Cuba Out of Action and Worries About Mexico – Ten Great Travel Alternatives for Sun Seekers

It’s a tough time to be a sun seeker from the US or Canada.

In January, flights were disrupted to the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) due to the US action in Venezuela. A few weeks later, flights to Cuba were halted because of an ongoing lack of aviation fuel, leaving Canadians and other visitors scrambling for alternative sun destinations.

Many would-be Cuba visitors, including personal friends of mine, opted instead for Mexico. But some potential visitors are now spooked because of the violent outbreak in Puerto Vallarta on the weekend following the killing of a top Mexican drug cartel leader.

One could argue, and I have, that Los Cabos is more than 500 km’s away, across the Gulf of California, and hasn’t seen any cartel violence I’m aware of. Cancun and the Riviera Maya is 2,500 km’s from Puerto Vallarta, which is similar to the distance from Los Angeles to Omaha or Vancouver to Winnipeg.

Still, some people might be reticent to book a Mexico vacation right now. Others are insistent about avoiding the United States these days.

With all those factors in mind, here’s a look at some sun destinations you might want to consider for a March or April getaway. I can’t guarantee there won’t be issues, but it’s not hurricane season in the Caribbean and none of the European or Caribbean countries I’m mentioning have a history of drug cartel problems or crime that regularly impacts visitors.

BARBADOS

This is one of my fave spots in the Caribbean, a safe and easy destination that’s easy to navigate, and features marvelous beaches, great food and top-notch resorts, including The Crane Resort, a spectacular spot on the southeast coast of the island. Check out the new, all-inclusive Marriott at Crystal Cove on the west side of the island, where you’ll be treated to spectacular sunsets. It’s part of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio. My last visit to the island featured a stay at the lovely 02 Beach Club and Spa on the south coast.

BELIZE

Looking for Mayan culture but don’t want to visit Mexico? Located just south of the Riviera Maya, Belize has amazing, historic Mayan ruins, as well as some of the best diving in the world. there are resorts of every description, and English is the official language. Canada now offers three major direct gateways to Belize—Toronto, Calgary, and the newly launched Montreal route—making the destination more accessible than ever for Canadian travellers. 

PORTUGAL, INCLUDING THE AZORES

Okay, it’s not super hot in March or April. But if you’re more interested in hiking or golf than you are sitting at the pool, a visit to the Algarve region of southern Portugal or to the Azores might be just the ticket. I had a fabulous stay at an apartment in the town of Burgau in the Algarve a few years ago, and a magnificent visit to the Azores maybe 10 years back. Air Canada and other Canadian airlines have made it even easier to reach the Azores of late, with direct flights from Toronto. 

AUSTRALIA

If you don’t mind the extra flying time, keep in mind that our spring/their fall is a fabulous time to visit almost every area of Australia. The summer crowds will soon be heading home, and the weather in cities such as Melbourne and Sydney is almost ideal in March and April. Hotels Sydney. The average daily temperature in Sydney in April is a darn-near perfect 23C, which makes it a great time to visit Manly Beach or take a boat ride around the city’s picture postcard harbour. I’m also a huge fan of Western Australia, home to the dynamic and growing city of Perth and the superb Margaret River wine region.

COSTA RICA

Home to 31 national parks and two coastlines (the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean), Costa Rica offers everything from rainforest ziplining and volcano hikes to world-class surfing, wildlife encounters, and boutique eco-lodges rooted in conservation. One of the top places to stay is Nekajui, a Ritz‑Carlton Reserve; an ultra-luxury rainforest-meets-ocean retreat. Located steps from Playa Guiones and bordered by the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, The Harmony Hotel is a nature-forward wellness retreat. Daily yoga, cold plunge pools, and private bungalows encourage meaningful disconnection, while a short jungle path immerses guests in local flora and wildlife.

JAMAICA

This is another perennial fave of many Canadians, myself included. The weather is terrific in spring and crowds are down from the peak winter season. There are tremendous resorts, both all-inclusive and luxury, as well as more casual spots. I had a marvelous stay in January of last year at Sunset at the Palms in Negril. I also love the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios and Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, which will reopen Eclipse at Half Moon and the Half Moon Villas on April 2, roughly six months after Hurricane Melissa struck northwestern Jamaica. If you want to get off the proverbial beaten track, try visiting Boston Bay on the east coast, or spend a few nights at super quiet Jake’s Treasure Beach on the south coast, a great, boutique spot that reopened in December of 2025.

NEW ZEALAND

I don’t know of any country in the world that’s so small and offers so much variety. New Zealand offers sub-tropical beaches, wineries, bustling cities, fjords, towering mountains, alpine lakes, quiet coastal villages, and so much more. The weather might be a bit cool by April for the south part of the south island, but the average temperature in Auckland in April is around 20C. That’s shorts and a t-shirt weather for many North Americans. If you visit Auckland, be sure to take the ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island. Another great spot I really enjoy is the one-time French village of Akaroa, a short drive from Christchurch. Napier is a wonderful, Art Deco-style city on the North Island.

DOMINICA

Nature lovers will find a truly stunning array of options on this Caribbean island, including towering waterfalls, mountain trails, natural hot springs, and even a beach (Champagne Beach) with natural bubbles that rise up from the ocean floor just a few feet off shore. The view from the top of the peninsula at Scotts Head is one of the finest in the Caribbean. Top choices for a place to stay the night include Jungle Bay Resort, a few minutes north of Scotts Head, where you’ll find lovely units surrounded by thick jungle growth, good food and fabulous sunsets. I also like Wanderlust Caribbean,  a boutique, family-run spot in the funky, casual northeast corner of the island. It’s quite close to scenic, super-quiet Batibou Beach.

ITALY

The north is still pretty chilly in early spring, but southern Italy and Sicily are delightful in March and April, with average temperatures in Palermo 18C to 21C in April. It’s a fascinating city with lots to see and do, as I discovered on a visit with MSC Cruises in March, 2024. One spot I quite enjoyed a dozen or so years ago is the island of Ponza, which is off the west coast of Italy and can be reached by ferry from the town of Terracina, which is about 90 minutes from Rome by train. 

THAILAND and SOUTHEAST ASIA 

Again, the flying time might be a factor. But once you’re there, travel in Thailand is quite inexpensive. The posh, five-star Conrad Bangkok was listed on Expedia.ca recently for just $323 per night in early April, including taxes and fees. A hotel like that in New York City would cost you $1,00o USD or more. Bangkok is a fascinating city with amazing street food. Even cheaper is a visit to Vietnam, where you’ll find the historic city of Hanoi and amazing street markets. If you want something a bit more upscale, check out Singapore, which has spectacular hotels and shopping, as well as wonderful, inexpensive food stalls for great noodles and other dishes. Air Canada flies directly to Singapore from Vancouver, and also to Bangkok.