Beat the Winter Blues with These 10 Warm, Holiday Vacations

Winter

Even though it doesn’t begin until December 21, for some, the word conjures gray skies and cold air. It’s also associated with the holidays.

In the beginning, winter doesn’t seem too bad. But after a few snow storms and rough driving conditions, you’re ready to say goodbye to the ice, sleet, and snow. Even if you don’t live in a cold climate, a dip in temperatures signals you to book a warm holiday vacation.

Don’t spend your holidays shoveling snow and dressing in bulky coats and sweaters! Book a warm holiday vacation instead. Wouldn’t you rather stick your feet in the sand instead of snow boots? Read on to learn about sunny holiday destinations that can help you to beat the winter blues. Warning: You may not want to come back home!

Escape Winter with These Warm Holiday Vacations

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is famous for its rolling mountains, exquisite beaches, and unique culture – it attracts people, from families to backpackers, to honeymooners and expats. You never know who you will meet as you travel through the countryside. Get around Bali by taxi or rent a bicycle, motorbike or car. Discover mystical temples and stroll through galleries.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Living in an area that is often slammed with frosty temperatures beckons you to travel someplace warm. You may dream about splashing around in Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoons and staying in one of the many overwater bungalows. November is a great time to visit Bora Bora because it follows peak season. Temperatures range from low 70s to the mid-80s.

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Reindeer aren’t found in the Kaikoura peninsula, but sperm whales, fur seals, pilot whales, albatross, and dusk dolphins call Kaikoura Bay home. Take a boat ride or grab a kayak and hang out with these majestic creatures. When you’re finished, soak up the sun on the beach.

Costa Rica, South America

Costa Rica’s dry season begins in December. With 70-degree temperatures, you can hike active volcanoes and zip line through lush rainforests. Grab your camera (or smartphone) and take pictures of incredible landscapes and wildlife, from toucans to jaguars. Kick back and relax and you’ll discover the “pura vida” (or “pure life”) of Costa Rica.

Goa, India

Whitewashed Catholic churches, firecrackers, bells, and carolers make Goa the perfect setting for your holiday vacation. If you’re looking for a secluded beach, one that is not overrun with tourists, visit Chapora Beach, located in northern Goa. But stay out of the water due to the strong undercurrents and rough sea. Aramabol Beach has gentle waves, making it safe for swimming.

Key West, FL

Shake off the snow and head to Key West for the holidays! You can enjoy warm weather, gorgeous beaches, margaritas, and relaxed afternoons. Popular activities include biking, scuba diving, and snorkeling. You may also tour Ernest Hemingway’s old home and shop in Mallory Square. Set your own pace and enjoy your holiday vacation.

Miami Beach, FL

Miami Beach offers many entertainment options. Shop at Lincoln Road Mall one day; soak up the sun on South Beach the next day. Kid family beaches can be found on North Miami Beach along with interesting Art Deco architecture. Eat at affordable restaurants. Go to a gallery or museum. See a show at one of the theaters in Greater Miami.

Puerto Rico

You can fly from Miami to Puerto Rico in less than three hours. Surfers will love the 20-foot waves. Families can enjoy clear, calm waters. Explore the underground Rio Camuy Cave Park. Kick up your heels in one of the electrifying dance clubs, or watch live music.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Fireworks, live music, theatrical processions, and dancing in El Jardín, the city’s central plaza, what more can you ask for Christmas? Artists call San Miguel de Allende home, so you’ll see them sculpting and painting as you stroll along the cobblestone walkways. Your taste buds will appreciate culinary treats such as the sweet bread Rosca de Reyes and ponche, a traditional Mexican Christmas fruit-punch.

Santa Barbara, CA

The low-season is mid-November to mid-March – temperatures that range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s throughout the year. Love the outdoors? Bring a wetsuit for surfing and scuba diving because the Pacific Ocean can be chilly. Visit galleries and shops. Channel your inner sommelier with wine tasting. For an elegant, yet kitschy holiday vacation, Santa Barbara does not disappoint.

Say Goodbye to Winter and Hello to a Warm, Holiday Destination

Picture visiting a tropical paradise filled with blue skies and sunshine. While your friends and family back home deal with sleet, slush, and snow, you dive into a warm pool or ocean for your daily swim.

Instead of cranking up the thermostat, you actually look forward to walking or biking around town because you don’t need to wear winter attire consisting of hat, scarf, gloves, jacket, and boots. You move around town at a pace that’s comfortable for you.

All because you booked a holiday vacation to someplace warm. And more importantly, you don’t need that much luggage because your clothes are lightweight and easy to wear.

Sound unrealistic? It’s not.

Choose your vacation destination right now. Pick up the phone and/or email your Travel Planners International (TPI) travel agent. He or she is standing by to make your holiday vacation one of the best you’ve ever had.

 by Amandah T. Blackwell, Savvy-Writer