During these cold Winter months it can be hard to remember what it felt like to wear sandals, or what a city looked like without a blanket of snow. If you have been dreaming about beaches and sunny days then get ready because Caribbean vacation season is hotter than ever! The hurricanes have all passed and the holidays are weeks away from being over, so now is the perfect time to start planning your tropical Caribbean vacation. And, Avoya Travel / American Express can help make your dream Caribbean vacation for 2012 come true. Read on to learn more about popular resorts ready to welcome you to paradise!

Jamaica

If you were to look at a live map of the Caribbean, Jamaica would stand out for its non-stop action and exciting activities. Hiking, water rafting, night clubs by the beach, steel drum bands, and Jamaican Red Stripe beer on the beach are just a few of this island's attractions. When staying at resorts such as Riu Ocho Rios, you’ll be close to the famous Dunn’s River Falls and the beautiful Blue Mountain region. Hike through lush jungle foliage to discover majestic waterfalls at the end of your trail, or rent bicycles and take a scenic ride through the coffee plantations sprinkled throughout the Blue Mountain region. Many resorts have their own specialty beverages to offer you while you lounge at the resort’s pool and private beach, otherwise Jamaican Red Stripe beer or Planter’s Punch are delicious locally-made drinks to try while soaking up the sun. Caribbean vacation season wouldn’t be complete without visiting nearby beaches during your vacation, and you can easily take a day trip to Montego Bay or Doctor’s Cave Beach from resorts such as Iberostar Grand Rose Hall. Spend the day wandering through local shops, trying new restaurants, or simply relaxing in the sand at these famous beach destinations along the Jamaican coast. And for a night of dancing and hot island music after the beach, Montego Bay is also known for its ‘Hip Strip’ nightlife!

Bahamas

The Bahamas is one of the most recognizable tropical destinations in the world – known for its pristine beaches and exciting attractions. While staying at resorts such as Riu Paradise Island, you will be close to the city of Nassau where families can spend the day in Nassau’s Blue Lagoon and interact with dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, and visit fun historic attractions such as the Pirates of Nassau museum! Also on Paradise Island is the Atlantis resort – a great attraction that features a huge water park, the Atlantis Aquarium, as well the largest casino in the Caribbean! Paradise Island is also home to some of the best nightlife in the Caribbean, and you can prepare for your evening out with a pampering treatment at the Riu Paradise Island’s Renova Spa which features a wide variety of health and beauty services. During your days at the beach, the Bahamas is a wonderful destination to try various water sports such as wind surfing, sailing, snorkeling, and fishing. Both Paradise Island and Nassau are popular places to rent equipment or take excursions to try these water sports so you can try them all within a convenient distance from your resort. This island is truly a petite paradise filled with beauty and adventure, and you can visit it now during Caribbean vacation season!

Turks and Caicos

For an exotic getaway, the Turks and Caicos islands are fantastic places to indulge in everything that defines the Caribbean: pristine beaches, awe-inspiring natural attractions, and gourmet island dining. For families, there is something to be enjoyed at the all-inclusive Caribbean resort, Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, where the kids can spend the day at the Pirate’s Island Theme Park shooting down water slides and splashing in pools under the Caribbean sun. After a day of fun in the sun you can escape to the full-service European spa for a rejuvenating spa treatment, and end the day with a gourmet dinner at one of the resort’s specialty restaurants. Outside the resort, you can visit the famous Grace Bay to lounge along its white-sand beach or snorkel in a coral reef filled with colorful fishes. For some aquatic fun above the water, you can take a sailing tour around the islands to learn about its natural history, and maybe even see some whales during your tour! Exotic marine life is plentiful in the Caribbean, and at the Caicos Conch Farm visitors can learn more about these creatures and even take a beautiful conch shell home as a souvenir. Animal lovers will also enjoy taking an unforgettable Caribbean sunset horseback ride along the beach during their stay in Turks and Caicos whether it’s for family fun or a romantic activity. No matter how you want to spend your time in Turks and Caicos, you are sure to be amazed by the beauty and hospitality of these Caribbean islands.

Now that Caribbean vacation season is here, the only decision you need to make is which island to visit! Call an Avoya Travel Vacation Specialist to learn more about these Caribbean resorts and plan your getaway for 2012 – it will be the highlight of your New Year.