some experiences you can look forward to for your tropical Christmas! 

Belize 

One of the more affordable destinations for a Christmas vacation is Belize. The peak of their tourist season is January through February, so you’ll likely miss the crowds and high prices during the holidays. 

Local resorts, hotels, and other establishments make the season unique with traditional Caribbean dishes with a Christmas twist to celebrate this exciting time of year. However, Belize is an excellent choice if you want to get away from the typical Christmas festivities and enjoy warm tropical hikes and fascinating diving experiences instead. 

CITED: Wanderbig.com, Theblondeabroad.com, Lonelyplanet.com