In Search of Winter Sun

By: Nadia Ali

*Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, Australia

Brrr, it's getting cold outside! The temperatures are dropping, the days are getting shorter, and keeping warm inside the house has become a top priority. But fortunately for travelers who are seeking a winter vacation, there are destinations where temperatures are well above freezing. So, where can you go? Well, there are five continents to choose from that can easily fulfill the two essential components of a good winter getaway: sun and beautiful beaches. Here are a few of the best places to lay out while winter's cold passes.

Florida, USA

With Christmas and New Year out of the way, along with a bevy of expenses from presents and partying, finding somewhere affordable closer to home may take your fancy. So, heading somewhere within the USA is one of your best bets. Think of sunshine and the first state to come to mind is the Sunshine State, Florida. It does enjoy a large influx of visitors during the winter months. There's Miami's South Beach and its high-energy nightlife, while West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West, all of which are great for relaxation with a variety of hotel accommodations, can suit any pocket size.

Mexico

Mexico offers color, culture, warmth, and stunning beach resorts for a great winter sun option. Visit Mexico's popular beach resort, Puerto Vallarta, which offers crystal blue water alongside miles of pristine beaches. Visit Los Cabos, which offers romantic sunsets that radiate the sky, and the fantastic whale-watching tours in Todos Santos. There's always the party town of Acapulco or the ancient Mayan ruins of Rivera Maya located on the Yucatán Peninsula.

The Caribbean

Of course, the tropical islands of the Caribbean always conjure up the ideal imagery of long-deserted beaches and relaxing in a swinging hammock under the glorious sun. With more than 7,000 islands to choose from, you may select to visit the Dominican Republic, which has 3.6 million yearly unique visitors. To experience fewer tourists, you may also choose the lesser-known islands of Grenada, Anguilla, or Bequia. The Caribbean booms in the winter, with planeloads of visitors arriving from around the globe. The typically warm temperatures, Caribbean cuisine, and picture-postcard beaches lure many. Finding out which island to visit takes a bit of research as there are many choices, so look early and book early for the optimal winter sun break. Sun, surf, and sand never look as good as on Australia's Gold Coast. It is made up of 35 beaches and attracts more than 400 million visitors a year. Remember that Australia experiences summer in December and January, so temperatures can soar. Surfer's Coast is one of the most popular beaches, offering volleyball, sunbathing, and it is a surfer's paradise with ideal conditions to catch a wave. There is also a beachfront market three days a week where