Leave cold behind for sunny adventures

With winter on the horizon, perhaps it’s time to plan a warm-weather family getaway. Here are five destinations to consider:

Board a big ship. From now until May 2015, family travelers can board the newly launched, 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas in Bayonne, N.J., for travel to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. On board, innovative options include a sky-diving simulator; the Seaplex sports complex, where bumper cars and basketball reign; and the Northstar experience, which enables the curious to sample a 360-degree, ship-and-sea view from a glass capsule that extends above the ship.

Make pink sand castles. Visit the island gem of Bermuda for sunny skies, historic attractions and the legendary tinted-sand beaches. Visit the snorkel park for water sports. See one of the world’s largest shell collections, learn about the Bermuda Triangle and step into a virtual shark cage at the Underwater Exploration Institute.

Make memories in Maui. Watch whales breaching from the long stretches of beach on Maui, considered Hawaii’s magic isle. Learn to surf or check out the Maui Ocean Center. Explore the rain forest and hike to a volcano. Ask about the Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali family packages that include free midsize car rentals and complimentary stays for children 17 and under.

Channel Cochise and Geronimo. Located in Truth or Consequences, N.M., in the heart of Chiricahua country, the Sierra Grande Lodge serves as a home base for exploring the region’s rich American Indian history. The historic lodge is popular for its mineral hot springs, as well as easy access to hiking, fishing and birding in the Gila Wilderness.

Book a rain forest retreat. Starwood Caribbean Hotels & Resorts has packaged stays in island destinations intended to lure families away from chilly climes. For example, the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, at the foot of Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest, combines top-notch golf, nature experiences and quiet beach time for an extraordinary winter holiday.