Top 10 easy winter weekend getaways

6. Mont-Tremblant, Canada
One of the most popular skiing destinations in eastern Canada and boasting some of the highest peaks of the Laurentian Mountain chain, Mont Tremblant, Quebec is a winter wonderland of adventure. Besides downhill skiing, there are 150km of cross-country trails (used annually for the Canadian Ski Marathon). Combine this with the string of cozy chalets and relaxing spas within close proximity to the mountain, and you can transform your weekend getaway into pure pampering bliss.

How: Fly to Montreal's Trudeau Airport and drive 2.5 hours to Mont Tremblant. Direct flights are available from Boston (Air Canada, United; about 1.5 hours) or New York (Air Canada, American, United; about 1.5 hours). You can also opt to fly directly into the Mont Tremblant International Airport, just 30 minutes north of Mont Tremblant resort via Voyager Airlines from Newark (about 1.5 hours).

7. Montego Bay, Jamaica
This island may do duty as a spring-break central every year, but the reggae-centric spot has a fascinating history, vibrant culture, and passionate political past that make it an enchanting (and warm!) place to visit in winter. Jamaica offers travelers everything from picture-perfect white-sand beaches to river rafting; from spicy jerk chicken to some of the best golf in the West Indies. Catering to everyone — honeymooners, party-goers, and families alike — the island offers an array of accommodations from luxurious villas to all-inclusive resorts and out-of-the-way enclaves.

How: Board a direct flight to Montego Bay from Charlotte (United, US Airways; about 3 hours), Los Angeles (Air Jamaica, Delta; 5.5 hours), Memphis (Northwest; about 3.5 hours), New York (American, Continental, Delta; about 4 hours), Philadelphia (Delta, US Airways; about 3.5 hours), or Washington, DC (United, about 3.5 hours).

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8. Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
Revered as one of the last unspoiled frontiers of the Caribbean, Turks & Caicos are tailor-made for long-weekend beach getaways thanks to their proximity to the U.S. The main island, Providenciales (known as Provo), is home to Grace Bay — one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and protected by a natural 499-mile long barrier reef that affords it clear turquoise waters for miles. Provo is an oasis for those seeking to do little more than lounge on the white sand beaches or explore the waters, as there are few diversions other than surf, sun, and sand.

How: Fly nonstop to the Providenciales airport from Atlanta (Delta; about 3 hours), Boston (American; about 3.5 hours), Miami (American; 1.5 hours), New York (American; about 3.5 hours), and Philadelphia (US Air; 3.5 hours).

9. Punta de Mita, Mexico
A far cry from the muddled streets of Puerto Vallarta, but just a short distance away, Punta de Mita is fast becoming Mexico's most exclusive destination. While several luxury resorts are in development, including Rosewood and St. Regis, today's visitors can pamper themselves by booking a room at the posh Four Seasons or renting a villa along the dazzling coast. But it's Punta de Mita's natural beauty — a 1,500-acre spear-shaped peninsula surrounded on three sides by immaculate beaches and three bodies of water — that really makes this a stand-out destination.

How: Fly direct to Puerto Vallarta from Chicago (American, Mexicana; about 4.5 hours), Dallas (American, Mexicana; less than 3 hours), Los Angeles (Alaska, Delta; about 3 hours), or Minneapolis (Northwest, Sun Country; about 4 hours); then drive 26 miles north along the coast to Punta de Mita.

10. Roatan, Honduras
A tropical winter weekend can be had in up-and-coming Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras. Wild parrots, iguanas, and monkeys roam freely among the lush countryside and mountainous spine, while the clear, turquoise waters and the surrounding reef make for an unmatched underwater experience; expect to see shipwrecks, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales when diving offshore. There are no fancy high-rise hotels, malls, or golf courses here — just miles of unspoiled beaches and tropical landscapes.

How: Fly direct to Roatan from several US cities including Atlanta (Delta; about 3 hours), Houston (Continental, Taca; less than 3 hours); and Miami (Taca; about 2 hours).

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