Think tropical travel for winter and spring

(ARA) - It's intuitive to want to get away to tropical climates during the coldest months of the year, and because of that, the tourism industry, which has had a hard time during the economic difficulties of the last year or so, is ready to entice travelers with some great deals.

If your travel plans are flexible and you're not boxed into traveling only during the winter holidays, consider arranging your trip during the less popular travel dates, all the way into early spring, when you can often score off-season specials in your destination - or on your travel arrangements. Whenever you go, take a look at some of the most popular warm-weather destinations and find out which locations and modes of travel suit your needs best.

Get the most out of Mexico
In a country with so much to offer, it can be a challenge to choose where to stay and what to do. But the best option is to stay in a place that allows you to get the benefit of multiple areas.

Cancun is one of the best options in Mexico for a trip that allows you to see different environments, tie in varied side trips and enjoy all the things that make people love Mexico - the food, the culture, the sunshine and the friendliness. Plus, Cancun offers the convenience of a well-developed tourist infrastructure that makes it a great place for travelers of any experience level. Many Cancun hotels offer great deals, whether you want to stay on the beach or in the heart of the city.

From Cancun, it's easy to explore some of the most popular points on the "Riviera Maya." If you want excellent snorkeling, don't miss Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. If you want to explore the fascinating history of the area, make sure you plan for time to visit Chichen Itza and Tulum. Nature lovers will get a thrill exploring the jungles in the area and dipping into the unusual underground, underwater caves called cenotes - a multitude of tour operators based in Cancun provide great ecological experiences.

Bask in the Bahamas
Is island life calling out to you? Get a look at how varied it can be in the islands of the Bahamas. Big city life still booms in the capital city of Nassau, the country's business hub that doubles as a vacation destination. History and ecology meet beautifully on Grand Bahama Island, where one area, Gold Rock Beach, encompasses six individual ecosystems. To slide into the classic slow pace that so many vacationers look for, don't miss the Out Islands, which are dotted with small towns and great diving. You can fly pretty easily to the area, but another popular option for travelers is to simplify things by taking a Bahamas cruise, which allows you to combine all of the must-sees and must-dos in one package, with the convenience of leaving your luggage in one spot.

Follow the flights
If you've always dreamed of going to a tropical destination but haven't yet made the leap, start researching the options that are available. Learn a little about each place and narrow down the ones that suit you best. Do you want to get a taste of Dutch culture? Maybe try Curacao or the Netherlands Antilles. If you are green at heart, look into the new, hot eco-destination of Belize. And if you want to stay in the country, consider historic Key West.

When you've got your list ready, start monitoring prices on travel Web sites like Travelocity.com. If you're able to choose a date before deciding on a destination, you can track price changes and get the best cheap flights. Whichever destination you choose, you'll be soaking up the sun in no time.

Courtesy of ARAcontent