One of my favorite local winter escapes is to go dirt biking in the nearby deserts of Southern California. Socal's deserts are close enough to get to easily, but when you arrive, it feels like a different world. It’s the perfect weekend or just for a day escape. Dirt biking takes my mind off of work and the stresses of life as one has to be fully present and focused on the task at hand. Some people ride all year but since I’m not die-hard, I prefer to go in the colder months as it’s just too hot for me during the summer months.

Photo by Taylor Simpson on Unsplash

NYC is also always a great escape during the winter for me. I know it sounds a bit odd, but being raised in Southern California the cold to me is a nice break, I love walking and taking in the city during the winter months.