The decorations are down, the guests are gone — and the gray season is upon us. While we’re generally blessed with mild winters here in the Carolinas, January and February can be downright depressing. Thankfully, it’s high season in the tropics. And with more than a dozen nonstop flights from Charlotte to Caribbean destinations, escaping the wintertime blues is a cinch. From a mega-resort in the Bahamas to a boutique getaway in St. Lucia — along with exploring the rich heritage and diverse landscape of Puerto Rico — we highlight three distinct locales, plus one popular attraction in Jamaica. Even if you’re not able to get away just yet, give yourself something to look forward to this spring or summer — a tropical island getaway is always a good idea.

Featured image: St. Lucia. Photograph courtesy Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.