While the dog days of summer may be drawing to a close and you find yourself wishing for winter, once you’re in the throes of its icy grasp, you’ll long for shorts and sunshine once more. If the wintery bluster becomes too much, here are five escapes that will help you bear the cooler months ahead.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you feel the need for a Caribbean vacation without the need to go through customs and blunder your way through yet another currency exchange, Puerto Rico is the place to go. With beautiful Spanish architecture, white sand beaches, and a vibrant nightlife, you’ll forget all about the eleven inches of snow waiting to be shoveled from your driveway.

Key West, Florida

If the appeal of the Caribbean sounds nice, but you don’t want to deal with boarding a plane, Key West is a good option. It makes for an amazing road trip, and once you arrive, you can pass the time snorkeling, scuba diving, or just sipping on frozen daiquiris. It’s a good way to refresh the mind from its winter hibernation.

Fort McDowell, Arizona

For most Arizonans, winter doesn’t exist. The temperature stays about the same all year long in this state, making it the perfect retreat for those escaping the icy tendrils of colder climes. Spend your time at places like Fort McDowell Casino, whiling the time away by testing your luck at the slots, or pitting yourself against your partner’s poker face.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Want an escape from the cold that’s not too tough on the pocketbook? Then head down to the sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen, where food costs less than one dollar and the golf courses are absolutely world-class. Playa del Carmen can become a bit more expensive during the winter months due to the influx of people trying to escape from winter, but it is still a beautiful destination and much more cost effective compared to destinations within the United States.

San Diego, California

If you’ve never been to California, winter is the perfect time to visit. Most people are surprised by how cool it is in San Diego during the year; instead of 90 degree weather, they instead find cool, crisp 75 degree mornings and afternoons. And this temperature rarely changes. Explore the art scene, vibrant nightlife, and amazing foodie culture present in the city.

No matter how cold it may be where you live, the United States and nearby destinations offer plenty of escapes from the winter cold.