Though the winter holidays are most commonly known for bringing in snow and cold weather as well as letting people engage in activities you don't normally do during the warmer seasons, there are still some who prefer to go to warm places instead of doing activities that have something to do with snow.
A term known as "summer-chasing" has even been coined in honor of this particular activity. I mean, who can blame them right? With all these warm winter getaways to choose from, you'll probably change your mind about spending winter in the cold.
If you're the type who hates the cold and all that it entails or if you're just up for something different for the winter season like a beach perhaps, then go crazy and explore these 5 states in the US to get that scorching vacation.
1. Florida
While this state is mostly known for its Keys, there are also a lot of other destinations where you can go to this winter. Rachel Kashdan of Veranda suggests these places that you should definitely check out for your visit to Florida:
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Key West which you can go to by boat or seaplane.This is a part of the ocean that boasts to have some of the most well-preserved coral reefs in the entire world along with a very biodiverse ecosystem as well. You can try also trying snorkeling and taking a tour of Fort Jefferson, an unfinished 19th century fort that spans 47 acres.
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is a well-known Florida destination famous for conservation and education of its gardens that is located in Miami. There you can find a large amount of rare and endangered plants as well as plenty of butterflies and hummingbirds. Aside from tours, classes are also offered here; ranging from topics like photography to cooking.
Another place you should definitely pay a visit in Miami is the Villa Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This early 20th century Italian Renaissance Revival style property spans 50 acres, 10 of which are European-style gardens filled with orchids that you can stroll into. Inside are 34 rooms filled with more than 2500 pieces of history - antiques, artworks as well as other furnishings which would be perfect for history buffs and romantics.
While Florida has a bunch of beaches, Kashdan recommends exploring Siesta Beach in Sarasota, which can also be a good area for spotting dolphins.
2. Arizona
- If you are the type who find the holidays stressing you out, then a spa weekend in Arizona can definitely get your spirits back up.
In the Sonoran Desert of Southern Arizona it is almost always sunny while you can relax your stresses away in Canyon Ranch where the Tucson Spa Oasis is located. Get a massage, go ride a horse or even get into healthy living by seeing a dietitian - you can do all these things here just to get your mind revitalized and be reenergized.
3. California
- California may be considered as the hottest place in the planet, but that does not stop it from being an amazing place to visit, most especially during the wintertime. Though during the summer temperatures can go for as hot as 120 degrees Fahrenheit, it usually cools down to a pleasant 60-70 degrees in the winter.
Kashdan suggests checking out The Death Valley, a 3.4 million acre park where you can engage in outdoor activities like biking, hiking and camping or simply even marvel at view, especially since you can see a bit of snow on the highest peaks of the park.
Balboa Park in San Diego is a park that spans 1200 acres and has almost everything you could possibly want for sightseeing.
There are 16 museums and 15 different gardens located here. You can also find here the San Diego Zoo as well as venues reserved for theater and other performances. The park also holds a festival called "December Nights" which showcase all sorts of food and holiday decorations.
4. Texas
Another state that has both the charm and the warmth that you should definitely experience for the winter holiday is Texas.
The temperatures here usually drop at the mid-50s to 60 degrees during the winter so it is extremely enjoyable to take a stroll on the San Antonio River Walk. Not only is it a scenic spot, there are also a significant amount of shops, restaurants and other tourist attractions that you should discover as well.
5. Hawaii
- If beaches are what you're craving for this winter season, then you can and never will go wrong with the Aloha state.
However, if you're looking for something that's really scorching hot for the winter then Kashdan suggests you explore the fascinating sceneries at the Volcano National Park. Two volcanoes, the Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the former being the most active volcano in the planet and the former being the second tallest volcano can be seen here. You can check out these sights by hiking, biking up the trail or even going by car to see Crater Rim, the ocean and even a rainforest.
Looking for the best warm weather resorts in the United States? Travel + Leisure has got you covered and provided a total of 34 recommendations to ensure you find that perfect vacation spot.
Whether you prefer to spend your winter holidays cold or if you choose to go for the alternate route and chase the warmth of summer, I wish you all enjoy a blissful vacation.
from Wall Street Journal: Seven Unexpected Warm Winter Getaways
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
