Top 10 easy winter weekend getaways

updated 4:04 p.m. ET Nov. 30, 2007

It doesn't matter if the pages of your passport are filled with stamps or you've got a shiny new one just waiting to take a trip, because winter is the ideal time to break it out.

Sure you could head to the local ski resort or down to Florida with everyone else in your neighborhood, but why not spend the weekend abroad?

Whether soaking up the sun or schussing down the slopes makes for your ideal vacation, we've rounded up 10 international destinations just a quick flight from many U.S. cities and included information on how to get there to make these winter weekends abroad as easy for you as possible.

1. Collingwood, Canada
If tearing down the slopes isn't exactly your idea of skiing fun, maybe a less-intense getaway is in order. Nestled in the shadow of the Niagara Escarpment and surrounded by Georgian Bay, Collingwood is Ontario's quintessential family destination, where ski-bunnies-in-training can take advantage of the wide variety of lessons and activities available to kids while their parents get a much-deserved break. And even if you don't have any kids in tow, Collingwood is the perfect place to learn to ski or brush up on long-forgotten skills without the pressure of a major mountain looming.

How: Fly direct to Toronto's Pearson International Airport from Boston (Air Canada, American, United, US Airways; about 2 hours), Chicago (Air Canada, American, Midwest, United, US Airways; about 1.5 hours), Columbus (Air Canada, United; about 2 hours), New York (Air Canada, American, Continental, Delta, United, US Airways; about 2 hours), or Philadelphia (Air Canada, Continental, United, US Airways; about 1.5 hours); then drive 90 minutes to Collingwood.

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2. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Just a quick ferry ride from Cancun but seemingly a world away, Isla Mujeres is a glimpse into Mexico's quieter, less-touristed past, especially when the tour boats have left for the day and those bunking on the "Island of Women" have it all to themselves. Laid-back is the way here, whether lazing on the white-sand beaches by day or idling away an evening in one of the many open-air cafes in town. Though there are accommodations here to suit any budget, those looking for luxe opulence will be better off in Cancun, because pretension is about as welcome here as the crowds.

How: Take a direct flight to Cancun from Atlanta (Aeromexico, Delta; about 3 hours), Charlotte (US Airways; about 3 hours), Chicago (American, Mexicana, United; about 4 hours), Detroit (Northwest, Spirit; about 4 hours), Miami (American, Mexicana; about 1.5 hours), Minneapolis (Sun Country, Northwest; about 4 hours), or Washington, DC (United; about 3.5 hours); then take a 15-minute ferry ride Cancun to Isla Mujeres.

3. Isla Taboga, Panama
Just an hour by ferry from Panama City (12 miles to be exact) exists the quiet cousin of the bustling capital city. Isla Taboga is an escape from the urban madness of Panama City for locals and tourists alike — a wander along the network of well-maintained paths lined with colorful orchids and enveloped by the lush landscape of the rainforest is enough to get you in vacation mode in no time. The remote beach with its crystal blue waters — great for snorkeling, kayaking, and whale watching — is the ideal place to soak up the sun on this so-called "sleepy isle."

How: Fly direct to Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport via Atlanta (Delta; about 4 hours), Houston (Continental, COPA Panama; about 4 hours), or Miami (American, COPA Panama, Continental; about 3 hours); then catch a ferry at the Port of Balboa (1 hour), or from Isla Naos (45 minutes) to Isla Taboga.

4. Jasper National Park, Canada
Situated in the Alberta Rockies, Jasper National Park is one of Canada's most spectacular treasures with 4,200 square miles of wilderness to explore. Head straight to Marmot Basin for 3,000 vertical feet of downhill trails, or enjoy mile after undisturbed mile available for Nordic skiing. Even if you don't ski, there's plenty of winter fun to be had, whether it be on skis, snowshoes, dog sled, or snowmobile. Add to that the fact that winter is Jasper's low season and you've got a wilderness adventure at a veritable bargain.

How: Take a flight to Edmonton, the closest international airport and about a 2.5-hour drive from Jasper. Denver (United, Air Canada; about 2.5 hours), Las Vegas (West Jet, US Airways; about 3 hours), and Salt Lake City (Delta; about 2.5 hours) all have direct flights to Edmonton.

5. Los Cabos, Mexico
From Hollywood stars to rowdy spring-breakers, Los Cabos attracts 'em all — and it's no wonder. Beaches, mountain, and deserts — you name it, this place has got it — with a plethora of activities to enjoy the best of each. Scuba diving, fishing, golf, whale-watching, hiking, and biking are just a few of the outings on offer. Whether you choose to stay in crazy Cabo San Lucas with its bars and nightclubs or in the quieter, picture-perfect village of San Jose del Cabo, you are guaranteed a good time.

How: Take a direct flight to San Jose del Cabo from Chicago (American, Mexicana; about 4.5 hours), Denver (Frontier; 3 hours), Houston (Continental; about 3 hours), Los Angeles (Alaska, American, Mexicana, Delta, Frontier; less than 3 hours), or Phoenix (US Airways; 2 hours).

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