For those who live in the frozen tundra all winter, a warm weather getaway can do wonders for mental health. By the time the magic of the holidays has worn off, months of dirty snow and gray days are still ahead. It’s the perfect time to ditch our winter boots for flip flops. In the spirit of trading chilly temperatures for frosty drinks, here are nine travel destination ideas to escape winter weather.
1. Destinations close to home
If you're looking for a long weekend getaway, try one of these warmer weather U.S. states that don’t require a passport:
- San Diego, California — With temperate weather and lots of sun, San Diego offers culture, beaches, and tasty food for a relaxing winter getaway.
- Florida — Enjoy Florida’s Gulf Coast and its warm, sandy beaches, Miami with its vibrant nightlife and famous South Beach Wine & Food Festival, or Fort Lauderdale’s sun and surf. If you’re looking for a more remote island to get off the grid, check out Little Torch Key where televisions and cell phones are not allowed.
- Arizona — There’s a reason retired folks like Arizona in the winter. From the city life of Phoenix and desert beauty of Sedona to the stunning grandeur of the Grand Canyon, winter is a great time to enjoy Arizona’s warm winter climate.
- Texas — Austin offers temperate weather, great food, and a stellar music scene. San Antonio offers tons of attractions and their famous Riverwalk.
2. Mexico
- Yucatan Peninsula — A gorgeous stretch of the Pacific coast promises warm beaches and plenty of adventurous activities. The Riviera Maya, Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen are hot spots for cold weather escapes.
- San Miguel de Allende — Voted as the World’s Best City by Travel + Leisure readers, San Miguel de Allende boasts a thriving culinary scene, a rich cultural history, and charming boutique hotels.
3. Hawaii
According to U.S. News & World Report, the Hawaiian Islands came in #1 as the best winter vacation destination. With gorgeous terrain and warm sandy beaches, it’s no wonder Kauai and Maui made the World’s Top 10 Islands list. 
4. U.S. Virgin Islands
Enjoy temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s on the white sandy beaches of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. You’ll appreciate the ease of using U.S. dollars while basking in the undisturbed nature of the stunning scenery of the Virgin Islands. 
5. Turks and Caicos
A warm-weather destination that seems straight out of a postcard, Turks and Caicos offer perfectly teal waters, coral reefs, and sparkling white sands. The popular Providenciales island boasts of five-star hotels and all-inclusive options, giving you absolutely nothing to worry about but relaxation. 
6. French Polynesia
A warm-weather paradise awaits you with 118 islands stretched out smack in the middle of the South Pacific. Scuba dive in the crystal clear waters of Rangiroa, soak in the sun on the warm sandy beaches of Tahiti, or nibble on fresh seafood while enjoying the sunset on Bora Bora.
7. The Bahamas
Winter is the best time to head to the Bahama Islands. You miss hurricane season, enjoy warm weather and have a whopping 700 islands to explore. This warm weather destination is an ecological oasis, a boater’s paradise and claims to have the clearest water on the planet.
8. New Zealand
When we are enduring the long winter months, New Zealand is enjoying their summer weather. When it comes to breathtaking landscape, friendly locals and exploring a fabulous culinary scene, New Zealand is a great choice for a winter vacation paradise. 
9. Costa Rica
Costa Rica enters their dry season in January, ushering in warm weather and local winter festivals to enjoy. With tropical waterfalls, beautiful beaches and unique wildlife to explore, Costa Rica tops the winter escape list for relaxation and adventure. 
Go ahead and take a break from the long, cold winter! Treat yourself to one of these nine warm weather destinations to shed some layers and revive your soul. You’ll be glad you did.
