4 Places in Mexico to Escape the Winter Blues

Mexico holds a number of warm locations where one can escape the cold. Check out some of these sunny, relaxing locales.

While North Americans and Canadians brave the cold this winter, Mexico is enjoying warm and dry weather. Each of these locations comes with its own charm, providing welcomed options for escaping winter's cold bite.

The Los Cabos Corridor

The Los Cabos Corridor is the stretch of coastline between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo in Baja California Sur (south). The weather is rarely under 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime. This area has many luxury resorts for English-speaking tourists and expatriates.

It is also known for historical colonial settlements, ancient cave drawings, amazing desert landscapes and marine wildlife. Whale-watching tours are available in Cabo San Lucas from December through April.

If you're looking to bring your own accommodations for the winter, you can even find RV parks in the area, including Cabo Alegre and Cabo Cielo, which are in the Cabo Real area of the city.

Mérida

Mérida is the capital city of the state of Yucatán. It has a population of nearly 1 million people, making it the largest city in the area. The weather is typically in the mid-80s during the winter months, and the city has stunning European-style architecture throughout. There are also many modern restaurants, malls, movie theaters, hotels and museums.

The city has several high-quality public and private hospitals. The UADY hospital in Merida is one of the most prestigious hospitals in the country.

For snowbirds who are just staying for the season, there are a few RV parks on the outskirts of Merida. The Rainbow Trailer Park is located at the 8 KM mark on the road to Progresso and is known for its solitude, while being close to essential shopping and public transportation.

Playa Del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a Caribbean beach town in the state of Quintana Roo. It offers a more relaxed and less expensive option, compared to other nearby tourist spots like Cancún and Cozumel. The town is a stop for several cruise ships and is also near the Xcaret Eco Park.

The temperature of the city is hot year-round, usually hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime. Rainfall amounts are typically very low between December and April.

A variety of bars, restaurants and souvenir shops can be found along the beach. A luxury golf course is also located in the southern part of town. And, there are many English speakers, due to the town's popularity with North American tourists.

A few RV parks are located near Playa Del Carmen. Paamul RV Park is located 8 miles south of town, and La Playa RV Park is 13 miles away. Both are popular among retirees thanks to their proximity to the water as well as the availability of nearby shopping and dining.

The Star Medica is the best private hospital that serves the area. Small pharmacies, dentists and other specialists are plentiful in the area.

Chetumal

Chetumal is a coastal city located at the southern end of Quintana Roo. This city is the main trading hub between Belize and Mexico. The city has many museums, national monuments and national parks. There is a ton of affordable shopping, and many areas hold a high volume of English speakers.

There are five large public and private hospitals within the city. Clinica Cerranza is a very popular clinic among the expatriate community.

There are also several RV parks and campgrounds near the city, including Yax Ha RV Park, which has luxury amenities for those looking to escape in style.

Playa Del Carmen and Mérida come with a higher cost of living, offset by resplendent views and high caliber establishments, making the price tag more than worth it.

From beautiful coastlines to cities that offer a unique glimpse at history, Mexico has plenty of ideal choices for retirees and others looking for a winter getaway.