Summer is traditionally the time to book a vacation in the sun. However, winter may in fact be a better time to get away and catch some rays. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose winter as the season for a sunny escape.
1) You don’t have to travel far to get the winter sun
Many people assume you have to travel across the world to get good weather in winter, however, there are places in America that still remain relatively warm in the winter (enough that you’ll still want to sunbathe!). Palm Springs rarely dips below 70 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, whilst there are places in Hawaii that rarely dip below 80 degrees. Meanwhile, the US Virgin Islands, New Orleans, and The Everglades all remain fairly warm in the winter, as well. In other words, you don’t have to go abroad!
2) Take advantage of cheaper rates
January through March tends to be a lot less popular when it comes to traveling, and therefore is generally a lot cheaper too. Hotel prices are likely to be lower, as are flights. If you’re looking to save money on a beach vacation, this could be the time to go (you could pay half the price you’d usually pay in summer)! Just make sure to avoid December – due to the holidays, this tends to be just as expensive as the summer months.
3) Avoid the crowds
Because winter is less popular, you’ll also have fewer crowds to deal with. This could mean more space on the beach and shorter queues to attractions. However, some hotels and attractions may close during these months so always check beforehand. As mentioned, December is likely to still be busy, so avoid this month.
4) Give yourself a reason to preserve your summer body
Many of us work out hard before the summer in order to get our body bikini-ready only to then pile on the pounds again from autumn to winter. Planning a vacation in the winter could discipline you into preserving your summer body. By having a reason to flaunt it, you’ll be more motivated to keep in shape all year round.
5) Protect yourself against SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
If you tend to suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the winter months, some winter sun could be just what you need to build up your spirits. SAD has been linked to a lack of vitamin D from the sun and tends to affect many people in the northern states where the days are much shorter in the winter.