Maybe you’re just tired of the cold, or perhaps you’re tired of paying a sky-high heating bill every month. Whatever the reason, it’s always around this time of year that the idea of “getting away” becomes less of a fantasy and more of a serious consideration.
Perhaps you were speaking with a friend who just got back from a tropical vacation, or maybe you were simply browsing online when you saw that photo of a white sand beach, clear skies, and a swaying palm tree. Or maybe, just maybe… you hadn’t even considered the idea until right now!
If that’s the case, we apologize–but here is our list of the fifteen best places to escape the cold this winter:
thevillasonstjohn.com
St. John, United States Virgin Islands
Many people aren’t aware that aside from Puerto Rico, the United States also has another Caribbean territory. The U.S. Virgin Islands are comprised of St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and the smaller Water Island, but among these, St. John is our clear-cut favorite. The presence of the Virgin Islands National Park ensures that nearly two-thirds of the island remains in a beautiful natural state, but the tiny hub of Cruz Bay (pictured above) also ensures that a bit of fine dining and nightlife still exist. If you’re a U.S. citizen with no passport, this might be your best option for a warm weather getaway!
www.nathab.com
Costa Rica
Whether you choose the upscale beach resorts of the Pacific coast, the laid-back vibrations of the Caribbean side, the adventure of the country’s inland jungles and volcanoes, or some combination of it all, Costa Rica is a fantastic destination to escape the cold for a bit this winter. By far the safest country in Central America, it’s also a bit more expensive than its neighbors–though many visitors would agree it’s well worth it. A peace-loving, democratic, and environmentally-friendly destination, Costa Rica is also a favorite destination for travelers who care about the ethics of where they spend their tourism dollars.
www.bonfireexpeditions.com
Australia
Keep in mind that when it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere, that means it’s summer down south! If you’ve ever been interested in visiting Australia, wintertime is a fine opportunity to do it while getting some warm weather experience in at the same time. From the cultural institutions of Sydney to the raw beauty of the Outback to the beautiful beaches that literally encircle the country, there’s plenty to see and do here. Yeah, the plane ride can be a bit of a pain, but once you’re there, you’re there. And also, it gives you a fine opportunity to take a side trip to our next destination…
www.wallpaperup.com
New Zealand
Perhaps due to the fact that it’s so far away from pretty much everywhere else, New Zealand is often overlooked as a candidate for a warm weather getaway–and this is a real shame! Featuring some of the world’s most incredible landscapes (seriously, have you seen the Lord of the Rings?) distributed over a relatively small geographical area, you can even take a day to climb a mountain and get back into the cold weather if you so choose. We’re not saying that it makes much sense to travel halfway around the world to escape the cold simply to head back to the cold, but hey–we wouldn’t judge you.
www.staclim2014.org
Bali, Indonesia
An Indonesian island as well as an individual province, Bali is fantastic as both a natural and cultural destination. Particularly interesting as a Hindu-majority area in an otherwise Islam-majority country, signs of Bali’s religious and cultural diversity can be found around every corner. The island is also part of the so-called “Coral Triangle,” an area featuring more underwater biological diversity than anywhere else in the world–so if scuba diving and snorkeling are of interest to you, make sure not to miss out while you’re here!
news.wdc14.com
South Africa
Most of South Africa is beautiful year round, but its January summers only make it more appealing to visitors from up north. Whether you’re enjoying Cape Town (pictured above), Johannesburg, or the countryside, South Africa has a little something for everybody. The so-called Garden Route features some of the country’s best beaches, while the Western Cape is just a short road trip from Cape Town but will make you feel like you’ve dropped in on another time and perhaps on some other planet. We doubt you’ll want to head home!
www.cyprusisland.net
Cyprus
Though especially convenient as a getaway destination for our European readers, Americans should absolutely not discount Cyprus as a potential destination to escape the cold this winter season. This eastern Mediterranean island has had some financial struggles in recent years, but look at this from the positive side–your dollar, euro, or whatever else is going to go much further here than it would have even a few years ago! From beautiful beaches to charming culture to engaging history, Cyprus has something of interest to offer to almost everybody. Come check it out and see exactly what we’re talking about.
4photos.net
Tunisia
A few years ago, it was anyone’s guess whether Tunisia would be reappearing on any lists about tourism in the near future. The birthplace of the Arab Spring, Tunisia struggled through a few years of political unrest that certainly had the potential to send the country down a dark road. However, Tunisia has transitioned to democracy almost surprisingly well–and we now feel relatively certain recommending it as a winter getaway once again! This North African nation is by most measures the Islamic world’s most liberal–alcohol flows freely here and women should feel comfortable traveling alone in most places. With beautiful beaches and exotic culture, what’s not to like?
www.travelchannel.com
Southern California, United States
Who said that you have to leave the continental U.S. in order to escape the winter cold? As the song says, it never rains in southern California–and it doesn’t really get cold here either. From beautiful beaches to the showbiz Mecca of Hollywood to the Mexican flair of San Diego, we’re pretty sure you won’t end up bored no matter how long you decide to stay here. If you’re looking to save on airfare, staying in the continental U.S. might be a good idea–and SoCal certainly isn’t a terrible place to pass a week or two.
hawaii-tourismus.com
Hawaii, United States
Sticking to the United States but heading significantly further west, the next destination on our list is the island state of Hawaii. The newest state in the Union, Hawaii brings a certain flair that no other U.S. destination can truly compete with. Whether it’s the Eastern influences, the native Hawaiian culture, the beautiful nature, or simply a mix of it all, there’s no denying it–Hawaii is a special place. The capital of Honolulu is a surprisingly cosmopolitan city, while aside from the world-famous beaches and volcanoes the state also offers a host of other natural wonders–jungles and waterfalls among them.
globalcitizenyear.org
Senegal
Far from your typical winter getaway destination, the West African nation of Senegal nonetheless deserves a spot on our list. Warm golden sand, some of the best surfing waves around, beautiful and exotic nature, and a charming and welcoming culture all conspire to make Senegal a particularly appealing destination. It’s sadly true that poverty is a serious problem here, so maybe you could take advantage of your trip to do a bit of volunteering as well. After all, what could possibly make you feel better than helping others all while enjoying beautiful beaches and amazing weather?
www.layoverguide.com
razil
There might be no more iconic beach anywhere in the world–even the name Copacabana conjures up images of beautiful people lounging on the white sand, drinks in hand. We won’t deny that Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city, but there is so much more to see and do in Brazil that it’s tough to wrap your head around. The largest country in South America, nearly every part of Brazil is worth exploring. From global city metropolises to Portuguese colonial towns to the wilderness of the Amazon Rainforest, there’s something in Brazil for every taste. Make sure you get here before the Olympic crowds!
floridapolitics.com
Cuba
Leaving politics out of it, there’s simply no denying that Cuba makes a fantastic winter getaway destination. The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba features mile after mile of breathtaking beaches and a one of a kind melting pot of a culture featuring Spanish, indigenous, and African influences. Yes, it’s technically still illegal for U.S. citizens to come simply for tourism, but word on the street is that the Cuban authorities will happily neglect to stamp your passport if you manage to arrive on the island through a flight from any third country. Not that we’d ever recommend breaking the law, but just saying…
www.flyboardbahamas.net
Bahamas
But of course, if you’d rather tone down the potential criminal penalties factor of your trip, the Bahamas remain a fantastic option for a winter getaway destination. A good portion of our list has been geared toward a more adventurous crowd, and if you’ve been feeling left out then this might be the spot for you. We won’t deny that there is something to be said for the all-inclusive resort experience, and the Bahamas have got loads of those. If you plan to kick back, order a drink, soak up the sun, and not move from your chair for the next seven days, the Bahamas come highly recommended.
nationalgeographic.com
Dominica
We’re wrapping up our list with the Caribbean’s “Nature Island,” a spot that without a doubt lives up to its name. Pronounced Do-min-EE-ca, this often overlooked Caribbean destination truly deserves a bit more recognition. Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic– Dominica’s beaches are true wonders here exist inland–some of the Caribbean’s tallest mountains and only surviving primary growth rainforest can be found here. Dominica is also notable for the continued presence of indigenous groups, most of whom were enslaved or killed off throughout the rest of the region. For the adventure-minded visitor still looking for a Caribbean spot, Dominica is probably the best you can do.
Credit: http://www.traveltips4life.com/the-15-best-places-to-escape-the-cold-this-winter/
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