Escape the Cold This Season at the Top Winter Sun Travel Destinations Around the World

This jaw-dropping slice of rugged coastline in California is famous for its coastal cliffs, 80-foot waterfalls, zigzagging roads, and panoramic views of the hazy Pacific. Winter is touted as the best time to visit this West Coast gem, as crowds and prices tend to drop once Summer ends. Make it a budget-friendly trip and camp in one of the numerous beautiful state parks nearby (but be sure to pack warm gear as it gets rather chilly at night), or go a touch more luxe at the Redwood Canyon Glampsites at Ventana Big Sur, set in the middle of the magnificent California redwoods.

This lush island nation off the coast of India was recently tagged as one of the top countries to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet, and for good reason. It's bubbling with historic sights and stunning landscapes, and because of its tropical year-round temperatures, the Winter months are an ideal time to escape to this island oasis.

The Winter season in America's 50th state brings continued warm temperatures, huge ocean waves (it's a total dream for seasoned surfers — and for spectators!), and prime humpback-whale watching. The climate might be a tad wetter from December through March, but rain typically arrives in short spurts, and that's a meager price to pay to unwind on a small slice of untamed paradise. Plus, if you've never seen a rainbow illuminating the Hawaiian sky, you're in for a treat!

Dubai sparkles on the Persian Gulf, blending glamour, gravity-defying architecture, and buzzy nightlife into one vibrant metropolis of colors and culture. While its desert location usually yields sweltering temperatures, Winters in this Emirate city drop to a pleasant 80 degrees, and the city embraces its green spaces and gardens. Be sure to check out the world-famous and highly Instagrammed Jumeirah Beach Park, and, if you start to get homesick for icier climates (although you probably won't), you can get your snow fix at the indoor Ski Dubai.

There's something endearing about this eclectic alchemy of cultures; the Big Easy has long attracted hordes of visitors with its award-winning culinary scene, around-the-clock nightlife, baroque architecture, and world-famous festivals. While more than a million people will dash down South for Mardi Gras each year, travelers can experience the splendor of the city — sans crowds – in the early Winter months. The weather (and the seafood gumbo) is still warm all year long.

Drenched in astounding natural beauty at every turn, Costa Rica is a wondrous place to find respite from the bitter Winter cold. Relax on the unbridled sands at Montezuma Beach and explore the nearby rainforest or head to the adventure-lover's paradise of Sarapiqui, where you can hike, whitewater raft, and catch a glimpse of the exotic local wildlife. The temperature hovers around 80 degrees all year long, even in the Winter months.