The forecast for this winter predicts lots of temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit...and lots of more people trying to stay as far away as possible from it. Thankfully, even in the depths of winter, there are a few warm and breezy places to visit and escape winter's icy grip.
1. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Average January high temperature: 83 degrees Fahrenheit
Don't miss: Isla Verde Beach and Old San Juan
Established in 1521, San Juan is the oldest European-founded settlement under United States jurisdiction and, arguably, one of the most beautiful. The historic wonderland, despite being founded over a century before the Mayflower first brought the pilgrims to the United States, is more than just a collection of landmark artifacts; inside its stone walls are long stretches of beaches with azure waters, superb cuisine, beautiful architecture and galleries.
2. Miami, Florida
Average January high temperature: 75 degrees Fahrenheit
Don't miss: South Beach
Bonus: Catch a concert or watch the Miami Heat play at the famous American Airlines Arena
Miami is one of Florida's – and the world’s – most popular vacation spots, and it has good reason to be. From the trendy nightlife of South Beach to the plush hotels of Miami Beach, the bustle of Little Havana to the personalized shops of Coconut Grove, Miami doesn't solely offer something for everyone, it offers many, many enticements for everyone to enjoy. Who wouldn't want to vacation in the 310?
3. Cancùn, Mexico
Average January high temperature: 73 degrees Fahrenheit
Don't miss: Parroquia de Cristo Resucitado
Bonus: Swim with whale sharks or snorkel with sea turtles in Isla Mujeres
There is almost no better way to escape the winter chill than by taking a plunge into Cancún's gorgeous turquoise waters or by lounging on its famous glistening white sand. Or, perhaps, you could see the city itself, where you can enjoy a taste of the rich local flavor at a neighborhood taco joint or an undeveloped beach nearby. Tired of lounging in your glitzy hotel? Put on your dancing shoes and head to a salsa club downtown. Want to escape the bustle of the city? Take a day trip to Isla Contoy national park and immerse yourself in nature. That's what makes Cancùn so special -- it's two experiences combined into one incredible destination. Vamos à la playa!
4. Quepos, Costa Rica
Average January high temperature: 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Don't miss:
Quepos may be small in size, but it makes up for it in heart. This small town with its bustling lifestyle is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its rugged rainforest, white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Although relaxing for those who lounge on its sparkling shores, the area offers roughly 680 hectares for adventurers to hike up into the mountains alongside tropical plants and wildlife including three-toed sloths and endangered white-faced capuchin monkeys. Plus, the locals are nice!
5. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Average January high temperature: 60 degrees Fahrenheit
Don't miss: Africana Club
Deemed as the embodiment of an idealistic Mediterranean landscape by UNESCO and everyone else who has visited it, for that matter, the Amalfi Coast's picturesque towns, pastel-colored landscape and lush forests provide the perfect getaway for any season. The Amalfi Coast is so incredibly beautiful, in fact, that it has inspired artists, writers and such illustrious musicians as Richard Wagner. Aside from its beauty, the region is also home to superb cuisine and hotels, with well-marked hiking trails also providing a brief journey away from the coastal clamor.
6. Los Angeles, California
Average January high temperature: 68 degrees Fahrenheit
Don't miss: The Getty Center
Bonus: Eat at one of LA's famous taco trucks
Oh Los Angeles. The land of fame excess, where stars are in the sky and on the street. On the surface, Los Angeles is blonde beaches, rolling hills and bumper-to-bumper traffic, but all it takes is one trip there to realize that it is so much more. One of the glitziest cities on the planet and the motherland of Spandex and Gangsta rap, the City of Angels provides the perfect combination of culture and nightlife with its parties galore on Sunset Strip and renowned architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
7. Maui, Hawaii
Average January high temperature: 79 degrees Fahrenheit
Don't miss: Haleakalā National Park
People who claim you can't have it all clearly have never vacationed in Maui, Hawaii. The island's miles of idyllic beaches, lush valleys and fiery volcanic landscapes combined with its history, water sports and rich culture provide the perfect combination for vacationing paradise. If you're lucky, you might even be able to spot some endangered Hawaiian Geese!
8. Greek Isles, Greece
Average January high temperature: 60 degrees Fahrenheit
Don't miss: Agios Prokopios Beach
The magic of the Greek Isles is so strong and shines so brightly that you may find yourself wanting to settle down and never go home. You don't dip your toes into the Aegean lifestyle; you dive in headfirst. Soak up the stunning scenery of Santorini or indulge in the pulsing nightlife of Mykonos. Become acquainted with the melancholy rhythm of blues and taste the tang of homemade Taziki.
9. Montego Bay, Jamaica
Average January high temperature: 82 degrees Fahrenheit
Don't miss: Doctor's Cave Beach
Montego's picturesque scenery seems to be taken right off a glossy Caribbean travel magazine, no matter what the season. With its happy-go-lucky vibe and tourist-y piers sprinkled along its stunning beaches, it is no wonder that travelers from all over the world are attracted to the all-inclusive resorts on its shores. Adventurers, history buffs and even people simply looking for a place to tan will surely fall in love with this beautiful destination.
10. Saint Martin Island, Caribbean
Average January high temperature: 89 degrees Fahrenheit
Don't miss: Anse Heureuse (Happy Bay)
Although luck is a beneficial commodity at one of Saint Martin's many casinos, chance plays no part in having an incredible vacation on this picturesque Caribbean island. Days on the island can be spent partaking in some French shopping and soaking up the nightlife or simply strolling up and down one of its 37 beaches. Many travelers enjoy moving from the Dutch side of the island to the French, strolling down the boardwalk of Philipsburg and then exploring the petite French town of Marigot.