While we can’t tell you the physics behind rodent meteorological prediction, what we can tell you is that regardless of what happens on Gobbler’s Hill, we have the definitive top 10 trending beach destinations that are ready to be your escape from the cold.
Over the past year, we’ve tracked flight searches to warm getaways and identified the 10 destinations that are seeing the biggest increase in flight searches to their sunny shores. Early spring or not, it’s time to come out of travel hibernation.
- Maui, HI (61% increase in searches vs. last year) – As the #1 destination on our list, this island city offers more than just sun and surf: it serves as an important hub for Hawaiian culture. While our “When to book” data suggests a 4-month lead is ideal, booking a month or two in advance may still help you avoid an airfare hike.
- Cartagena, Colombia (23% increase in searches vs. last year) – With February boasting an average temperature of 82℉ and a median hotel rate of $164, Cartagena is the perfect excuse to recharge your winter batteries. Charter a boat to nearby Playa Blanca during the day, and watch the sunset from the walls of the Old City at night.
- Kona, HI (22% increase in searches vs. last year) – While the town is famous for its coffee, Kona’s beaches are what makes this spot truly unique: black, green, and white sands dot its shores. The average temperature for the island hovers around 73-75℉ in February and March, making it feel like the balmy days of late summer in mid-winter.
- Brisbane, Australia (15% increase in searches vs. last year) – This Aussie getaway combines beach-life with city-life, almost seamlessly. Work on your tan at Coolangatta Beach, then cool off indoors at its truly unique cinema-by-the-sand. Reminder: winter in the U.S = summer down under. So February and March are at peak temps, with precipitation tapering off by April.
- Malaga, Spain (12% increase in searches vs. last year) – If you’re looking for that salt water breeze but aren’t yet bikini-ready, then this is your stop. Median airfare is lowest for February travel ($873) and the average hotel rate sits pretty at $85. While you can ditch the winter jacket, average temps still hang out in the mid-50s so be sure to pack a sweater. If the Costa del Sol without the tan just doesn’t cut it for you, wait until June when temperatures rise and precipitation falls.
Looking for more ideas on where to spend your hard-earned vacation days? Check out the full Travel Hacker Guide for the rest of our Top Trending Beaches and five more top 10 lists with even more destination suggestions. For every city, we’ve included median airfare and hotel rates, weather info, and when to book recommendations to give you a leg-up on planning your year in travel. Travel Problem Solved.
