Every winter, it happens without fail… That exact moment when you drop the shovel and decide you’ve had enough. While a standard all-inclusive package always tempts, why not switch things up this year with an escape that breaks the mold? Skip the predictable getaways and discover these sun-drenched destinations with nonstop flights from Toronto. In just a few hours, you could hike through lush rainforests, spot toucans in the wild, or savor freshly caught ceviche. And these hand-picked sun destinations from Toronto deliver far more than a typical trip south.
They bring fresh experiences, vibrant color, and real adventure to your winter break. Whether you crave adrenaline-packed excursions, rich cultural encounters, or pure relaxation, these tropical spots hit the mark.
Ready, set? Say goodbye to winter!
Martinique — the best new sun destination from Toronto
Forget gated, self-contained resorts: Martinique rewards independent travelers who rent a car and roll down the windows along winding roads framed by sugarcane fields. Accommodations lean heavily toward traditional Creole estates, private villas, and charming boutique hotels.
The island delivers a striking contrast between the south—with its turquoise coves and white sand—and the wild, volcanic north, dominated by the towering Mount Pelée. It’s the ultimate destination for active food lovers: hike coastal trails in the morning, then pull up a chair at a seaside lolo to enjoy piping-hot accras and an AOC rhum agricole ti-punch.
Travelers come for the relaxed Caribbean lifestyle infused with French culinary finesse, where Creole heritage shines through colorful markets and centuries-old distilleries. It’s the ultimate mix of tropical trekking, great food, and beach time.
Getting there is easier than ever with new nonstop flights from Toronto to Martinique starting December 19, 2026!
Air Transat’s top tips for planning your trip to Martinique
- The perfect 1-week Martinique itinerary
- 8 reasons to plan a trip to Martinique
- 13 dream beaches in Martinique
Caymans Islands and the Bahamas
Here, the ocean takes center stage. Open-water enthusiasts and marine adventurers will find an extraordinary aquatic playground across both archipelagos.
In the Cayman Islands, the world-class diving reputation holds up: plunging wall drop-offs, historic wrecks, and gin-clear visibility draw seasoned divers, while Grand Cayman’s cutting-edge culinary scene consistently surprises.
In the Bahamas, the real magic begins once you leave Nassau behind for the Out Islands like Eleuthera or the Exumas. Sail from secluded cays to empty sandbars, swim alongside stingrays, and soak up authentic island culture to the rhythm of local rake-and-scrape bands.
Both destinations offer the ultimate salt-air escape to unplug completely and live by the tides. For places to stay, choose between upscale oceanfront hotels (mostly European plan) and self-catered, pastel-hued beachfront cottages.
The real draw of these islands? The chance to hit reset and reinvent your routine.
Air Transat’s top tips for planning your trip to the Cayman Islands
- The Air Transat Guide to the Cayman Islands
- 5 Fun Transat Hotels to Experience in the Cayman Islands
Air Transat’s top tips for planning your trip to the Bahamas
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio is no ordinary beach town: it’s an electrifying metropolis where dense tropical jungle meets the Atlantic surf. Visiting between December and April drops you straight into peak Southern Hemisphere summer and the infectious energy of February’s Carnival.
Local life unfolds along the mosaic boardwalk of Ipanema, inside lively botecos across Santa Teresa, and around spontaneous street samba sessions at Pedra do Sal. Between morning treks through Tijuca National Park, sweeping vistas from Sugarloaf Mountain, and sunset caipirinhas on the beach, the city sets an irresistible pace.
For accommodations, take your pick between iconic oceanfront hotels with rooftop pools and bohemian hillside pousadas.
Air Transat’s top tips for planning your trip to Brazil
- Get in the mood: What to read and watch before going to Rio de Janeiro
- The Air Transat guide to Rio de Janeiro
Liberia, Costa Rica
As the gateway to Guanacaste, Liberia caters to travelers chasing raw adventure and genuine ecotourism. The entire experience revolves around the outdoors: volcanic national parks, canopies echoing with howler monkeys, and rushing rivers primed for whitewater adventures. Trade the pool lounger for a surfboard in Santa Teresa (with a sunset cocktail in hand), soak in natural thermal hot springs, or tackle the trails surrounding the Rincón de la Vieja volcano.
While you’ll find a few all-inclusives in this part of Central America, most visitors stay in jungle ecolodges or stylish, community-driven surf retreats. Driven by the Pura Vida ethos, the region delivers an active, restorative escape rooted in the wilderness.
Air Transat’s top tips for planning your trip to Costa Rica
- The complete Costa Rica surf guide
- Our Santa Teresa travel guide
- Where to eat, shop and play in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- Get in the mood: what to read and watch before going to Costa Rica
- Experience Costa Rica’s amazing wildlife up close
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena pulls off a rare feat: pairing the romantic allure of a fortified colonial city with the laid-back warmth of the Caribbean coast. Behind its UNESCO-listed ramparts, the city charms with pastel facades draped in bougainvillea, energetic cobblestone streets, and the vibrant street art of Getsemaní. Looking for pristine beaches? Hop on a boat to Isla Barú and its beachfront resorts.
Transat makes it effortless with a Duo Package that combines culture and coast, taking care of every transfer and logistics detail. Sit back, unwind, and enjoy—you’ve earned it!
Air Transat’s top tips for planning your trip to Colombia
- Discover Getsemaní, Cartagena’s trendiest neighborhood
- The natural beauty of Isla Barú
- Colombia travel itinerary: Cartagena and Tayrona National Park
St. Maarten — the perfect beach destination to beat the winter blues!
Looking for something fresh? Head to Saint-Martin, the island of 37 beaches! Renowned for its cosmopolitan character and hidden coves, the island invites you to rent a scooter and explore at your own pace: windsurf at Orient Bay, snorkel the calm waters of Anse Marcel, or dive into the nightlife around Simpson Bay. While watching planes skim the sand at Maho Beach remains an iconic spectacle, the island’s dining scene—especially throughout the culinary capital of Grand-Case—steals the spotlight.
This getaway suits sun-seekers who want complete freedom, outstanding restaurants, and stylish seaside accommodations.
Air Transat’s top tips for planning your trip to Saint-Martin
Rio Hato, Panama
Set along Panama’s Pacific Riviera, Rio Hato serves as a launchpad for rugged wilderness adventures and oceanfront relaxation. Still a hidden gem for Canadian travelers, this coastline features dramatic beaches ranging from powdery white sand to dark volcanic stretches—ideal for catching the breaks at Playa Teta!
Beyond the surf, the region encourages active exploration. Less than an hour inland, the cool ridges of El Valle de Antón—a village nestled inside an extinct volcanic crater—offer exceptional hikes among waterfalls and cloud forests.
Rio Hato also features full-service beachfront all-inclusiv vacation packages, so you can unwind without lifting a finger, complete with spectacular Pacific sunsets.
