For those looking to escape frigid winter temperatures, these 10 destinations will satisfy wanderlust while offering tropical climates, beaches, diverse cultures and more.
Hammocks on the beach. Kent Larsson. CC BY 2.0
Africa
1. West Coast of The Gambia
Sunrise in Sukuta Western Gambia. H2O Alchemist. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Across the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa, the west coast of The Gambia is a destination with a tropical climate and an abundance of arts and culture. Western Gambia has something for everyone, with activities ranging from water sports at Kololi Beach to quad biking safaris.
The Gambian diet is incredibly diverse. Travelers can savor traditional dishes ranging from stews like Pepeh and Maafe to steamed fish and lemon called Caldo.
February and March offer many cultural events for those exploring The Gambia. At the Kartong Festival, travelers can experience a medley of performances such as mask parades and traditional dances. The Trade Fair is yet another opportunity to soak up Gambian culture. Here, travelers can see and purchase Indigenous arts and crafts, like wood carvings, pottery, basketry and masks.
2. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Jambiani Beach in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Phil Hemmis. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Located off the coast of east-central Africa, Zanzibar is a tropical island decorated with beaches and coconut palms.
Zanzibari culture has developed through a mix of indigenous and foreign influences. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Spice Island’, explorers can try many local, well-seasoned dishes such as octopus curry or Urojo soup. To delve further into Zanzibari culture, travelers can attend events such as the Zanzibar Fruit Festival and explore its historic Stone Town.
On safaris, you can explore Zanzibar’s lush vegetation and its impeccable assortment of wildlife, which includes leopards and monkeys. Travelers desperate for warm waters and fun activities can find solace on Zanzibar’s beaches, which offer snorkeling, fishing, parasailing and much more.
Oceania
3. Victoria, Australia
Johanna Beach, Australia. J. Philipp Krone. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Victoria Australia boasts a warm, dry climate with an average of about eight hours of sunshine daily during February and March. Australia’s impressive biodiverse ecosystem of unique plants and animals has been integrated into its culinary scene. In Victoria, curious explorers can expand their palates by indulging in subtly sweet Marron crayfish or protein-packed Kangaroo.
Art and music enthusiasts can experience a wide range of summer events in February and March, ranging from the Princes of the Night Show to a Weaving with Stripes workshop. For those longing for time in natural environments, Victoria offers everything from over 20,000 acres of forest to 692 beaches as well as at least 20 waterfalls.
Aboriginal Australian culture has long been oppressed by colonialism and the colonial legacy. Explorers can become allies by attending events for National Apology Day on February 13th and supporting Aboriginal Australian-owned businesses such as First Nations Gifts.
South America
4. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Sea lions sunbathe on a beach in the Galapagos Islands. Jockrutherford. CC BY-SA 2.0
About 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands present travelers with a temperate tropical climate, beaches and unique wildlife.
The Galapagos Islands are home to many species that don’t exist anywhere else in the world, including the Galapagos penguin and the Galapagos tortoise. Intrigued travelers can spot these rare animals at places like Pinnacle Rock or the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Explorers can get their steps in while experiencing incredible scenery by hiking volcanoes and the Isabela Island Wetlands Complex. Adventurous eaters can then refuel with dishes like fried Guinea Pig or Caldo-de-Pata.
5. San Andres, Colombia
Rocky Cay in San Andres, Colombia. Flowizm. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
In the Caribbean Sea, just over 450 miles from the Columbian mainland, travelers can find San Andres, a dreamy destination with a tropical climate and beaches lining its north coast. San Andres provides many opportunities for time in its waters, from popular beaches like those found in Johnny Cay to hidden coves like La Piscinita.
San Andres hosts an intersection of cultures, with African, Afro-Antillean and European traditions represented in particular. Cultural Fridays offer travelers the chance to experience musical and dance performances accompanied by dishes like Rondon, a mouth-watering medley of traditional ingredients like fish and snails cooked in coconut milk with herbs and spices.
History lovers can explore a shipwreck at Rocky Cay or La Cueva de Morgan, a cave allegedly home to buried pirate treasure.
Southeast Asia
6. Goa, India
Shiva Rock at Vagator Beach, Goa. Kaushal Karkhanis. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Goa is a coastal state in Western India with temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and about 65 miles of coastline dotted with beaches. Known for its spices, India’s cuisine in Goa is both a distinct and delicious travel companion, from street food like Misal Pav to sweets such as Gadbad Ice Cream.
India has a long history as one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Travelers can get a glimpse of the past by visiting museums such as The Archaeological Museum, and historic locations like forts, temples and heritage walks.
Art fans drawn to India in February and March have the opportunity to attend exhibitions at Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts in Panaji. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike can enjoy visits to wildlife sanctuaries like the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.
If you’re looking for energetic nightlife, Goa is a paradise for party-goers. At Psychedelic Tuesday and Full Moon Night Parties in Shiva Valley, adventurers can be entranced with colorful lights and lively music.
7. Bohol, The Philippines
Alona Beach on Panglao Island, Bohol. Weichen_kh. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Lying in the south-central Philippines, Bohol is a small island with much to offer. The tropical climate and white sand beaches make for a perfect destination to escape the winter cold.
Bohol is home to the Boholano people who have a vibrant culture, particularly influenced by Mexico and Spain. This influence has given rise to Boholian dishes like the protein-packed Chorizo de Bohol, a sausage dish perfect for recharging travelers after a day full of adventure.
Adrenaline seekers can take in breathtaking views of the Loboc River as they zipline at the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park. Beyond basking in the sun, beachgoers have an array of activities at their fingertips, from scuba diving and snorkeling to dolphin and whale watching.
8. Terengganu, Malaysia
Fish swimming under a dock on Lang Tengah Island, Terengganu. Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi. CC BY 2.0
Located in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia, Terengganu is a region featuring about 200 miles of coastline and several islands with a tropical climate.
The Terengganu people have played a significant role in shaping Malay culture. Travelers can treat themselves to Terengganu’s state dish, rice topped with tuna curry called Nasi Dagang, and many more Terengganu specialties. February and March are a prime time to engage with Terengganu culture, with many events including Karnival Beautiful Terengganu, the Terengganu Watersport Festival.
Terengganu’s natural environment supplies explorers with distinct destinations. At the Setiu Wetlands State Park, ecosystems collide, creating exceptional biodiversity that can be appreciated by locals and visitors alike. Another unique opportunity to admire wildlife is to visit one of the three turtle sanctuaries in Terengganu.
South Asia
9. The Maldives
A Dhoni boat in the South Male Atoll, Simon_sees, CC BY 2.0
Sitting atop a submarine volcano in the Indian Ocean, The Maldives offer a tropical climate and 280 islands for travelers hoping to escape the winter chill. Known for its overwater bungalows, The Maldives provide a unique opportunity to wake up with blue waters on your doorstep.
Beachgoers have hundreds of beaches to choose from. With 80 uninhabited islands accessible to tourists, peaceful beaches are around every atoll. Watersports are abundant along the 400 miles of coastline. Some unique activities worth exploring range from renting an underwater scooter to banana boating.
Neighboring countries, particularly Sri Lanka and India, have influenced Maldivian culture. Cultural festivals for winter travelers provide the opportunity to immerse oneself in Maldivian culture. One example is the Maldivian Cultural Festival, where travelers can experience local music, arts and crafts.
If festivals aren’t for you, travelers can still see and purchase traditional art such as colorful woven mats and wood carvings at markets like Chaandhanee Magu or the Male Local Market.
10. Sri Lanka
Beach in Mirissa, Sri Lanka. Daniel Klein CC BY 2.0
Sri Lanka is an island country in the Indian Ocean with a tropical monsoon climate and a wide array of warm destinations and activities.
Sri Lankan culture has developed for over two millennia, reflected in its whopping eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ancient cities like Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura draw explorers from around the world with their fruitful histories and mind-blowing architecture.
Sri Lanka’s beaches present travelers with many ways to experience the Indian Ocean. Surfing attracts many people to beaches like Hiriketiya and Ahangama. For those not interested in surfing, there are a lot of other ways to have fun in the water, from white water rafting to deep-sea fishing and more.
Madison Paulus
Madison is a student at George Washington University studying international affairs, journalism, mass communication, and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Madison grew up in a creative, open-minded environment. With passions for human rights and social justice, Madison uses her writing skills to educate and advocate. In the future, Madison hopes to pursue a career in science communication or travel journalism.