Here at Go Ahead’s headquarters in Cambridge, MA, we’re in the middle of what’s shaping up to be a long, cold Winter. The days are short, the nights are dark, and sometimes it seems like Summer might never come back. For those of us who live here, we tell ourselves that we love to experience all four seasons—but this time of year, that sentiment is usually expressed through chattering teeth, a thinly veiled plea for a hot beach and a cold drink.
Luckily, relief is just a plane ride away! Here we present five of our favorite warm-weather getaways to rescue you from the snow and ice.
The sunset over the Pacific as seen from Guanacaste.
Costa Rica: Sarapiquí, Arenal & Guanacaste
Our travelers often tell us that their favorite part of this Costa Rica tour is the Treetops Walk excursion through the Costa Rican rainforest, or perhaps their visit to Arenal Volcano. But for fun in the sun, it’s tough to beat the beaches of Guanacaste. You can join our optional Sailing & Snorkeling excursion, splash in the warm waters of the Pacific, or just dig your toes into the pillowy white sand and catch some rays.
A giraffe basks in the midday sun in Kenya.
Located on the equator, Kenya’s warm all year round, but it’s at its hottest between December and March. Amboseli National Park lies in the rain shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, so the climate is always hot and dry. On our optional sunrise balloon ride, you can watch the first rays of dawn spreading over the savanna before descending for breakfast in the bush. From there, you’ll enjoy a game drive back to the rest of your group as the midday sun bakes the African earth.
Surfers come for the big waves, but Hawaii's secluded coves make for spectacular beaches.
The birthplace of modern surfing, Hawaii’s beaches are legendary around the world. An abundance of pineapples (and Mai Tais) will perk up even the most downtrodden snowbird, and a snorkeling excursion at the extinct volcano Molokini will remind you that water isn’t always icy. For a simple tropical pleasure during this Hawaii tour, grab a bag of macadamia nuts and watch the sky burst into scarlet and orange during sunset.
Another sunny day in Panama City's colonial center, Casco Viejo.
Best of Panama Tour: the Capital to the Canal
The city of Gamboa is connected to the rest of the Panama Canal Zone by just a single-lane wooden bridge. Beyond Gamboa, there’s nothing but rainforest and some of the densest concentrations of colorful birds in Central America. On the Caribbean coast, the calm, warm waters of Portobelo first attracted Spanish settlers in 1597; today, the city’s fortresses are in ruins, but the water is still crystal clear. And in Panama City, you can add a little heat to your evening at our optional Folklore Show and Dinner showcasing the best of Panamanian cuisine and dance.
The reds, oranges and yellows of the Great Barrier Reef will chase away the winter blues.
Best of Australia: Great Barrier Reef to Ayers Rock
In Summer, Australia is hot and humid; in Winter, it’s hot and dry. With visits to the Kuranda Rainforest, Ayers Rock and the vast red Outback, you’ll definitely want to bring sunscreen. And during your trip to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into the balmy shallows of the Coral Sea and swim alongside iridescent schools of fish. A dip into the sapphire and turquoise waters around the Great Barrier Reef makes for a great escape from the gray, overcast skies of winter.
Do you have plans to beat the winter blues, or a favorite fun-in-the-sun destination? Let us know in the comments!
