Cozumel

The clear turquoise waters and powdery sands of Cozumel entice visitors from cold winter climates to this 185-square-mile island off the Yucatán Peninsula. Cruise ships are a constant feature of Cozumel's coastal views, and tourist chatter frequently interrupts the atmosphere on this charming island. In fact, Cozumel's allure is so strong that the shopping plazas along the waterfront remain crowded for much of the year.

However, the crowds should not deter you from exploring what this tiny Yucatán island has to offer, especially since Cozumel's true allure is located far from the downtown area. You can hire a fishing or diving charter boat to explore the shallow reefs along the coast (this is arguably one of the best diving destinations in the world), take a glass-bottom boat tour around the island, or simply relax on a quiet beach. Once the cruise ships have disembarked, you should head to a local bar for some live music and the real scoop on this tiny island.

Cozumel is best visited between March and June when the daytime highs are around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are slightly cooler, with temperatures ranging from the upper 60 degrees F to the lower 80 degrees F, so bring layers. The rainy season lasts from late summer to early fall, and hurricanes have been known to wreak havoc on the island.