For many people, vacations in the winter means escaping the snow for a warm winter destination. But if your ready to travel to someplace that is different than the usual Florida beach or a Caribbean cruise; or want to travel to a destination of a lifetime, here is the list for you. Each of these exotic destinations provide the perfect weather and the time of year for that trip on your bucket list that you have always wanted to take, and will provide memories you will always remember.
Go Hiking in a Rain Forest: Costa Rica
Costa Rica has it all--vibrant rain forest; diverse wildlife; clean, white-sand beaches (bordering both the Pacific and the Atlantic); and a laid-back local culture. Fabulous all-inclusive Costa Rican beach resorts abound but travelers seeking real adventure can head to wilderness lodges deep in the rain forest, where electricity, Internet access and room service are practically extinct. (I doubt you'll miss checking your e-mail while spotting toucans, sloths and squirrel monkeys as you relax on your porch.) The winter months mark Costa Rica's dry season; this is the best time of the year to find stunning weather (and crystal-clear diving conditions) in the region.
Hit the Beach: Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a must-visit African destination--especially during its summer season (winter in the Northern Hemisphere), which is prime time for sunning yourself on the city's many clean, white sand beaches. One favorite is Bloubergstrand, where you can enjoy stunning views of Table Mountain, South Africa's most famous natural landmark. Another strip of sand you won't want to miss: Boulders Beach, where you can rub shoulders with a colony of African penguins.
Go Diving or Snorkeling: Bonaire
This tiny island in the Southern Caribbean, measures just 112 square miles, is one of the world's best diving destinations. The western side of the island is rimmed by colorful reefs swarming with parrot fish, sea turtles, butterfly fish, eagle rays and hundreds of other marine species. More than 50 of Bonaire's 86 official dive sites can be accessed from the shore--keep your eye out for the yellow stones that mark that mark these sites. Bonaire enjoys warm, sunny weather year round and is located south of the Caribbean's hurricane belt.
Indulge Yourself at the Spa: Cancun, Mexico
Mexico's sunny climate and and abundance of resorts of resorts in all price ranges make it a great place to treat yourself to a relaxed spa getaway. For true decadence, many of the unique spa treatments draw on Mayan traditions, such as a detox herbal wrap incorporating local honey and healing herbs.
Explore Ancient Temples: Cambodia
The temperate, dry winter season is the best time to visit Cambodia (summertime tends to be oppressively hot, rainy and humid). Visitors flock to the Angkor area to discover hundreds of ruined temples dating back to the Khmer empire of the 9th through 13th centuries. Of course, the crown jewel is the five-towered Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious building. To fully appreciate the rich details of the temple's bas-relief scenes and carvings, hire a knowledgeable local guide.
Go Hiking in a Rain Forest: Costa Rica
Costa Rica has it all--vibrant rain forest; diverse wildlife; clean, white-sand beaches (bordering both the Pacific and the Atlantic); and a laid-back local culture. Fabulous all-inclusive Costa Rican beach resorts abound but travelers seeking real adventure can head to wilderness lodges deep in the rain forest, where electricity, Internet access and room service are practically extinct. (I doubt you'll miss checking your e-mail while spotting toucans, sloths and squirrel monkeys as you relax on your porch.) The winter months mark Costa Rica's dry season; this is the best time of the year to find stunning weather (and crystal-clear diving conditions) in the region.
Hit the Beach: Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a must-visit African destination--especially during its summer season (winter in the Northern Hemisphere), which is prime time for sunning yourself on the city's many clean, white sand beaches. One favorite is Bloubergstrand, where you can enjoy stunning views of Table Mountain, South Africa's most famous natural landmark. Another strip of sand you won't want to miss: Boulders Beach, where you can rub shoulders with a colony of African penguins.
Go Diving or Snorkeling: Bonaire
This tiny island in the Southern Caribbean, measures just 112 square miles, is one of the world's best diving destinations. The western side of the island is rimmed by colorful reefs swarming with parrot fish, sea turtles, butterfly fish, eagle rays and hundreds of other marine species. More than 50 of Bonaire's 86 official dive sites can be accessed from the shore--keep your eye out for the yellow stones that mark that mark these sites. Bonaire enjoys warm, sunny weather year round and is located south of the Caribbean's hurricane belt.
Indulge Yourself at the Spa: Cancun, Mexico
Mexico's sunny climate and and abundance of resorts of resorts in all price ranges make it a great place to treat yourself to a relaxed spa getaway. For true decadence, many of the unique spa treatments draw on Mayan traditions, such as a detox herbal wrap incorporating local honey and healing herbs.
Explore Ancient Temples: Cambodia
The temperate, dry winter season is the best time to visit Cambodia (summertime tends to be oppressively hot, rainy and humid). Visitors flock to the Angkor area to discover hundreds of ruined temples dating back to the Khmer empire of the 9th through 13th centuries. Of course, the crown jewel is the five-towered Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious building. To fully appreciate the rich details of the temple's bas-relief scenes and carvings, hire a knowledgeable local guide.
