As you run your ice scraper across the same frozen spot on your windshield for the fifth time at 8:20 a.m. in the freezing cold, you wonder how late you will be for work. It’s tempting to call off your shift, but it’d be so much better to truly escape the cold to someplace nice and relaxing. Check out these top picks from U.S. News and World Report’s list of the Best Winter Vacations.
Kauai, Hawaii
For the no-muss, no-fuss traveler, Hawaii’s Kauai proves a seductive island perfect for your winter getaway. The oldest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, Kauai features only two major highways and many other regions that can only be explored on foot.
Top attractions in Kauai include Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This 10-mile-long, mile-wide and roughly 3,500-feet deep gorge allows travelers to explore by road or hiking trail. Travelers also enjoy backpacking through Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast, an 11-mile hike through red mud, rocky inclines and raging streams.
Kauai’s laid-back atmosphere, where locals live life more slowly, allows travelers to relax and unwind in the island’s natural beauty. With breathtaking sunsets, chocolate-sand beaches and aquamarine skies, you’ll surely forget snow exists when you vacation to Kauai.
Tulum, Mexico
A tiny pocket of the Yucatan, Tulum offers travelers a more secluded and luxurious getaway. Tulum houses some of the best-preserved Mayan ruins in the Western Hemisphere alongside the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.
Travelers can snorkel in one of Tulum’s several cenotes – underground water-filled caverns – or take a canal trip through one of the bioreserves, such as the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. If stress relief is what you desire, Tulum is the place for you – simply book a trip to one or more of Tulum’s luxurious spas for a yoga class or a massage to push away all of life’s tensions and the chill of the brooding winter months.
Bora Bora
Bora BoraA small island overflowing with beauty, Bora Bora is a mere 6 miles long and about 2 miles wide, but filled with dormant volcanoes, lush jungle and an aquamarine lagoon. Bora Bora abounds with luxurious resorts, sunny skies, warm waters and friendly locals.
Known for its strong tourism draw, Bora Bora offers plenty for travelers to see and do during their visit, from snorkeling and hiking to experiencing local cuisine and shopping. Whether your ideal getaway takes you to the shores of Matira Beach or on a hike up Mount Otemanu, the natural beauty of Bora Bora will replace the images of salty cars, grey skies and sand-encrusted snowbanks currently swimming in your mind.
Whistler, British Columbia
If snow does not cover your hometown each winter, you might be looking for a reverse winter vacation – that is to travel to where the cold and snow are plentiful. Boasting snow-capped peaks and ski slopes, the town of Whistler sits about 80 miles north of Vancouver in Canada’s British Columbia. Host to dozens of ski and snowboard competitions and festivals annually, Whistler is the town for lovers of adventure and winter sports.
Whistler’s most popular attraction, Whistler Blackcomb Mountain, covers more than 8,100 acres of land and sees nearly 40 feet of snowfall annually. The mountain also boasts some of the most active ski spots in North America. Not interested in the slopes? Museums, art galleries, ice skating, summer concerts and other family-friendly activities suit the more mellow travelers. With activities for everyone, Whistler is your winter vacation destination if you want to find the snow rather than escape from it.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica Replace the reality of scraping ice off your car windshield and navigating slick roads with lush rainforests, unspoiled beaches and the amazing wildlife of Costa Rica – U.S. News and World Report’s top pick for 2016. Known for its diverse ecosystem full of exotic creatures and breathtaking landscapes, Costa Rica should definitely be on your radar when it comes to reviewing your winter vacation options.
Hike through active volcanoes, zip line through rainforests, surf turquoise waters and experience other outdoor activities in great abundance. Beachgoers and nature-seekers alike will adore this one-of-a-kind trip of a lifetime. Don’t forget to take a cue from the locals and get a feel for the pure life – “pura vida” – by slowing down your pace to experience true relaxation.
Wherever you’re looking to go to escape the monotony of winter, Blue Horizon Travel can help. As experts in travel, we can help you find a great price to locations all around the world. To learn more and get started on booking your getaway, give us a call today at 800-939-4334.