Last-Minute Winter Travel Destinations Before Spring Arrives

With winter coming to a close and spring right around the corner, the task of selecting the right vacation destination can feel awfully daunting. However, there are plenty of exceptional places to choose from, no matter if you prefer the cold or the warm. Here are 20 destinations guaranteed to get your 2020 off on the right track.

If you can't wait until summer to splash around in paradise, head to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, more specifically the Riviera Maya region where you'll find stellar beaches, fascinating Mayan ruins in Tulum and jaw-dropping cenotes in addition to amazing art, food, history and culture. Visitors also have plenty of luxe all-inclusive resorts to choose from to ensure their budget stretches as far as it can.

The Windy City can be a handful in the heart of winter and summer so the late-winter and early-spring is a great time to visit. Not only is Chicago one of America's most walkable cities but it's also one of the best to celebrate St. Patrick's Day so a mid-March vacation is sure to be a hit with everyone in your travel group.

One of America's most accessible cities, Atlanta is an excellent place to say goodbye to winter and ring in spring, especially for sports fans in 2020 as the city will host the Final Four in April. Fans can also tour the interactive College Football Hall of Fame or make the two-hour drive east to Augusta for the annual Masters golf tournament during the second weekend of April.

Americans don't need passports to explore Puerto Rico but there's much to see here, from the special history on display in Old San Juan and the area's vibrant nightlife scene to the unparalleled nature and wildlife you'll find on Isla de Vieques. Whatever you choose, it's safe to say that you'll be planning a return trip before you know it.

The Mile High City is an easy pick when it comes to late-winter travel as visitors can catch the end of ski season or usher in the start of spring with the help of Denver's rising temperatures and abundant sunshine. This city is undeniably kid-friendly and nearby Boulder is all but guaranteed to win you over. After all, the beloved college town was named the happiest city in the U.S. as recently as 2017.

Las Vegas is a year-round favorite for many travelers as it definitely isn't short on entertainment, whether it's world-class performers or elite people watching along The Strip. Great weather and walkability only add to Sin City's appeal this time of year, especially around the start of pool season.

Travelers on the East Coast of the U.S. won't have to go far to touch down in The Bahamas, which can be easily accessed even on short weekend cruises. If the cold is getting to you, Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay and Disney's Castaway Cay are just a few of the places you won't want to miss as this region of the world boasts some of the clearest waters and bluest skies you're likely ever to find.

Outdoor enthusiasts will absolutely fall in love with the Arizona resort town of Sedona. A premier destination for activities and passions ranging from hiking to art, this desert destination is the perfect place to hit the reset button and come back brand new ahead of spring.

Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic were hit hard by a wave of negative media reports in 2019 but travelers can rest assured that the destination is not only safe but more appealing than ever. There are plenty of convenient flight options available from major U.S. markets and a slew of exciting all-inclusive resorts to choose from, including Sanctuary Cap Cana for couples and Club Med and Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts for families.

Don't sleep on the Twin Cities. It's no secret that Minnesota can be awfully cold this time of year, but there are countless things to do indoors in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, including an array of awesome museums such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art. There's also plenty do get into outdoors as well such as the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and gorgeous Minnehaha Falls.

The Live Music Capital of the World will be buzzing this March with the return of the annual South by Southwest film, media and music festivals and conferences. What's more, Austin boasts an average high temperature of 73 degrees in March so visitors can pack light and look forward to jump-starting their summer early on Lady Bird Lake as well as bustling hotspots like historic 6th Street and Rainey Street.

The Theme Park Capital of the World is the perfect place to start spring early. Not only are visitors just minutes from world-class amusement parks like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal but they're also only a brief drive from exciting cruise ship sailings from Port Canaveral. If you can't decide how you want to close out your winter and are strapped for time, make a plan to visit Central Florida.

There are plenty of reasons to make Maui your late-winter getaway in 2020, from mouthwatering food and wine to one-of-a-kind nature and wildlife experiences including whale watching and once-in-a-lifetime hikes. The Aloha State has never been more accessible and there's no passport required.

You have lots of choices when considering Canada but ask anyone who's been and they'll tell you, Quebec City is not to be missed. Visitors to this charming locale will uncover unique neighborhoods ranging from hip to historic and late-winter travelers can even experience Hotel de Glace, the only ice hotel in North America.

London makes a strong case as the world's best destination, offering visitors tons of history, a plethora of kid-friendly attractions and a handful of bucket-list sites such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The U.K. capital has never been more accessible and Americans don't have to fear a language barrier, making London a no-brainer as we bid winter adieu.

South Carolina's Hilton Head Island is a vacationer's paradise, especially if you like the idea of lying back on the beach or playing 18 holes close to the coast. Lowcountry living is all about taking it slow but there's much to explore if you'd prefer to dive into local history and culture.

No passport? No problem. Americans eyeing a Caribbean escape before winter is up can head to the U.S. Virgin Islands and explore some of the region's most inviting beaches and reefs. Regardless of whether you seek relaxation or adventure, the USVI have you covered so there's no need to fight your mood.

The United Arab Emirates has been the world's most awarded destination over the past five years, receiving nearly 100 more awards than the second-ranked United States. And no visit to the UAE is complete without spending significant time in Dubai, which also happens to be one of the world's most Instagrammable destinations.

Can't wait until fall? Head to New Zealand, where autumn starts in March. Not only is this an incredible time for leaf-peeping but you'll be visiting after the country's busy summer season and also be around for several exciting festivals celebrating everything from Easter to comedy.

Set out on a Caribbean adventure in St. Lucia and you'll be feeling those summer vibes well ahead of schedule. This island offers a wide range of experiences and authentic Caribbean charm. Properties like the Marigot Bay Resort & Marina stand out as guests will enjoy an unmatched combination of modern amenities and luxe services in the heart of all of the action.