It’s officially September, which means summer is almost over. The cold season is coming, and as an older adult, we all know how tough the cold is on your bones.
Whether or not you experience arthritis symptoms, everyone deserves a warm weather escape. Read on to discover the best warm-weather destinations to fly to this winter!
Best Places to Escape the Winter in the United States
1. Florida
The state of Florida is well known for its year-round amazing weather. Even if you head here in December or January, you are guaranteed lots of sun, and you likely won’t even need to bring a jacket (though you might want to pack one just in case). Not only that, but there are so many ways to get to Florida (flight, car, boat), you won’t have to stress the travel.
The only downside of Florida is that it tends to be a breeding ground for disease outbreaks. Most recently, there have been pockets of Measles infections down there, and before that, it was Dengue and Zika. So, make sure you have all your necessary vaccinations and are in good health before you go.
2. Arizona
Those on the West Coast have a far longer flight or drive to deal with before arriving in warm weather, so for those folks, we recommend checking out southern Arizona, such as Tucson.
While Arizona does have warm weather year-round, it is a desert climate, which means there are colder evenings and nights. This isn’t a reason not to go there—just something to be aware of. So even though you are expecting warm weather, be sure to pack long pants and a jacket!
3. San Diego, California
California is a huge state, and many are surprised to find that the southern regions experience a temperate climate year-round. Temperate means that the temperature stays relatively the same in both summer and winter.
This doesn’t mean that you can go to San Diego in shorts and a T-shirt in December, but it does mean you can successfully avoid the snow and cold in a climate that is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.
Best Places to Escape the Winter in the Western Hemisphere
1. Mexico
For Americans, Mexico is the nearest international destination, and like California, there isn’t really a winter in most of the country. It is important to recognize, however, that not all of Mexico is created equal, so you will need to do some research before jumping on a flight.
Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum are all touristy destinations where it is summer year-round. If you want something a little less touristy, Rosarito in Baja, California, is similar to San Diego in that it is very temperate. Those who are more adventurous can check out Mexico City, which is in the center of the country.
2. Aruba
Located in the Caribbean, Aruba is an island nation belonging to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Requiring a flight (though it can sometimes be reached via cruise), Aruba is a warm place to spend the cold winter months.
Aruba has a unique desert climate, even though it is an island—this means you get the heat without the humidity. Just know that price-wise, Aruba is very expensive, so if you want something cheaper, perhaps consider the Dominican Republic or Jamaica.
3. Brazil
Those who have the time (and money) for the Brazil visa should check out this country during the cold winter months. On the opposite climate to the United States, you will find it is the heat of summer here during the coldest winter months. Not only that, but the US dollar will go a long way for whatever you need!
That being said, the tropical illnesses that affect the south of Florida are also in play here. Before travel, you should ensure you are vaccinated against Yellow Fever, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A, and always wear mosquito spray when you leave your hotel.
Related: Travel Insurance for Older Adults: What You Need to Know
Best Place to Escape the Winter Weather in Europe
1. Malta
Just like the United States, Europe also has a few islands that are known for their warm weather year-round, the most well-known being Malta.
Malta is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, and it has a very rich history. Starting as an island used by the Knights Templar for corsairing (a fancy word for stealing), there are many beautiful locations to explore. It is a bit on the pricier side, however, and it, like Arizona, may require long pants and jackets, though you shouldn’t see any snow.
2. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is an island belonging to Portugal located off the coast of Morocco. Known as the southernmost part of the EU, this is the only European country near enough to the equator to experience summer year-round, though you still may need a jacket and long pants for the cooler evening temperatures.
With beaches, wine country, and delicious food, this is an excellent place to visit if you can handle the long flight there and don’t mind a few mountains.
3. Sicily, Italy
Located at the tip of Italy (often known as the ball being kicked by the boot) Sicily is an Italian island located in the Mediterranean Sea. While Sicily has temperate weather year-round, it is important to note that it is a wet climate—meaning while there is no snow, there are rains during the winter months that may bother some travelers.
That being said, it is still a great place to visit if you don’t want snow and want to escape the winter clouds that cover most of Europe. Plus, it’s a great alternative for those who can’t handle the flight to Madeira, as you can reach Sicily by both train and car.
Overall, this is just the tip of the iceberg for avoiding cold winter climates. No matter which of these you pick to visit, we know you will love soaking up some winter sun. Don’t be afraid to branch out, though, and try other places which didn’t quite make our list, such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the Canary Islands.
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