Today, upon waking up and getting ready for the day, the temperature outside read ten degrees below zero. My hair froze within seconds of venturing outside. My lips are chapped, and my skin is drying out. Roads are slippery, and danger lies around every corner. Wintertime in Minnesota can be brutal, and many of us are experiencing the reality of that right at this very moment. In hopes of thawing myself out of this frozen tundra, here's a list of various warm, tropical, happy places that I'd rather be than in this subzero state right now. From California to Greece, let's hit the beach!

Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles, California

Beach, boardwalk, food, and rides. What more could we ask for?

Literally, all of Hawaii

Sure, you can surf on Lake Superior. But honestly, that sounds awful. I personally like to carry out my activities in water that isn't icy.

The Florida Keys

More like the key to my heart and soul, am I right?

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Metropolis meets tropical paradise. The best of both worlds. Plus, it's got islands shaped like palm trees; how cool is that?

Sydney, Austrailia

Just keep swimming to the land down under and admire the accents.

The Maldives

Um, yeah, I'd like to petition to live here, please.

Maya Bay, Thailand

Imagine the Instagram pics you could get. Plus, I hear traveling to Thailand is affordable for those of us on budgets. Let's go.

DISNEY WORLD

Because not a moment goes by that I don't want to be in the happiest place on earth. Also, it's in Florida where it's warm, so bonus points for that.

Pig Island, Bahamas

Who wouldn't want to hang out with these friendly porkers? Best. Vacation. Ever. It's the new swimming with dolphins.

Black Sand Beach, California

For those of you who like to live on the dark side, check out this beach.

Santorini, Greece

Live out your "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" dreams and venture out to Greece.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazi

If it was good enough for the Olympics, lord knows it's gotta be good enough for us to run away to.

New York City, New York

No matter the time of year, New York always has so much to offer. Even though it's not necessarily warm this time of year, there are countless opportunities for things to do inside and outside, and it is definitely nowhere near as chilly as Minnesota. One can never go wrong with traveling to The Big Apple.

Okay, so there is clearly an abundance of opportunities out there to escape this frigid state. Excuse me while go pack a bag and set my sights on warmer horizons.