Escaping the winter freeze is on everyone's mind in January and February — even March. Get out of town and to a tropical spot without busting your wallet by traveling to these U.S.-based islands where you don't need passports. Winter is usually high-season for these regions, but many hotels offer discounts or packages, making deals reasonable.
Maui, Hawaii |
Destination: Maui, Hawaii
The spirit of aloha is all around — from friendly locals, miles of enticing beaches, sweet-scented tropical gardens, and savory luau feasts.
What to Do: Surfing, of course! Nancy Emerson's School in Lahaina is perfect for nervous folks like my dad, Jonathan Thorpe, who accompanied his granddaughter, Chyna, and me to our first lesson. "I was ready to chicken out," he said, "but Sharky, our guide, was so patient and persuasive, I had to give it a shot." He did, and stood on his surfboard for three seconds before wiping out. Dad laughed all the way into the water, proving that having fun, even outside your element, is the best lesson you can learn.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua's new Ambassadors of the Environment program is dedicated to showing guests, including your grandkids, how to reduce waste and understand how human choices affect marine life. On a beach-walk and snorkeling expedition, Chyna and her instructor, Jacyln, collected beach debris, turned it into jewelry, and told me the delicate coral reefs "are like apartments for fish." Educational and fun? The perfect combo for a 10-year-old.
Where to Eat: No visit to Hawaii is complete without a luau, and the Feast at Lele shines with quality food and dancers. This dinner-show takes you through the Hawaiian, New Zealand, and French Polynesian regions, highlighting their different hula traditions. The meal includes four courses, heaping plates filled with kalua pork, sweet potato chips, poi, and fish cakes (we called them "crabby patties" and Chyna ate them right up).
Where to Stay: The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel is one of Hawaii’s most authentic resorts. With nightly hula shows, daily lei-making lessons, and even a highly entertaining dinner magic-show for the whole family, there’s always something to do. Spacious adjoining bedrooms and condo-style, two-bedroom suites keep everyone connected.
A waterfall in Puerto Rico |
Destination: San Juan, Puerto Rico
A short flight from most East Coast cities will land you at this U.S. Commonwealth. Here you’ll find great golf, sandy strands both great and small, and Latin culture galore.
What to Do: Stroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and make your way to Fort San Cristobal, the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World. It dates to 1634. On Sundays, post-church kite-flying on the lawn of the El Morro fort is a tradition for local families. You can buy your own kite for a few dollars at the concession stand. Take a night kayak tour of the bioluminescent bay at Laguna Grande with Island Kayaking Adventure. It's not a strenuous excursion for grandparents who are comfortable paddling at a slow and steady pace. When my daughter Croix put her hand in the water, a streak of blue light rippled across the mangrove canal. "Did you see that?" she said excitedly, "It's like fireflies underwater! Cool!" The guide explained that microscopic plankton produce the glow when disturbed. Very cool, indeed.
Where to Eat: Taste authentic fare at Restaurante Raices in Old San Juan. The wait staff is clad in traditional colonial dress and serves mofongo (mashed green plantains), gargantuan garlic-flavored pork chops, and fried chicken chunks — better than nuggets. Don’t miss the passion fruit frappes and fresh guava juice.
Where to Stay: The beachfront San Juan Marriott is a water-lover's dream with a two-tiered pool, one shallow and one adult-size with swim-up bar. There's also a pool slide on which everyone, young and old, eventually takes a turn. Kids can also play in the game room while grandparents try their luck at the in-house casino.
The Govenor's Mansion, St. Croix, Virgin Islands |
Destination: St. Thomas, The U.S. Virgin Islands
This U.S. Territory located in the Caribbean has three islands to choose from, each with a different personality. St. Thomas is a shoppers' Eden; St. Croix is the culture capital; and St. John offers a luxe and beach-packed option.
What to Do: Snorkeling in Magens Bay, St. Thomas. National Geographic magazine has called this heart-shape beach "one of the world’s most beautiful." In the harbor city of Charlotte Amalie, visit Blackbeard's Castle. The infamous tower dates to the 1600s. Here you’ll find the world's largest collection of bronze pirate statues and ancient cannons.
Where to Eat: Enjoy lunch or an early dinner at the Greenhouse in St. Thomas. The portions are generous and the price is right for conch fritters, grilled cheese sandwiches, and banana cheesecake.
Where to Stay: The same family has owned Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas since 1974. The resort offers an all-inclusive option when it comes to dining, nonmotorized water sports, and rooms: Pay one price, then put your wallet away.
Related Info:
Blackbeard's Castle — originally Skytsborg Tower (sky tower) — was built by the Dutch as a watchtower to protect the harbor at Charlotte Amalie.
The island of Puerto Rico was originally named San Juan Bautista, and the harbor town was Puerto Rico. Later, the island and the city switched names.
Poi is referred to as two-finger or three-finger, depending on how goopy it is. The Hawaiian staple food is made by mashing the cooked corm (swollen underground stem) of the taro plant.
We've got more Hawaiian Island resorts and adventures. And don't forget the Florida Keys for tropical fun.
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