by Cindy Kessler

Created on: November 10, 2009   Last Updated: January 18, 2010

Choosing a winter vacation package begins with deciding if you are looking for warm, sunny, lazy locales or an energetic, exciting, snow covered vacation destination. The Caribbean, Florida, California and south Texas are all desirable if you are looking for a place in the sun.

Flying into Fort Myers, Florida over white sand beaches and across the broad Caloosahatchee River then landing at Southwest Florida International Airport, your winter doldrums are quickly left behind.

Step out the door of the busy airport and soft tropical breezes ruffle your hair. Look up and your delighted eyes follow the flight of a flock of sea gulls circling above the tall Royal Palms welcoming you to a Winter Paradise.

The beauty of the west coast of Florida used to be a well kept secret but those days are long past. The traffic from the airport to the beaches is heavy, but passes quickly as the warm, soft air fills the car from the open windows.

Your destination is Sanibel Island a barrier island reached by a toll causeway from Ft. Myers. This destination is a playground of the rich and famous so keep your eyes open for celebrity sightings. Air, car and room packages start at $1200 for five night stay. www.sanibelcaptivaisland.com

Off the beach accommodations and packages are less expensive and you can still enjoy the tropical setting. www.ftmyers.com

Vacation Packages are available from American Airlines www.aa.com and Frontier Airlines www.frontierairlines.com

If you have the time to travel by car and want to enjoy some quality time camping on the Florida beaches many inexpensive opportunities await your selection. Florida State Parks maintain beautiful facilities inland and on the coasts. Some parks are even on barrier islands. Camping facilities are available in many locations. The state has a great web site and reservations can be made online. www.floridastateparks.com

If you want to enjoy the Gulf Coast of Texas consider a warm winter vacation on South Padre Island. The 34 mile long barrier reef is only mile wide at the widest point. The area is bustling with restaurants, shops, hotels, resorts and activities.

Padre Island National Seashore protects the longest stretch of Barrier Island in the world. The National Seashore provides endless opportunities for recreation. Many interpretive programs are available. www.nps.gov

South Padre Island 3 day vacation packages start at $199. Flights into Corpus Christi, Tx run about $300 round trip.

The web site for South Padre Island is filled with information about the area and is easy to navigate. www.sopadre.com

There are many more winter vacation opportunities available just click onto the Internet and you'll have thousands to choose from. Don't forget that last minute travelers can get great vacation packages from cruise lines. And if you are flexible as to dates, last minute cruises start at $149 for three nights.

While there are great winter vacation packages available in the Colorado Rockies or the Smokey Mountains one of the best winter vacations is on the beaches of South Florida.

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