When the temperature dips below freezing and you’re bundled in layers of clothes, do you ever wish you could be sizzling in the sun at the beach instead?
People love vacationing in the summer. They look forward to planning a trip where they can spend lots of time outdoors, try new activities, and take pictures at all the tourist attractions.
As it turns out, those who only travel to the beach during the summer miss out on some of the best things coastal towns have to offer over the rest of the year. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Jetcost.com, 23% of Americans prefer to travel during the winter months.
If you’re on the fence about booking your next getaway amid a blizzard, here are five reasons to take a winter vacation to the sun and sand.
1. You Can Live Like the Locals
During the summer, local businesses and attractions are usually bustling with tourists. Families typically stroll around town in their newly purchased vacation outfits while umbrellas and chairs line the beach. However, in the wintertime, residents prefer to relax and get back to a calmer pace of life.
When you visit a beach town in the winter, you’re more likely to participate in locals-only activities. From finding hidden coffee shops to eating out in more neighborly establishments, you’ll probably feel like you blend right in.
Your status may also change from being seen as a tourist to more like a part of the community. Visit a beach in the winter and you could find yourself at someone’s house for drinks or making lasting friendships with new people.
2. Participate in Different Activities and Festivities
One of the first things you’ll notice about winter beach vacations is there are different kinds of festivities you wouldn’t experience during the summer.
When the weather is warm, fireworks and live music are common on boardwalks or beach dives. However, when the tourists leave for the cooler months, locals have their own fun with polar plunges, marathons, eco-adventures, and art fairs.
Beach escapes also offer lots of fun opportunities for couples during the winter. Many travelers enjoy romantic walks on the beach to take in the winter sunsets and enjoy taking a breather and reconnecting with one another.
3. Warmer Weather Makes You Feel Better
There are many ways in which traveling makes you feel happier, from reducing stress to offering opportunities for self-reflection. Beach trips are even being prescribed by doctors in some cases as a holistic method to recover from substance abuse disorders and mental health issues.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight triggers vitamin D synthesis, which is critical for promoting healthy bones, cell growth, boosted immunity and metabolism, and proper brain functioning. It can be challenging to get enough sun exposure throughout the winter, making a trip to the beach all the more worthwhile for your health and well-being.
4. It’s Typically Less Expensive
If you’re trying to save money while traveling, the winter months are prime for taking advantage of vacation deals.
Of course, while you probably won’t have access to the same amenities you’d have during the summer, many coastal resorts stay open all year round.
Whether you’re jet-setting on a weekend getaway to Florida, visiting quaint towns in the Outer Banks, or embarking on an international island adventure, you’re going to come across significant winter discounts on flights, rooms, and other services, as well as more availability for extended stays.
5. There Are Fewer People
Due to the crowds, summer travelers know how difficult it can be to make reservations to eat out or partake in excursions. Thankfully, this rarely happens when you take a beach vacation in the winter.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, vacations and sightseeing trips decrease by 50% during the winter season.
The perks? You get your pick of restaurants and shops. It also means you can enjoy sunbathing and walking on the beach when it’s relatively empty.
Even though you can plan your beach getaway for any time of the year, there’s something extra special about packing your bags in the winter. A trip to the beach will give you a much-needed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the holidays, colder temperatures, and being cooped up inside.
Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash
