Sand, surf and sea: You can fly direct from Charlotte to these tropical locations
With vacation season upon us comes increased air travel for some of the nation’s top airports, including our very own Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Deemed one of the busiest in the country and American Airlines’ second-largest hub, CLT airport offers direct flight service to more than 170 destinations, including several Caribbean and warm-weather spots perfect for a tropical getaway.
If you’re looking for some easy options without the hassle and headache of worrying about a layover — especially those flying with children — here are seven of our favorite direct flights from Charlotte Douglas International Airport:
Aruba
There aren’t many places you can go to encounter flamingos up close, but Aruba is definitely one of them. In about 4 hours, not only can you marvel at the pink-hued creatures, but you can also lay out along some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
The unique thing about this island nation is that it’s half desert, half tropical landscape. For a fun off-road desert adventure, consider a safari tour of Arikok National Park. You can do so via an open air Jeep driven by a local guide, or you can opt to rent your own Jeep to traverse the rugged terrain.
If you’re an art lover, check out the area’s San Nicolas neighborhood, which is home to several dozen brightly painted murals that change every few years.
Cancun, Mexico
When most travelers think Mexico, they think Cancun for a good reason: It’s a well known tourism hot spot with some of the most affordable accommodations available for a tropical getaway. All-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels and other options pack Cancun’s Hotel Zone, giving you a jumping off spot for lounging on the beach or exploring the area’s culture and nightlife.
Many day trippers set out to Chichen-Itza or Tulum to marvel at some of the Mayan-Toltec civilization’s most sacred sites. Some of the country’s most beautiful cenotes are also nearby for swimming and snorkeling. Shoppers will want to browse the city’s markets, and you can even take a shopping tour.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
While this has long been seen as a spot that only the more affluent vacation, tourism in the Cayman Islands has increased in recent years as more folks seek a destination that still has a bit of an exclusive feel, without the high price tag.
The direct flight to Grand Cayman from Charlotte is just under 3 hours, and once you land, you’re only a 15-minute car ride from the white sands of Seven Mile Beach and all its glory. A few suggestions for your itinerary: a picturesque lunch at Tillies at the Palm Heights Hotel, a private full-day boat excursion with Five Star Charters Cayman, as well as craft cocktails at a speakeasy, Next Door.
Liberia, Costa Rica
In just around four hours, you can experience the “Pura Vida” way of life in Costa Rica. While many folks fly into the country’s capital, San Jose, Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers direct options to Liberia, year-round.
Once there, make the drive from the country’s northwest region of Liberia to Guanacaste for the perfect balance of sea-meets-zen. Tucked away behind lush mangroves filled with an array of diverse wildlife, including sloths, Capuchin monkeys and hundreds of bird species — you can spend your days lazying on the shores of the more than 125-miles of beaches, or you can opt to get lost (with a guide of course) in the area’s rainforest.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
As the legendary Bob Marley once sang, “No worries… cause every little thing, is gonna be alright.” And that’s exactly the feeling you’ll get once you land from the three-hour nonstop flight from Charlotte to Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Most travelers opt to stay in Montego Bay as it is a more central location compared to other parishes, and it is home to several of the island’s most popular hotels and beachfronts. If you want to venture away from your resort for a bit of culture, head out to Westmoreland (about an hour and a half drive from Montego Bay) to visit the RastaSafari Experience. Spend a day immersing in Rasta culture while riding ATVs through the jungle, as well as stopping to take a dip in a gorgeous blue water hole said to have healing properties.
If it’s your first time to the island, it’s only right that you experience Dunn River Falls and make the climb with your local guide.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Just under four hours after takeoff in Charlotte, you can land in the Dominican Republic and hop on a quick shuttle to settle in at one of several all-inclusive resorts in the tropical tourist destination of Punta Cana.
If you’re the kind of vacationer who likes to stay put on site, you’ll have plenty of options for resorts with gorgeous views, high-end food options and pools as far as the eye can see. During the day, you’ll find yourself choosing from a lineup of activities including yoga, water aerobics and stand-up paddleboarding, while at night you can sing karaoke and learn to dance bachata.
Outside the resorts, golfers will find several courses with Caribbean views, and you can also take a catamaran or go snorkeling for an up-close experience. If it’s nightlife that you’re after, you’ll have a pick of clubs to dance until the wee hours.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
The perfect option for if you still want to get out of the country, even if you may not have a U.S. passport or your passport is expired. While it’s always best to have one when traveling abroad, since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens are not required to show a passport when entering.
Old San Juan is filled with tons of history, and you can easily spend hours navigating the cobblestone alleyways filled with brightly painted buildings. For the 21-and-up crowd, be sure to carve out a day to visit the Bacardi Rum factory for a tasting, or simply order a fresh piña colada from the local vendors. Nature lovers, check out El Yunque Rainforest to see some of the area’s many species of fauna and flora, as well as wildlife.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published Oct. 12, 2023, and has been updated.
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