Winter has its ups: hot chocolate, extra cozy blankets, taking a hot shower on a cold evening. But it also has its downs: the cold that hits you when you have to get out of bed in the morning; shivering all day because you forgot your jersey at home… and taking a hot shower on a cold evening! Now we could complain about how cold winter is but that would be like complaining about the sun shining — it’s simply a waste of time. So why not change the strategy a bit? Why bear the winter when you could just skip it? Below, we’ve gathered some of the sunniest spots on the planet that you can travel abroad to visit, and all are guaranteed to help you escape the winter blues.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The capital city of a hugely underrated travel destination: Cambodia. While everyone else runs off to Thailand and Vietnam, create your own path and visit Phnom Penh, a towering concrete jungle that somehow never lost touch with nature. Cool down with a one dollar beer, or get a relaxing massage before heading back to the rooftop swimming pool at your hotel.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Home to the only seven-star hotel in the world, the Burj al Arab, Dubai shows that it’s more than ready to compete with the big boys. Dubai also has some of the most jaw-dropping (and not to mention luxurious) shopping malls in the world. The sunshine is year-round and the beaches beautiful, and there are many fun things to do in Dubai.
Cape Town, South Africa
History, community, hope, beauty, and strength. Cape Town is the destination of choice for more and more travelers around the world. Visit the docks on a hot day, acquaint yourself with some delicious South African meals, or conquer Table Mountain — take in the view, breathe the air, and embrace the African sun as it shines on both you, and the winter blues you’ve been carrying.
Swakopmund, Namibia
It’s not uncommon for first time visitors to Swakopmund to feel as if they’re stuck in some sort of painting. With picture perfect blue skies, bright green grass, and beautiful architecture lining the streets, it’s not difficult to see why someone might feel they’ve stumbled into a work of art. Walk along the beach and desert at the same time. Stare across the sandy dunes while your feet are washed clean by the ocean. Swakopmund is a living, breathing antidote to the winter blues, and it’s about time you got your medication.
Thanda Island, Tanzania
Maybe you don’t like being around tourists and large crowds of people. Maybe you value privacy, and luxury, and time away from the hustle and bustle of the ordinary. Thanda Island is nestled within Tanzania’s Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve, and it offers a wide range of incredible experiences for those of us who appreciate a little privacy from time to time: Go on a truly authentic South African Safari, swim in a crystal clear ocean, wake up to the sounds of the island; to the bustling shoreline and dancing trees. Escaping the winter blues? With this kind of private island accommodation, the winter blues are destined to become nothing more than a fleeting memory!
Maui, Hawaii
What kind of a list would this be if we didn’t include Hawaii? I don’t know but it definitely wouldn’t be a sunny spots list, because of all the sunny spots we know of, Hawaii is one of those destinations which seems to be universally adored. Those ideas and images we all have of beach, sun, palm trees and shade — they can all be found in Hawaii. Explore the local cultures, visit lush forests, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, get a closer look at a volcano. It’s easy to see why so many people think of Hawaii as a type of Eden — a place where the sun always shines and nature always flourishes. What more could you ask for?
With destinations like these, you’re going to hope that the Winter Blues swings by more often — that way you’ll get more and more chances to escape it — to experience what’s out there; out there where the sun always shines and the waves are always rolling; in and out… in and out. If there’s one thing I can say with certainty, it’s that the winter blues don’t stand a chance!
