No big surprise that places like Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic are the "go to" destinations for snowbirds looking for a little winter time "fun in the sun."

However Carmen Gareau with "Word Travels" in Nanton says some spots farther a field are pretty popular too.

"There's destinations like Costa Rica, Belize is another great spot. Hawaii is always a favourite, if people don't want the all-inclusive. They head off to Hawaii and rent a condo. And Australia's kind of nice. Everybody's been heading up to the Gold Coast.

She says spots like Vegas and Phoenix are popular as well, but they can be more expensive for a shorter stay.

Gareau says cruises can also be a good buy in the winter, but they're not generally all inclusive which means you have to pay for all your beverages, plus there's non-stop tipping.

She also adds with recent worries about shootings and other violent crimes in some vacation destinations that for the most part these places are safe.

She says it's like going to any big city, there are places you wouldn't necessarily go there, and the same is true of vacation destinations.

Gareau says stay to the more tourist like areas and it's rare you'll run into trouble.

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