View of Where the Mountains Meet the Sea in St. Lucia. The Caribbean

Summer Vacation Ideas For Spots To Help You Escape Winter

Cruise to These Warm Destinations, and Leave Winter at Home

By Claire Heginbotham | Published on June 5, 2023

If you're the type who dreams of sunny skies and warm ocean breezes during snowy days and long winter nights, you're not alone. There's nothing like planning a summer vacation to forget about the cold weather. But what if you didn't have to wait until summer comes back to take that trip?

The good news is there's warm weather waiting for you if you're up to travel. Whether you're looking for summer vacation ideas for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing family trip, there's sure to be a cruise itinerary that will help you sail away from winter. So, what are you waiting for?

Defrost In A Warm Winter Breeze

While places in the Northern Hemisphere like New York City may be trapped in a barrage of ice, sleet, and snow, there are plenty of sunny spots with warm, tranquil winter weather all year round that you can easily travel to.

Shrimp tacos served as traditional Mexican food. Mexico.

Delicious fresh foods prepared at a Mexican street market.

California is known as the "Golden State" of America. It enjoys plenty of sunny days, little rain, and a winter temperature of a comfortable 70°F (around 23°C). Here you can find many first-class theme parks such as Lego Land California Resort (near San Diego), Universal Studios Hollywood (Los Angeles), and Warner Bros. Studios (Los Angeles). Spend a few days on the West Coast before you cruise from California to even warmer destinations like Mexico. From December to April, you can expect toasty temperatures in Mexico averaging 85°F (30°C). Mexico's Pacific-facing coast is brilliant for seafood foodies, surfers and sunsets, whereas the Atlantic (or the Caribbean) coast is best for sunrises, snorkeling in clear waters and enjoying life on the beach. Both are excellent places to be, so whether you choose Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, you'll forget all about the winter blues.

South Beach in Miami has brilliant blue waters and white sands.

On the East Coast, Miami, Florida, is a laid-back beach bum's paradise. Head here in early December to catch Art Basel — a premium exhibition of North America's greatest modern and contemporary art. Pop in at Everglades National Park, one of the best state parks, to see an American alligator. You can easily hop on a cruise to the Bahamas from Miami for a great long weekend.

The sun rising over a beach in Oahu, Hawaii.

November to March is technically winter in Hawaii, though with high temperatures in the 70s, you may be convinced that it's a never-ending summer. In Hawaii, it's warm and pleasant all year round, making for an excellent escape from the snowstorm back home.

There's plenty to do during a Hawaii vacation for both the adventure seeker and the beach connoisseur. With eight national parks containing rainforests, volcanoes, and over 400 beaches, Hawaii makes for a memorable winter vacation. Oahu, Honolulu, is one of the best places to escape the cold as it's slightly warmer than other cities in Hawaii. Here you can swim in warm waters, snorkel, fish, sail, paddleboard or even just lounge on the beach with a signature mai tai. It's also home to massive swell, so if you visit in December, check out the surfers gathering for the Triple Crown of Surfing on the North Shore of Oahu.

Napali Coast, Hawaii Panoramic View — Panoramic view of the Napali Coast, Hawaii

Enjoy the Aloha spirit while looking over Hawaii's stunning landscape.

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Craving a warm-weather getaway? Book a cruise this winter.

Kick-Off Winter With A Tropical Escape

The Caribbean holds some of the most popular destinations in the world, and with lovely weather, people, and food, it's no wonder so many deem this collection of islands to be the ultimate summer getaway. The Caribbean territories enjoy tropical weather year-round, so add them to the list of summer vacation ideas when you need a break from winter. Combine that with the high humidity, and you have the perfect weather for snoozing on the white sand beaches or jumping into mountain waterfalls! While you can visit for a Caribbean vacation anytime, they have a rainy season between June and November. That means the winter months from December through April are relatively dry and the best time to visit on a cruise.

Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia, Whitehaven beach coast — Whitehaven beach during a sunny, clear day in Australia

Island paradise, anyone?

Each Caribbean island is noteworthy for its unique culture and natural beauty; however, some stand out from the crowd. St. Lucia is one such island — despite being just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, its rugged roads will lead you to all sorts of hiking adventures. The southern coast of St. Lucia is mountainous and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Conversely, the north faces the warmer Caribbean Sea and has plenty of great beaches and snorkeling spots. A stand-out itinerary for a day trip on a St. Lucia vacation is hiking up the iconic Gros Piton mountain in the cool shade of the early morning, soaking in the hot springs at Sulphur Springs Park (the only drive-in volcano in the world!), and an evening snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Anse Chastanet beach.

St. Lucia's Gros Piton in the distance.

A Costa Rica vacation is a mecca of exciting outdoor adventure and makes for one of the best summer vacation spots. With predictable rains, January and February are the best times to travel. Packing your days full of river hikes, cascading waterfalls, and exhilarating adventure parks is easy. Expect moderate temperatures and high humidity.

Aerial view of Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has plenty of tropical jungles to explore.

In San Jose, you'll find plenty of thrilling amusement parks, such as the entertaining but family-friendly Parque National de Diversione — a great place to dust off the winter cobwebs and start your vacation. If dinosaurs are your thing, pop off to Dino Land in Bajos Del Toro, where you'll feel you could be back in prehistoric times. Much of Costa Rica is under environmental protection, and there are plenty of sights to see. From November to early January, head to the Pacific Coast to catch a glimpse of the incredible wildlife, such as migrating birds, whales, and some 20,000 turtles that come onshore to lay their precious eggs. On Costa Rica's Caribbean coastline, you can enjoy warmer waters for snorkeling and discover the vast ecosystem Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge supports.

A baby leatherback turtle makes its way into the great ocean.

As the Northern Hemisphere goes into winter, Brazil enters into its summer months. That means you can expect fantastic weather between December and March that frequently reaches a comfortable 80°F (27°C) — perfect T-shirt weather on your Brazil vacation.

While Brazil is home to plenty of beautiful beaches, the water park named Beach Park is a must-do for the whole family on a cruise. With massive slides and two 7-foot-high waterfalls, it's the best way to say hello to summer. Somewhere between February and April is Rio de Janeiro's Carnival festival. It's a hugely popular festival, which 2 million people attend every year. Expect samba dancing, colorful parades, massive floats, and country-wide parties. Enjoy Brazil's summer with a climb to the top of Mount Corcovado to snap a shot of Jesus Christ looking over Rio, and begin your cultural extravaganza!

Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio enjoys fantastic weather during North America's winter months.

In Hawaii, it's warm and pleasant all year round, making for an excellent escape from the snowstorm back home.

Head Down Under For Summer Sun

If you're currently gripped by chilly weather at home, Australia has the summer sunshine you've been dreaming of. Head on an Australia vacation on a cruise from September to November for milder spring weather, or pop "down under" between December and March for the full force of a summer holiday. The cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart average a pleasant 78°F (25°C). In February, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth often reach toasty temperatures of 85°F (30°C). Unlike more tropical destinations, much of Australia's coast enjoys a temperate climate and isn't too humid.

Sydney, Australia, People relaxing at Bondi beach — People relaxing on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia

Bondi Beach has stunning golden sands.

Sydney is the capital city of Australia and offers cosmopolitan adventures for memorable family vacations. Here you can visit the famous Sydney Opera House, spend an entire afternoon meandering through the fragrant Royal Botanical Gardens, or head off to Bondi Beach, which has excellent golden sands, warm waters and fascinating rock formations. Next, head past the sleepy coastal small towns, up to Brisbane, and finally, stop off at Cairns — home to the Great Barrier Reef. Pull on your swimming costume, grab your snorkeling gear and be prepared to witness some once-in-a-lifetime underwater vistas.

Cairns, Australia Great Barrier Reef Underwater Snorkeling

Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Between December and February, you can experience the largest lavender fields in the Southern Hemisphere on the tiny island of Tasmania. Expect a perfect day trip with heady scents and rows and rows of unbroken purple leading off into the summer sunset. Cruises to Hobart, Tasmania, depart from Sydney, Brisbane, or Perth and promise to deliver the most scenic summer vacation spots. The best part? By the time you return home, winter will be almost over!

Lavender fields in Tasmania leave you feeling relaxed to the max.

Written By
CLAIRE HEGINBOTHAM

Claire Heginbotham is a professional copywriter and adventure traveler. Over the last five years, she's published work with Royal Caribbean, Gaijinpot, Kuroko Tours, and many more. She's traveled to hundreds of bespoke Asian destinations where the unknown flourishes.

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