The grayness of autumn has set in and you suddenly want to flee to warmer skies? Escape south to one of these sunny destinations usually sheltered from tropical storms.
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Cartagena is a fantastic city to discover in a few days. Its rich past, its Spanish colonial architecture, its exquisite Caribbean gastronomy, its beaches... everything is there for a successful and diversified holiday.
What to do: visit the old town, stroll through the colorful alleys of the Getsemani district, bask on the beaches of Bocagrande, escape by sailboat for a day on the Rosario Islands, admire the sunset at the famous Café del Mar.
Getting there: direct flight from Montreal, duration 5h40
Some accommodation ideas:
Hurricane risk: low
If you like miles of beaches and sunbathing, Playa Blanca in Panama is the place to be. Surrounded by coconut trees, cocktail in hand, leave your worries behind and enjoy a well-deserved vacation.
What to do: stretch out on the beaches, visit the famous Panama Canal, take a trip to the Anton Valley.
Getting there: direct flight from Montreal to Rio Hato airport, duration 6 hours
Some accommodation ideas:
Hurricane risk: low
Costa Rica is the ultimate destination for ecotourism and biodiversity. Less than 1h30 from Liberia airport, the Tamarindo region is ideally located on the country's Pacific coast. Between the lush jungle and the golden sand beaches, become one with the surrounding nature.
What to do: surf the waves of the Pacific, go in search of giant leatherback turtles, howler monkeys and crocodiles, enjoy the most beautiful sunsets on the west coast.
Getting there: direct flight from Montreal, duration 5h45, then 1h30 drive
Some accommodation ideas:
Hurricane risk: low
In the Lesser Antilles, the island of Aruba is simply heavenly. The turquoise water, the dry and warm climate, the calm sea and the sea breeze that blows all year round make it a sun destination par excellence. With its many shipwrecks (there are 42 around the island!), it is also perfect for scuba diving enthusiasts in search of the treasures of the Caribbean.
What to do: walk on the golden beaches, taste seafood, cross the island in a 4x4, go diving.
Getting there: flight with a stopover from Montreal, variable duration
Hurricane risk: moderate
Mexico City is sheltered from storms thanks to its geographical location inland. No beach here, but beautiful sunny weather and a ton of things to see while on vacation in Mexico's vibrant capital.
What to do: visit the Frida Kahlo museum, discover the markets, photograph the Plaza de la Constitutión, sail in the floating gardens of Xochimilco.
Getting there: direct flight from Montreal, duration 6 hours
Some accommodation ideas:
Hurricane risk: none
The island of Curaçao is located off the coast of Venezuela and is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We go to its capital Willemstad for the colorful colonial architecture, but also to explore the coral reefs by snorkeling or diving. Its crystal clear water invites to nautical activities or simply to contemplation from its many beaches.
What to do: Laze on the beaches, paddle a sea kayak, try “kitesurfing”, hike in Christoffel National Park, wander the streets of Punda and Piertermaai.
Getting there: flight with one or two stops from Montreal, variable duration
Some accommodation ideas:
Hurricane risk: moderate
Phoenix, Arizona is an incredible destination, especially in November when the temperature is around 25 degrees. The city has everything to please with art deco architecture, several magnificent golf courses, a botanical garden filled with cacti, delicious Tex-Mex gastronomy. What more?
What to do: hike minutes from town, visit the Desert Botanical Garden, experience the Mesa Agritourism Route, fly over the desert in a hot air balloon.
Getting there: direct flight from Montreal, duration 5h45
Some accommodation ideas:
The Peruvian capital is very sunny in November and is the gastronomic destination par excellence in South America. With its large beach on the Pacific, its impressive cliff, its historic district, its tasty coffee and its wild nightlife in Miraflores, Lima is a city where you never get bored.
What to do: Taste Peruvian specialties, try paragliding, wander around Barranco, go on an excursion to Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Getting there: direct flight from Montreal, duration 8h30
Some accommodation ideas:
Hurricane risk: none
With climate change, parts of the Caribbean, Central America and South America normally rarely hit by seasonal hurricanes are still finding themselves in the path of some storms. Be sure to check for tropical storm system formation before you depart and adjust your plans as needed.
