Jan 25, 2017 – Sick of Buffalo’s winter already? Luckily, there are plenty of warm, nonstop destinations you can access from Buffalo-Niagara International Airport.

We’ve put together of some top places to visit this winter that don’t require a layover or plane change. Escape the winter doldrums and book a ticket to one of these warm locations.

Best Nonstop Winter Destinations from Buffalo

Phoenix, AZ

You may be surprised to learn that Southwest Airlines flies directly to Phoenix from Buffalo. If you enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of areas nearby for hiking, golfing and cycling. Late winter is an ideal season to visit, with February days usually sunny and averaging between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect temperatures for moving outdoors.

Downtown Phoenix offers many attractions, shopping and dining options, and nearby Scottsdale and Tempe provide even more options, surrounded by beautiful desert scenery. Baseball fans will be in their glory if they visit in late February and March — fifteen Major League Baseball teams do their spring training in the Phoenix metropolitan area, competing in the Cactus League. The League is a huge tourist draw, providing a great opportunity for sports fans to meet their heroes and enjoy baseball in beautiful weather for affordable prices.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale is one of the most popular winter destinations for northerners, and for good reason. Its main strip has plenty of upscale shopping, and the beach is a huge draw for tourists. Affordable nonstop flights from Buffalo can be found through JetBlue Airways and Southwest. With an average high of 77 degrees in February and low precipitation, it’s a great time to explore Florida before the spring breakers arrive.

If Miami Beach is more your scene, it’s only about an hour drive from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale are also home to two of the busiest cruise ports in the world if you’re looking to escape further and explore the Caribbean.

Tampa, FL

With affordable nonstop flights from Buffalo through Southwest, consider visiting Tampa, FL if you’re looking for warm weather and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. In 2016 TripAdvisor named Clearwater Beach in Tampa the top beach in the country and the 20th best beach in the world — the only beach in Florida to make the list. St. Pete Beach in St. Petersburg and Siesta Key beach in Sarasota also made the top five, and are less than an hour’s drive from Tampa.

During February and March baseball fans can also enjoy watching the New York Yankees’ spring training at the popular Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, or check out some of the other nearby stadiums where several MLB teams prepare for the season.

Las Vegas, NV

Late winter is a great time to visit Sin City, with highs averaging a comfortable 62 degrees in February and 70 degrees in March. Southwest offers nonstop flights, so you can be in the desert in about 4 hours. With its vibrant nightlife and variety of casinos, hotels and attractions, you can bet on enjoying Vegas in the winter.

And if you want to get outdoors and see some natural beauty, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is just a short drive from the Vegas strip and is one of the country’s most breathtaking national parks, featuring amazing views of nature, a scenic drive and many well kept hiking trails.

Los Angeles, CA

While visiting in February isn’t ideal for those looking to swim at the beach, Los Angeles’s comfortable winter weather is perfect for exploring around the city and shopping on Rodeo Drive, hiking to the Hollywood sign and visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With fewer tourists in this season, you can get better rates on hotels and expect lighter crowds.

It’s also a great time to check out nearby beach areas such as Santa Monica, Malibu and Venice Beach. These cities offer of plenty of outdoor activities besides swimming, including cycling and hiking, with gorgeous views of the water and mountains. When you’ve worked up an appetite, take advantage of the city’s amazing restaurants — LA was ranked the second-best “Foodie Destination” in the country by US News & World Report.

Cancun, Mexico & Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

For those seeking relaxation in a balmy destination, Cancun and Punta Cana offer plenty of pearl white beaches, nightlife and places to explore. With high temperatures in February averaging 84 degrees, it’s an ideal time to swim, snorkel or do other activities in the ocean, or lie by the pool and take advantage of resort amenities.

Vacation Express offers several vacation packages, including all-inclusive resorts and nonstop flights from Buffalo, to both Cancun and Punta Cana starting at less than $1,000 for a 6-night stay. If you’re looking for tropical weather and relaxation at an affordable price, these destinations should definitely be on your radar.

Where will you be traveling to escape the cold this winter? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook.