Winter is a rather glum time of year, is it not? With snow-locked landscapes, short sunny hours and low temperatures, the white season can be a true downer for lovers of summer and beach fun. If the thought of Christmas caroling, festive banquets and family reunions do not seem to be the silver lining you need to get through the winter blues, consider spending your holiday at one of these five tropical destinations – after all, you can have anything you want if you want it badly enough, even if it is a beachside vacation in the midst of cold winter months.
1. Tayrona National Park, Northern Colombia
A protected natural reserve stretching across 150 kilometers along the Caribbean coastline in Columbia, Tayrona National Park is a paradise for lovers of long, hot summer days, palm trees shades and tranquil sandy beaches. In Tayrona, you can go rock climbing, snorkeling, diving, exploring reefs and coves or swimming in a natural pool in the vicinity of La Piscina lagoon. Or, if you have a penchant for archaeology and adventure, you can visit El Pueblito, a dig site similar to Colombia’s famous Ciudad Perdida, where you can see the remains of an ancient town now mostly buried beneath the jungle.
2. Diani Beach, Southern Kenya
Extending around 10 kilometers along the coast of the Indian Ocean, Diani Beach is another lush tropical getaway for tourists plagued by Christmas blues. With clear, warm waters, abundance of colorful coral reefs, verdant vegetation and bustling local wildlife, Diani Beach in south Kenya is a perfect spot to go diving, kite-surfing and fishing at Christmastime, when most of the northern hemisphere is locked by snow and ice. In case you are adventurous, you can even hire a boat to take you for a wild exploration of the picturesque neighboring islands such as Chale and Funzi.
Accra, West African Metropolis
This is one of the most cosmopolitan places in West Africa, with high glass buildings, wide boulevards and dusty shanty towns painted in vivid colors. Although Accra is a very hospitable and safe city, sometimes it is really hard to find the appropriate lodging. That’s why tourists are advised to arrange their stay in advance through websites like meQasa.com, where they can meet people who are renting rooms and flats.
4. Bariloche, West Argentina
For brave adventurers, Bariloche is an excellent tropical destination that will clear away winter moodiness and inspire curiosity and love of sun, nature and – chocolate. In addition to the spectacular views of Lanin Volcano, Bariloche takes pride in adorable local architecture heavily relying on use of stone and wood, and it is also home to Museo de la Pantagonia and Chocolate Museum.
5. Praslin Island, Northern Seychelles
For a quiet holiday under the palm trees, head over to Praslin Island. Located at the northern end of the Seychelles Archipelago, this colorful island is characterized by vivid local flora and fauna, amazing beaches and warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. With a small population of slightly over 6,000 friendly natives, the island is an excellent romantic getaway for newlyweds and couples who want to combine their winter holiday with a touch of adventure, beach fun and awe-inspiring sundown views in one of the peaceful lagoons.
Are you ready to set out on an unforgettable tropical Christmas adventure? Do not let the winter blues get the better of you: pack your bags, pick one of the world’s most scenic tropical destinations and spend the holidays relaxing in the shade of palm trees, sipping cocktails and exploring exotic landscapes instead of sulking by the Christmas tree waiting for Santa to come hurling down the chimney.
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