Photo: Mint Images – Frans Lanting (Getty Images)
Don’t let the occasional sun rays fool you; winter is still here, lurking behind every corner, waiting for you to choose the wrong coat or forget a scarf in a hurry, so that it can give you a freezing reminder when you least expect it. So, what can you do to avoid this trickster season and hurry the upcoming summer? Well, you can simply save up some money and travel to one of those exotic tropical locations around the world that don’t even know the meaning of the word winter. To help you decide which one to visit, we’ve researched the topic and chosen 5 best tropical locations for you. Here they are.
Bora Bora, Tahiti
Bora Bora is certainly one of the first tropical locations that come to mind when you think about the sun-bathed beaches and warm, turquoise water. The island, often called the South Pacific paradise, contains a number of breath-taking bungalows that are perfect for relaxation near the water. Some of them even have a glass floor so you can feel like you’re resting on the waves. If you love coconuts, you’re in luck because these trees grow pretty much everywhere on Bora Bora. Just be careful not to catch them with your head. They say that falling coconuts kill more people annually than sharks. Think about it. Or don’t.
Maldives
Of course, if the distance isn’t a problem, you can always visit the Maldives, located just Southwest of India. It is a beautiful and desolate country that truly feels like it’s the end of the world. The main island basically consists of an airport, a hospital and miles of road connecting the two. There are beaches all along the island so you can take your pick. Among the popular activities on the island are diving and snorkeling, but there are also numerous surfing spots that you must try if you’re a fan of it. Swim with the whale sharks and manta rays, or simply go on a fishing trip in the beautiful clear-water ocean.
Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the most frequently visited tropical locations in the world. All of its islands are beautiful in their own way, but Kauai stands out thanks to its astounding green vegetation. A huge chunk of the island consists of tropical rain forests and interesting lava-chiseled landscape you won’t be able to resist. Of course, since it has rain forests, obviously, there’s a lot of rain on the island, but this only adds to its charm. Take walk around the stunning Hanalei Bay or venture deep into the Waimea Canyon that’s about 3,000 feet deep and about 10 miles long. If you’re looking for a place where nature dominates the civilization, this is it.
Castaway Cay, The Bahamas
Now, in case you have a small children and don’t feel like leaving them with the habitually grumpy babysitter next doo, why not bring them along for the trip? Pretty much all of the Bahamas is stunning, but you might opt for Castaway Cay, a private island owned entirely by Disney. Visiting this part of the Bahamas is reserved for Disney cruises. There are a number of gorgeous beaches and resorts along with, of course, a lot of family entertainment options. As it is with most tropical locations, snorkeling is quite popular, as well as numerous sports. There are areas specially reserved for kids like “Spring-a-Leak,” a 2,400 square foot water-play area that will certainly keep them busy, while you relax in the adults-only “Serenity Bay.”
Port Douglas, Australia
If you don’t mind travelling all the way to the “land down under,” Port Douglas is certainly the place to visit. The great thing about the southern hemisphere is that everything’s opposite in a way. While you’re clinching your fists and trying to survive the winter’s unforgiving grip, the countries in the southern hemisphere are enjoying the scorching sun of the summer. So, if you’re going to escape winter, just do it properly and jump right into the summer at Port Douglas. Back in the days, it was just a simple fishing village, but today it’s one of the most popular tropical locations in Australia. Visit the Four Mile Beach or Cape Tribulations, or check out the Great Barrier Reef, which contains some of the most diverse living organisms in the world.
