It’s starting to get a bit chilly here on the East Coast of the U.S.A.

We are a few short weeks away from Thanksgiving which means December is quickly approaching. It’s almost winter time friends. If you’re like me, you enjoy the first snow fall because well… it’s really pretty. And, if you’re like me, you think skiing is cool but after one or two trips to the slopes, you’re good until next season. Winter is LONG on the East Coast and if you’re anything like me, you need a vacation from the cold which can easily last for five or six months every year. Brrrrr.

Thankfully, growing up, my parents felt the same way about winter and our family escaped to warmer temperatures for two weeks every year. I have been fortunate enough to visit multiple countries in Central America and the Caribbean over the years. This part of the world is not only warm but it is so beautiful. You would think that the Caribbean is the Caribbean and every island found in the region between Central and South America must be pretty much the same with beautiful beaches, clear water, sun, and Piña coladas. But honestly, every island really has its own personality, vibe, and culture. Having traveled extensively in this region of the world, I have a few recommendations for this winter’s travel if you haven’t booked anything just yet.

I’ll share one destination recommendation each week as the temperatures get colder and colder and our desire for sunshine and sandy beaches grows.

Trinidad & Tobago– These islands are enchanting and still unknown to many which means neither of them are overly populated with tourism. Score. The temperature is always a warm 80-85°F (26-30 Celsius), and the sun is always shining. I love the landscape. Tobago is super mountainous and forestation covers half of it while streams and rivers flow everywhere you look. Both islands are FULL of wildlife and definitely the perfect spot for outdoorsy people. When I was there I went on a hike through the rainforests and saw two different species of monkey just roaming, wild and free. Both islands are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the right and the Caribbean to the left. The Caribbean Sea is freaking amazing, crystal clear and a beautiful aqua color.  Perfect for swimming.

The real reason why Trinidad and Tobago is my #1 recommendation though is its people. The people here stole my heart and are easily the most beautiful people I have ever observed. I am envious and wish I had their vigor for life and love for music, dance, and celebration. The Calypso, an afro-Caribbean style of music, is their thing and locals sing and play the typical calypso instruments, the trumpet and saxophone, in the streets when the sun goes down all through the night. The people are SO friendly and welcoming, it is kind of unbelievable.  My parents and I were the only white folk to attend a street party one night. We had the time of our freaking lives and quickly made friends with the locals.  As in, they cooked us dinner the following night.

What is the typical cuisine? Roti, an East Indian dish, is a national staple here and is quite tasty. It’s a wrap typically served with a thin layer of split peas as the condiment along with curried goat, chicken, or vegetables. Your choice. I prefer the curried chicken. Bake and Shark found on the island of Trinidad is a traditional street food dish, consisting of fried flatbread (“bake”) filled with fried pieces of shark meat and unique creole spices and sauces. Seafood, lamb, and goat are huge on the islands and most often found in a curry stew or sandwich.

These islands are perfect if you are looking for a low-key, relaxing escape from reality and a break from others whether that be other Americans, Europeans, etc. If this is your chosen spot, I recommend splitting your vacation time evenly between the two islands. Take a hopper plane or ferry between the two islands.

Note: If you are looking for a Cancun, party type island, Trinidad & Tobago is not for you.

Cheapest Months for Travel: My sister is visiting Trinidad and Tobago at the beginning of January and scored round trip plane tickets for $350. You will definitely find the cheapest flights for January travel. Flights for January are averaging $350 and for the end of February as well. If you are thinking middle of February or end of March, the flights are averaging $550 right now.

Download the hopper app on your smart phone to find out the latest and greatest flight prices and flight tips.