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As the world starts to restrict travel, many nations near the United States are remaining open for tourism. These countries also have low COVID-19 restrictions and relaxed entry requirements.
If you’re looking to escape the cold winters in North America, the following destinations are ideal for you.
1. Cancun
Let’s start with Cancun, one of the most popular destinations for American tourists. Mexico has remained an incredible destination throughout the pandemic because of its low COVID-19 restrictions.
Currently, there are no restrictions in Cancun and no entry requirements to enter Mexico other than completing a health declaration form. You’re guaranteed superb weather and some of the world’s best beaches.
Cancun’s Top Beaches:
- Tulum Beach
- Playa Chac Mool
- Playacar Beach
- Playa Delfines
- Akumal Beach
2. Punta Cana
Punta Cana is a brilliant winter destination for U.S tourists and, better still, there are very few entry requirements in the Dominican Republic. The nation doesn’t require travelers to provide a negative COVID-19 test result on arrival. Unvaccinated tourists traveling without a negative COVID-19 test may need to take a random breath test.
Punta Cana sits on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. The region has 32km of clear waters and beaches. Popular attractions include Dolphin Island, Scape Park, and Hoyo Azul.
Punta Cana’s Top Beaches:
- Macao Beach
- Juanillo Beach
- Bavaro Beach
- Playa La Vacama
- Arena Gorda Beach
3. The Bahamas
The Bahamas is open for tourism with few restrictions. Fully vaccinated tourists need to obtain a negative COVID-19 test, either a rapid antigen test or PCR test, no more than 5 days before arrival. Unvaccinated travelers staying in the Bahamas for more than 4 nights and 5 days will need a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test on day 5 and a PCR test within 5 days of arrival.
One of the most popular attractions is the Paradise Island Water Park. The water park comes with countless waterslides and adult-only pool bars. Alternatively, you can swim with dolphins at Blue Lagoon Island.
The Bahamas’ Top Beaches:
- Pig Beach
- Grand Bahama
- Cable Beach
- Gold Rock Beach
- Love Beaches
4. Puerto Vallarta
If you want to take advantage of the short flights to Mexico, it’s hard to beat Puerto Vallarta. There are currently no restrictions within Puerto Vallarta and no entry restrictions in Mexico. Popular attractions include Puerto Vallarta Pier where you can watch incredible sunsets.
What’s more, Rhythms Of The Night is the ultimate cultural show and dining experience in Puerto Vallarta. The night begins with a sunset cruise before watching a show that depicts stories of Mexican folklore and Hispanic civilization.
Puerto Vallarta’s Top Beaches:
- Las Gemelas Beach
- Los Muertos Beach
- Conchas Chinas Beach
- Los Caletas Beach
- Colomitos Beach
5. Jamaica
Jamaica is open for tourism this winter. All travelers over 12 need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR, NAA, RNA) 3 days before arrival. Fully vaccinated travelers staying outside of the ‘resilient corridors' won't need to quarantine if they provide proof of a negative PCR test taken 3 days before arrival.
Jamaica is one of the Caribbean's most naturally diverse islands. Top natural attractions include Dunn’s River Falls and Park, Martha Brae River, and the Rastafari Indigenous Village.
Jamaica’s Top Beaches:
- Negril Beach
- Frenchman’s Cove
- Ocho Rios
- Doctor’s Cave Beach
- Bloody Bay
6. St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts & Nevis is open for tourism this winter. As of December 11, St. Kitts & Nevis has dropped quarantine and PCR testing for fully vaccinated tourists. Although Saint Kitts and Nevis is a small dual-island, there is plenty to do.
One of the top attractions is the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. You can find excellent scenery and hikes in this old British fort. Another superb option is the St. Kitts Scenic Railway. It’s the last sugar train in St. Kitts and offers amazing views.
St. Kitts & Nevis Top Beaches:
- Frigate Bay
- Pinneys Beach
- Cockleshell Sand Bank Bay
- Turtle Beach
- Majors Bay
7. Cabo San Lucas
There's no better place to finish than Mexico's popular beach destination of Cabo San Lucas. Baju California is currently on Mexico's yellow list. So there are some minor restrictions with the destination. However, there are no entry requirements in Mexico.
Cabo San Lucas has everything you could want from a winter getaway. The premier attraction is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. It's the ark where San Lucas Bay meets the Pacific Ocean, and it makes for tremendous views.
Cabo San Lucas Top Beaches:
- Santa Maria
- Medano Beach
- Chileno Beach
- Playa del Amor
- Playa Bledito
Read More:
Top 10 Things To Do While Visiting Atlanta For Your Winter Holiday
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 for 2021
Five Of The Best New Direct Flights From The U.S. To Tropical Destinations
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.