Every new year my resolution is to travel more, explore more and learn more. What I love the most about traveling is the escape it provides to see a new corner of the world and gain a new perspective on life. As the weather gets colder, there is no better time to book your next trip somewhere warm for a little escape and a whole lot of sun.

This year, why not skip the all-inclusive vacation and explore one of these other warm weather destinations instead?

1. Martinique

Located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean Sea, Martinique is an ideal warm weather destination welcoming tourists with open arms. Rich with culture, this island melds together the traditional French cooking styles with local Creole flavors to showcase the island’s diverse culinary landscape.

Or, for those of you adventurous enough to try out your own talents, pay a visit to Les Ateliers Médélices to learn how to cook with local ingredients and create authentic creole dish from scratch. Explore the beautiful island by sea by sailing along the coast to catch a glimpse of Diamond Rock on the southwest corner of the island or drive along the coast to see the dormant volcano Mt. Pelée.

2. The Azores

The Azores are a grouping of islands in the Atlantic Ocean that are considered an autonomous region of Portugal. Although Portugal has been increasing as a tourist destination, these islands still remain relatively unchartered, which adds to their charm. Retaining an old world, quaint feel, the Azores are the perfect place for the explorer looking to hop from island to island.

This volcanic archipelago is made up of nine islands that boast warm weather all year round, making it a wonderful travel destination for those looking to escape the snow. Explore the lush and beautiful outdoors by hiking around the volcanoes of Pico, relax in the hot mineral springs or catch a glimpse of the wales on a tour of Faial.

3. Barbados

For those of you still looking for an island in the Caribbean to visit, Barbados’ laid-back and jovial nature has made it a popular vacation spot for the whole family. To see something different from the main tourist beaches on southern coast, head over to Holetown in St. James on the west side of the island.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, the Atlantis Submarines is an unforgettable way to explore the island from under the sea and catch a glimpse of the rich coral and marine life in natural habitat. If you’re looking to escape the beach for the day, I’d recommend exploring inland to see some of the natural wonders the island has to over. Wander through the beauty of island jungle at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve and see some of the many animals native to the island. Cool down and head underground to Harrison’s Cave to explore the astonishing stalactites, stalagmites, small waterfalls and pools.

4.Salvador

As Brazil’s third largest city, Salvador is characterized by the vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture that has infused its own unique breath of life into this northeastern city. Known for its vibrant music scene and popular Carnival celebrations in February, Salvador is a coastal city that brings in visitors from all over the world to explore coastal neighborhoods clustered around the ocean.

Stroll through the downtown streets and get lost in the beautiful architecture in the historic downtown Pelourinho district (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) along the Rua Chile to the Municipal Square and Rio Branco Palace, one of the country’s oldest palaces. The bright Brazilian sun illuminates Bahia’s capital city as some of the oldest buildings were built in colonial and baroque styles and painted in vibrant colors. This historic center is considered the largest colonial set in the Americas with buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

For the beach lovers and sun chasers, head out of the city to Linha Verde to explore Imbassaí beach. The miles of pristine beaches makes it arguably one of the best beach areas in all of Brazil.

Want to prioritize travel this year? Be sure to check out Tips for Traveling on a Budget, Solo Travel Planning, and 7 Ways to Be an Explorer at Home.

Where are your favorite warm weather escapes?

Image via Taylr Anne



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  1. This Christmas I was able to escape to Australia and summer for the holidays and it was wonderful. I always love a vacation to another season in the middle of a different one – it provides a nice little reprieve, and then you don’t get sick of the season you’re living in. Especially winter; it seems to go on forever, haha.

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