Slowly and surely that calendar is heading toward the end of the year, and this can only mean one thing. No, it’s not that it’s time to start making your New Year’s Eve plans! No, it’s not that the holiday season is only mere weeks away… It’s the fact that the weather is about to get cold and miserable. (Well, at least for most of you out there who don’t live in a place with an ideal year-round climate!)
With that in mind, you may already be starting to think about how you’re going to escape the cold this winter. You’ve got some vacation time saved up! Shouldn’t you use it on a trip to some place where you can have a summer experience during the doldrums of winter?
Of course you should, and that’s why we’ve put this list together. On it, you’ll find our 20 picks for the best places for you and yours to escape the cold this winter. Each one of these spots would make a great place for you to take a vacation this winter, so get looking! You’d best believe that many of these hot destinations can book up quickly once the temps on thermometer start plummeting.
1. Florida
It may be obvious, but that doesn’t make it untrue. There’s a reason so many head to Florida for the winter. Why not find out why for yourself?
2. St. Lucia
It’s one of the most gorgeous islands in the Caribbean, and you’ll understand why when you pay a visit to the Pitons.
3. Mozambique
This country is quickly becoming one of the go-to destinations in Africa, offering wonderful beaches, incredible parks and exciting culture.
4. Morocco
The culture of Morocco has long attracted intellectuals and artists, and the beaches here are wonderful to enjoy too.
5. Cape Verde
This archipelago is home to all kinds of experiences, from gorgeous beaches to sun upon to a the fun cultural hub of Sao Vincente.
6. Dubai
There’s plenty of sun and heat in Dubai. No doubt about that! It’s also a trip of an experience to visit.
7. Seychelles
This destination has quickly emerged as the preferred winter vacation spot for the rich and famous. Why not see what all the fuss is about for yourself?
8. Barbados
We can’t think of a much better antidote to the winter doldrums than sitting on the beach of Barbados sipping local rum.
9. Langkawi
This Malaysian island has all the fun-in-the-sun experiences you could want, and it’s got a tremendous inland worth checking out too!
10. Costa Rica
With plenty of gorgeous beaches, incredible jungles and a wonderful capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica is a fun place to visit when it gets cold.
11. Oman
When you escape the cold to Oman, you almost certainly have to worry about rain outs, as it almost never rains here.
12. Phuket
Wouldn’t think winter make the ideal time to take on of the most ideal tropical vacations a person can take?
13. Baja California
This Mexican peninsula has much more to offer than most people expect, including some up-and-coming wineries!
14. Maldives
This winter, you should perhaps check out the numerous high-class resorts that have made the Maldives as vacation hot spot.
15. Cuba
With relationships normalizing between Cuba and the West, this winter might be the ideal time to finally check this island nation out.
16. Western Australia
Why not take this winter as an opportunity to check out the land down under? The weather’s perfect, and there’s plenty to see and do.
17. Rio de Janeiro
Now that the Olympics are firmly in the rearview mirror, the time is right to check out the resplendent beauty of this Brazilian treasure.
18. San Diego
This city at the bottom of California has wonderful weather almost year round, and it’s got great restaurants, bars and landmarks to see.
19. Kenya
Not only can you enjoy some truly exquisite beaches here, you can also take some breathtaking safaris.
20. Sri Lanka
You’ll want to book your vacation during the winter here in the south, as it largely steers clear of the monsoon season’s worst.
