Are you looking to escape the cold winter weather? Taking a vacation might be the perfect way to do just that. Instead of choosing a destination for skiing or a location near your home, check out these hot vacation spots that should get your mind off the snow and ice back home:
Hawaii
If you want to stay in the United States, Hawaii is an excellent option to consider and many travel packages are available. Hawaii has beautiful warm weather throughout the entire year and you do not need a passport to get there. Some of the most popular destinations within Hawaii include Maui, Oahu, The Big Island, Haleakala, and Waikiki Beach. All of these can be great for everything from a family vacation to a romantic honeymoon or a party-filled spring break trip with your friends. While there, you can explore the volcanoes, enjoy the pristine beaches, and attend late-night luaus.
Bali
For a fun cultural experience in a warm climate, consider a vacation to Bali, an Indonesian island located between Java and Lombok. Bali is famous for its art, music and dance, many of which tie into the Hindu religious epics. For a unique experience, visit Bali during the Hindu New Year in the spring. They celebrate with a day of silence, where you are encouraged to stay in your hotel. The day before has many activities available such as parades all over the island. These include spectacular, brightly colored sculptures that are burned to drive away evil spirits.
The Bahamas
The islands of the Bahamas are technically not in the Caribbean, but they are not far from Florida and still have that tropical Caribbean feel. There are over 700 islands in this chain, which you can explore via boat tours. This island nation was once a part of Great Britain, and you can still see and feel the British influence there today.
St. Lucia
One of the most natural scenic locations in the Caribbean is St. Lucia. This island is known for its rainforest, complete with a zip line through the canopy and a volcano that is also a road. During July, you can attend Carnival, complete with parades, costumes, and parties. At one time, the waters around St Lucia were filled with pirates, and there are still sunken ships to explore while diving, coves with pirate themes, and historic shipping locations that you can visit to learn more about pirates in this area.
Bermuda
Like the Bahamas, Bermuda is technically not a part of the Caribbean Islands, but it is often lumped in with them because it has similarly warm, sunny weather. Located off the coast of the Carolinas, this site is a bit colder in the winter, but because of that, it is also a more affordable in the off-season. Bermuda is known for its scuba diving and snorkeling, and while there, pick up a Heritage Passport, which gives you access to all of the island chain’s cultural sites.
Mexico
Cancun and Cabo are just two of the popular vacation destinations in Mexico. Most people equate Mexico with Tijuana and other sites around the border, but locations on the Yucatan Peninsula are actually high-class resort areas with Caribbean weather. In Mexico, you can also explore Mayan ruins, and if you travel farther inland, away from the Caribbean coast or golf, you can find other cultural sites to visit as well.
Tahiti
Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Tahiti is an often-overlooked vacation destination. This French Polynesian island chain has beautiful black sand beaches, and while there, you can visit a number of different islands, including Bora Bora, Moorea, and Taha’a. While staying in Tahiti, you can choose an over-water bungalow room instead of a traditional hotel room for a unique experience. Other popular things to do while in Tahiti include snorkeling, shark feeding, touring a pearl farm, and spending the day at one of Tahiti’s world-renowned spas.
Buenos Aires
If you love the nightlife, the warm weather of Buenos Aires might be perfect for you. This tourist destination is the capital of Argentina. Here, you can see a tango show, shop at the Antique Fairs in Dorrego Square, or go to one of the many music festivals that takes place throughout the year. Of course, for the most fun tourist experience in this location, visit Buenos Aires during Carnival.
If you do not want to leave the United States, visiting one of the southern states is a great option (beside Hawaii) that you can choose for a warm and sunny vacation. Some of the most popular destinations include Orlando, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. If you have the winter blues, plan a trip to a sunny location and leave the ice, snow, and cold weather behind.