Winter Sun in the USA
When it comes to shaking the winter blues, swapping your fleece for a pair of flip flops and the sunny climes of the USA is bound to do the trick. We've shortlisted the corners of North America that stay warm throughout the year, promising a healthy dose of vitamin D as the ultimate antidote to winter's chill.
Hawaii is a winter holiday hotspot. Year round, the beaches are golden, the surf is gargantuan and the landscapes are lush and green. On the archipelago, life is best lived outdoors, so whether it’s swimming amongst kaleidoscopic coral reefs or clambering to the top of a magnificent volcanic peak, Hawaii’s natural bounty is a playground for young and old. This far flung Pacific outpost is notoriously difficult to reach, yet once there, lull yourself into island life with an expertly mixed Mai Tai accompanied by the mesmerising hum of hula for the perfect way to kick jetlag into touch.
The Sunshine State continues to sizzle all winter long. In Miami, the tropical climate is matched only by a buzzing nightlife, fascinating culture and top notch hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and scuba diving spots. Further afield, the Everglades National Park is home to a myriad of weird and wonderful wildlife whilst Florida Keys offers idyllic sandbar islands and pastel coloured harbour fronts for some serious beach relaxation. Families can seamlessly combine sunshine with Christmas cheer at Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort on a getaway that ticks the boxes for young and old.
The Golden State is an appropriate moniker for a corner of the US that enjoys mild winters, little rain and basks in sunshine throughout the year. Fleeing the winter chill on a road trip along State Route 1 or on an escape to Laguna Beach is the ultimate way to escape the colder months. For us, there's no better place to warm the cockles than in Palm Springs; an oasis that basks in the sunshine throughout the winter and the perfect spot for exploring. From the surreal rock formations of the Joshua Tree National Park to the golf courses of Greater Palm Springs, the region's bright, sunny days go hand in hand with outdoors adventure.
Arizona is a wonderful destination to visit during the shoulder season. Whilst the desert cools off in winter, travelling to Arizona during autumn or spring is a brilliant time to see this part of the States without the crowds. In Sedona, temperatures soar making it ideal for sunseekers, whilst in the surrounding mountains, the climate is considerably cooler, lending itself perfectly to the spectacular hiking routes on offer.