Burnt out on winter and in need of some warm weather? For those of us craving to bask in the sun but without the patience to wait out the winter, there is a solution: Travel! Here’s a look at a few of the sunniest destinations where spring comes early or summer never really ends.
Austin
With its sunny and warm year-round climate, endless list of live music festivals and social events, and its famously egalitarian attitude toward living, the Texas capital of Austin can melt the coldest of hearts. Whether chowing down on some amazing Tex-Mex or BBQ or singing your heart out at one of Austin’s 250 live music venues, you’ll soon be so chilled out you’ll forget about the bad weather back home.
Honolulu
Hula your way to Hawaii for the ultimate escape from winter! Do some whale watching as you stroll barefoot along Waikiki Beach, dive into Honolulu‘s steamy nightlife, or head out of town and into Oahu’s interior for treks through the island’s extensive rainforests.
Sicily
Let the southern Italian island of Sicily gently lure you out of hibernation with its varied landscapes, ancient culture, vibrant cities and broad beaches. Dip your toes into the Mediterranean Sea with mighty snowcapped Mount Etna as your backdrop.
Miami
With its ultra blue sea, delicious Cuban food, sultry Latin dancing, Art Deco architecture, and more – all done with exceptional glamour – Miami sizzles! This south Florida city offers loads of fun and sensational ways to thaw out in style.
Phoenix
With an annual average of 299 days of sunshine, Phoenix is an ideal destination for an end-of-winter break. Arizona’s biggest town makes an ace base for golfing vacations, upscale shopping trips, and visiting the more than 20 sovereign Native American communities in or near the metro area.
San Diego
This SoCal city of permanent sunshine is a dream to visit any time of the year with its 70 miles of golden beaches where there’s hardly ever a cloud in the sky. What makes San Diego especially nice in the winter is its daily high temperature that’s usually about 20 degrees higher than the national average.
Santorini
If Santorini’s whitewashed houses set on rugged cliffs don’t manage to help you banish the blues, its picturesque sunsets ought to do it! Explore this Greek island’s vineyards and villages while enjoying a casual meal and a drink in a tavern and wondering why in the world you didn’t come here sooner.
Where do you go to warm up? We’d love to hear about your favorite pre-spring thaw outs and where you like to travel during the last few weeks of winter.
