Not to exclude anyone, but if you’re living anywhere along the East coast right now, you’re probably harboring some angry feelings towards mother nature and her unwanted bestowal of painfully chilly and abnormal temperatures (hang in there, Boston). Snow is fun and all at first, but after a week or so of chapped lips, cracked hands and frost-bitten digits, the novelty starts to wear off pretty quickly. If this dreadful cold front has chilled your heart and made you spiteful of all things good and cheery in the world (definitely not talking from personal experience…) here is a list of 10 tropical getaways that will hopefully distract you from our current arctic realities.
1. Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Located at the southern-most tip of Bora Bora, Matira beach is the most popular public beach on the island. With its expanse of white sands which slope down to a warm lagoon, it’s really not too hard to understand why. Swimming, snorkeling, and watching the notoriously colorful sunsets from the beach are just a few activities in which one could choose to partake.
2. Ko Phi Phi, Southern Thailand
Here you’ll assuredly feast your eyes on white sandy beaches that are perfectly silhouetted by dramatic cliffs and stunningly turquoise waters. You can also take an “express ferry” (aka a wooden long-tail boat) from this paradise to the enchanting city of Phuket if you so desire. Lunch is included. *sigh*
3. Cape Town, South Africa
A beautiful gem at the toe of the African continent, Cape Town serves as a magical getaway for all of us Northern hemisphere-dwellers. Cape Town is home to beautiful golden beaches, botanical gardens, sprawling vineyards, and the prominent Table Mountain.
4. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Obviously, this is everyone’s spring break dream destination. How could it not be; with its secluded beaches, coral reefs in the Sea of Cortez (where snorkeling is a must), gorgeous rock formations, and of course, endless parties.
5. Costa Rica, Central America
Whether you’re looking to find a hidden waterfall on a tropical jungle hike, swim in a crystal-clear crater lake, or just soak up the hot sun on one of its many beautiful beaches, Costa Rica is the dream getaway for you.
6. Maldives, Asia
Just when you thought that water couldn’t possibly get any more beautiful. The Maldives, a tropical sprawl of over 1,000 coral islands in the Indian Ocean-Arabian Sea, is known for its relaxing sandy beaches, pristine lagoons, amazing snorkeling, romantic sunsets, and rich sea-life. Sounds alright.
7. Capri, Amalfi Coast, Italy
It’s almost as if you’re living in a postcard while strolling around the beautiful island of Capri. Located along Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, Capri is a tourist destination you do not want to miss. If you happen to be lucky enough to plan a visit, don’t forget to check out the Blue Grotto and Faraglioni Rocks in the strikingly blue waters of the Mediterranean –accessible only by boat.
8. Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera
The steep terraces that overlook the sea simply add to the brilliant splendor of this Italian vacation destination. Try sipping some home-made limoncello by the beach or engage in a scenic hike while taking in the cultural vivacity of this colorful Mediterranean town.
9. Province, France
This vibrant and historically-rich region in Southeastern France is truly hard to beat. Whether you’re in Nice, Cannes, Marseille, or any of the other Provençal cities, you're sure to indulge in fine wines, warm temperatures, and spectacular foods.
10. Crete, Greece
Known by many as the largest island of Greece, Crete offers visitors a glorious view of its mountainous landscape, treasured beaches, and a look back-in-time to old civilizations. Practically a paradise for food and wine lovers, Crete is a picturesque Mediterranean destination that seems to have it all.
So, if you have a private jet, or maybe even have spring break plans to one of these places, I enviously applaud you. For the rest of us commoners, however, simply closing our eyes and imagining laying-out on the hot sand in the shade of a tropical palm frond with a Piña colada in hand will have to suffice.
