My Top 3 Destinations for Michigan Travelers to Visit This Winter

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I KNOW it’s hard to think about winter right now, just as spring has finally landed and snowy days are firmly in the past.

BUT, if you’re like me and Jake, you need a lot more sun that we get in Michigan over the wintertime. AND, you need to start making plans for your winter escape ASAP.

Jake and I are going to be spending a week in sun with our baby, so we’re set. It was hard to choose where exactly we’d go this year, but we finally landed on Mexico and we can’t wait!

When I put together this list, I prioritized easy travel days, relatively short flights, and beautiful destinations (as you know, growing up in Ludington set my bar for beautiful places very high).

If you haven’t made your winter travel plans yet, you’re going to want to read this!

1) Riviera Maya, Mexico

• Easiest way to get here:

  • Nonstop flight from DTW-CUN, with a private transfer from the airport to your resort/hotel/vacation rental (I really recommend Delta airlines, and if you don’t have a loyalty account with them you can make one here)

  • PRO-TIP: Avoid flying AeroMexico, especially if you’re traveling with a wheelchair. Customer service is nonexistent in case of damage and you receive little or no help finding a resolution.

• Who will have a good time here

  • Couples traveling for a getaway at the fabulous adults only resorts, families looking for adventure and fun, LGBTQIA+ couples searching for a safe place to enjoy each other, lovers of history that can visit Mayan ruins, anyone that loves theme parks at Xcaret, travelers wanting to relax in the sun, travelers with disabilities, friend groups, bachelor/ette parties

• Where to stay

  • I’ve stayed at all inclusive resorts every time I’ve visited, and this time we’re actually renting a house from a colleague of mine. All inclusive resorts are great if you want to go on your vacation and worry about NOTHING, which Jake and I definitely enjoy. This time we want to do more exploring on our own, so we’re renting a car and planning little adventures.

  • PRO-TIP - regardless of what you read online, currently there are NO all inclusive resorts in Tulum. The closest all inclusive resort is Dreams Tulum and it’s about 25 minutes north.

• How long to stay

  • I’ve stayed in Mexico for a long weekend, and all the way up to a week and a half. I really think it’s difficult to get bored here, especially if you stay on the beach and are traveling with people you love!

You’ve probably seen a lot of negative coverage about Mexico in recent weeks. While this is very tragic and sad, most of the issues being reported are nowhere NEAR the tourist centers of Cancun and Riviera Maya. The very few that are happen to be cartel and drug related. Before you write off Mexico as the most dangerous destination in the world that you’d never ever visit, I urge you to check your local crime stats - and your nearest big city’s and your state’s, and the U.S. Did you know that many countries have a travel warning on for the U.S. and urge their citizens not to travel here?

Regardless, a lot of people have unfair and unreal expectations of Mexico, which actually is helpful for those of us that want to go because we’ll have smaller crowds, better prices available, and less tourists to contend with.

I LOVE the Riviera Maya of Mexico - this is the coast on the east side of the country that starts below Cancun and runs down to Tulum. There are resorts and hotels and vacations rentals for any and every type of traveler, and it’s really easy to explore the nearby towns and enjoy delicious local cuisine!

2) Ocho Rios, Jamaica

• Easiest way to get here:

  • Nonstop flight from DTW-MBJ, with a private transfer from the airport to your resort (I really recommend Delta airlines, and if you don’t have a loyalty account with them you can make one here)

  • MAKE SURE to book Club MoBay for expedited service through customs

• Who will have a good time here

  • Couples traveling for a getaway at the fabulous adults only resorts, families looking for adventure and fun, LGBTQIA+ couples searching for a safe place to enjoy each other, travelers wanting to relax in the sun, travelers with disabilities, friend groups, bachelor/ette parties, history buffs that want to explore colonial towns and sites, adventurers that love adrenaline rushes

  • LGBTQIA+ couples will need to take more safety precautions off resort, especially in smaller towns.

• Where to stay

  • 4-5 star all inclusive resorts are really where it’s at, in my opinion! Double and triple check the area surrounding your resort because some are surrounded by half built subdivisions which is a little spooky to drive through every time you leave and come back.

• How long to stay

  • I think a week is the perfect amount of time to stay in beautiful Jamaica!

Ocho Rios is such a fun town, and there are many great excursions easily accessible. It’s a 1.5-2 hour drive from the airport, BUT the drive goes along the north shore of Jamaica and the views are stunning so time really flies.

A lot of travelers enjoy staying on the west side in Montego Bay, but to get to attractions like Dunn’s River Falls and the dolphin and shark experience, you’re driving to Ocho Rios anyway! I’d recommend Montego Bay more for those planning to stay on resort all week.

3) Gros Islet, St. Lucia

• Easiest way to get here

  • Flying to UVF from Michigan, I recommend booking flights with one layover MAX.

  • Private transfer from the airport to your resort/hotel/vacation rental (I really recommend Delta airlines, and if you don’t have a loyalty account with them you can make one here)

• Who will have a good time here

  • Couples traveling for a getaway at the fabulous adults only resorts, families looking for adventure and fun, LGBTQIA+ couples searching for a safe place to enjoy each other, travelers wanting to relax in the sun, travelers with disabilities, friend groups, bachelor/ette parties

• Where to stay

  • Gros Islet is on the north end of St.Lucia and offers many hotels and resorts for every taste. If you prefer more seclusion, romance, and nature immersion, I’m sending you to the south side of the island where you can get a room with a view of the Pitons!

• How long to stay

  • A week is just about perfect

St. Lucia is a HOT CONTENDER for the most romantic Caribbean island, and I certainly agree. There are three Sandals resorts on the north side, each with their own appeal, and the south side of home to amazing eco lodges with views for DAYS and access to marine reserves that are home to some of the most beautiful fish and sea creatures you’ll ever see.

DON’T PUT OFF your winter travel plans, Michigan friends! It’s so easy to do when the weather is as beautiful as it is now but the longer you wait to book your trip the less options you’ll have to choose from, and the higher prices you’ll be seeing.

I take ALL the stress out of planning travel for people like you by DOING IT FOR YOU, and it’s easy to get started. Just click the button below to send me your trip details (don’t worry if you don’t have everything nailed down yet) and then we’ll schedule a free Zoom call to talk through everything together!

Wishing you a beautiful summertime in our beautiful state, and I’m looking forward to helping you plan your winter escape!