If you were in the Northeast this past week, you would’ve gotten a rude reminder that winter is in fact upon us when a blizzard hammered the region and left over a foot of snow in just 24 hours. Perhaps the snowstorm inspired you to head somewhere warm and sunny sooner than planned. If so, you’re probably wondering what destinations are good for last-minute sun? Well, we’re here to help you out.
The following are six destinations for last-minute sun. These destinations are warm, sunny, and perfect for a relaxing break from winter in North America. Furthermore, they’re great places to socially distance and enjoy a break from other people. You can savour the sun without worrying about too many crowds and many of these destinations even have remote-style accommodations that offer extra privacy. They’re great places to escape right now—like literally, right now. And with some current deals that offer great savings, there’s never been a better reason to escape somewhere for some last-minute sun.
1. The Islands of Tahiti
The Islands of Tahiti are synonymous with romance. Tucked away in the South Pacific Ocean, this chain of islands is renowned for its white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and endless opportunities for relaxation and underwater adventure. Head to Bora Bora, the iconic honeymoon island, for a romantic stay in an overwater bungalow, with direct access to the clear waters of the world-famous lagoon. Wake up in the morning and it’s only a few steps right into the warm waters of the lagoon. You can also stay in an overwater bungalow on verdant Moorea, with its green mountains and massive lagoon. And there’s always Tahiti itself, with the craft markets and street food of Papeete and the waterfall adventures of the Papenoo Valley. Pick an island or pair them together on one vacation. There’s still time to add The Islands of Tahiti to your winter calendar, so don’t delay.
2. Fiji
Like The Islands of Tahiti, Fiji is all about relaxation and romance in the South Pacific. There are many islands to choose from, but regardless of where you go, you can stay in a Fijian bure right on the beach and enjoy long days of fun on the sands and scuba or snorkelling adventures in the waters. The Coral Coast is arguably one of the best places in the world to enjoy a scuba diving adventure. Spend your days exploring underwater wrecks and coral reefs and retire each night to a pampering resort with VIP butler service. Fiji is also great for the family. Head to the Mamanuca Islands to enjoy time on the beach with the whole family. Stay in a family bure that offers plenty of room and privacy and spend the days snorkelling, playing water sports, and bonding in a warm, comfortable environment.
3. The Maldives
Destinations don’t get much more refined than the Maldives. Jet away to this nation in the Indian Ocean for a week at a private island resort. If you have a taste for luxury, this is the place to be. You can stay in a 5-star beach villa or an iconic overwater bungalow. If you really want to experience the best, head to the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, which is widely considered one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. Fill your days with private sailing cruises to nearby islands, scuba diving adventures, or lazy afternoons on the white-sand beaches that offer plenty of room. If you’re worried about social distancing, the Maldives has plenty of room and privacy to accommodate you. You can even pair a Maldives escape with a free stopover in Dubai for Expo 2020 Dubai until the end of March.
4. The Seychelles
Of all the destinations on this list, the Seychelles is probably the least familiar to travellers in North America. Located off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is a string of islands offering sandy beaches, private resorts, and lots of opportunity to spend time with your loved one and work on your suntan. The beaches in the Seychelles are some of the most beautiful in the world—take a look at some pics of Anse Source d’Argent (like the one above) when you have some time to see what we mean. It’s breathtaking. The islands are also home to giant tortoises and have some fabulous inland jungles, so you have the opportunity for some variety in terms of daily activities on a beach escape here. You can also pair the Seychelles with a free stopover in Dubai for Expo 2020 Dubai, so the sooner you go, the more you can see.
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a relatively short flight away, is in a familiar time zone, and offers a chance to pair days at the beach with jungle adventure and wildlife encounters. If that’s not enough to entice you, we don’t know what is. This Central American nation is probably most famous for its cloud forests, volcanoes, and jungles full of beloved creatures such as sloths. But it’s also a great place to hit the beach, with major coastlines on two oceans and lots of great spots to relax for a few days after ziplining through the jungle or cuddling a sloth at a sanctuary. The beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific side are arguably the most famous, but Tortuguero National Park to the north of San Jose on the Atlantic side is also great. Not only is it home to some stunning beaches, but you can also find turtle hatchlings here, as the area is a key breeding location for green sea turtles. Costa Rica is close, affordable, convenient, and home to some great beach spots. What’s not to like?
6. Hawaii
Hawaii is a great option for a sunny getaway. If you’re based in the United States, you don’t have to worry about the headaches of entry protocols and travel restrictions for foreign nations since it’s not foreign! Furthermore, there are few better places to get in touch with nature than Hawaii. The famous beaches of Oahu, including Waikiki Beach right off the capital Honolulu, are justifiably popular, but there are also other spots, both on Oahu and the other islands, such as Kauai, where you can enjoy a bit of distance and privacy. Not only that, but Hawaii is great for inland exploration. There are waterfalls, volcanoes, and jungles to explore, so if you like breaking up beach days with some soft adventure, Hawaii is right for you.
You might say that Aren was destined to become a globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.
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