Five Popular Travel Destinations Montanans Want for Sun and Fun

Winter officially began on 12/21, and while most of Montana has been relatively warm and snow-free so far this season, we all know that the coldest, snowiest months are yet to come. January, February, and March are the months that many of us think about booking a vacation somewhere warm. Perhaps a destination with beaches, palm trees, and rum-filled drinks served in pineapples and coconuts.

An all-inclusive resort review website (wereviewresorts.com) analyzed Google search data to determine what tropical destinations Americans are looking for the most. They broke down the data for each state. Here are the Top Five tropical winter getaways Montanans are most interested in visiting. 

1. Belize

Sandwiched between Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala, the tiny coastal country of Belize sits on the shore of the Caribbean Sea. Direct flights from Montana aren't cheap, but vacationers could consider flying into Cancun and taking an 8-hour bus ride to Belize to save a few bucks. The RDO buses from Mexico are very nice, with roomy seats, affordable fares, and refreshing air conditioning.

2. Costa Rica

I know several Montanans who loved visiting Costa Rica. My buddy Jason moved there permanently about a year ago and has zero regrets. My brother and his wife are headed there for a vacation this month. From mountains, jungles, and waterfalls, to beautiful beaches, this tropical destination offers plentiful options for sunseakers. Relatively short flights are a bonus.

3. Thailand

If you don't mind spending a considerable amount of time in the air (and at airports), Thailand is an exciting option for Montanans who like to explore. Flights from the Treasure State can take anywhere from 24 - 46 hours, depending on your final destination in Thailand, and they're not cheap.

Looking at mid-February dates, Google Flights showed prices varied from $1,300 to over $2,000 from Billings. Once you arrive, however, your dollar stretches far. Travel sites tout Southeast Asia (particularly Thailand) as one of the most affordable places to vacation.

4. Philippines

With over 7,600 islands (roughly 2,000 of them inhabited), this exotic destination provides travelers with everything from bustling cities and nightlife to stunning remote islands where you may have the entire beach to yourself. If you've ever dreamed of staying on a private island, consider a trip to the Philippines.

5. Vietnam

Vietnam ranks 5th for Google searches in Montana, but for our neighbors in South Dakota, it's their top spot. Long, expensive flights are a drawback, but once you arrive it's quite affordable, with food, lodging, and transportation generally more affordable than Thailand.

Mexico didn't make this list, but it remains a top choice for Montanans looking for a winter escape, for obvious reasons. It's fairly inexpensive, the flights are relatively short and the major resort areas are considered safe.  Have you visited any of the destinations in this story? How was it? Leave a comment on Facebook or send us a message on our mobile app.