My number one winter escape is to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. PV is a quaint tourist-friendly destination sitting on the Pacific ocean. Being on the West Coast of the United States, I love the destination because it’s easy to get to in under four hours. Going to Puerto Vallarta you don’t have to worry about the time difference. No jet lag. This town has an abundance of hotels, spas, and Airbnb’s though I do prefer an Airbnb as you get a place with all the amenities of a hotel with the added ability to prepare some of your own meals. I love the casual elegance strolling around in shorts and flip-flops while dining on some of the best tasting cuisines in the state of Jalisco. It is almost impossible to get a bad meal because everything is fresh from the ocean, and seafood is king. A simple stroll through the old town is very satisfying after a delicious dinner. There is also a vibrant nightlife should you decide to partake in margaritas and tequila. With the temperature range of 70 to 85° every day during the heart of winter, this is a beautiful place to warm up and spend some quality time in the water.
Seafood Dish in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
My favorite getaway in the heart of winter is Hawaii. But not just anywhere, I don't like the big island and prefer the slower-paced Hawaiian getaway. Also it is preferable to have a variety of activities and outings on any given day. For that reason, I prefer the garden island, also known as Kaua’i. Kauai, Hawaii is an amazing place to visit and immerses you in the natural beauty of tropical surroundings. The Napali Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline I have ever seen in my life. Whether it’s hiking at the state park or exploring one of its many beaches, there are countless adventures. One can spend the day kayaking or hiking and then get some great Hawaiian barbecue in the evening. This is the place I go when I really need to relax. This is the place where I unplug, disconnect and chill out in a hammock on a porch.
Charles in Scotland
A curious place that I do love to visit during the dead of winter is actually Edinburgh, Scotland. This is one of the most legendary cities on earth. Famous not only for its Celtic roots and the magnificent castle that sits in the center of town but also for its exquisite museums and historic festivals. Edinburgh, Scotland is famous for having more citywide festivals than any other city on earth. They have big festivals, jazz festivals, comedy festivals, dance festivals and so much more! The “old town” part of Edinburgh is home to some of the oldest cobbled streets in all of the United Kingdom. Edinburgh Castle stands as a historic landmark, former home to the queen who rivaled Queen Elizabeth the First, Mary Queen of Scots. There’s evidence of occupation of the city of Edinburgh as early as 600 BC, so if you are a history buff in any way you will find a visit to Edinburgh a remarkable adventure into history. Also, in case you cannot recall, Edinburgh is home to one of the most famous universities in the world, the University of Edinburgh. This is where the first genetic cloning took place. I love the history, the art, and the beauty of Edinburgh in the winter. The look of this city is a classic storybook Christmas setting, it looks like something out of a fairytale. So when you don’t want to escape the winter, but instead want to immerse yourself in it, Edinburgh is the place to go.
