It’s no secret that this winter has sucked. Between the polar vortex that was literally too cold for penguins, a snowpocalypse in Atlanta, and the seemingly never-ending stream of winter storms, it’s beginning to feel like it’ll never end. But have heart, fellow snow zombies! One day, spring will (hopefully) come, and going outdoors will no longer be the arduous process it’s become. In the meantime, bundle up, play some songs to remind you of warmth, and pretend you’re at one of these twelve beach locations.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Located on the Baja peninsula, Cabo has long been one of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico. A favorite of the rich and famous, Cabo is home to some of the most beautiful and luxurious beach resorts in the world.
Santorini, Greece
An island created by a volcanic explosion, Santorini is known for its whitewashed architecture and blue waters. So much blue, so much perfection.
Phuket, Thailand
Thailand’s largest island is home to cultural sites like Wat Chalong, the Big Buddha of Phuket, and of course, amazing beaches.
Nungwi, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, this small Tanzanian fishing village has become a tourist attraction. White sand beaches, crystal clear water, temperatures above freezing- who could ask for more?
Croatian Coast
An up-and-comer in the Mediterranean beach scene, the Croatian coast is still relatively cheap to visit. The coastal city of Dubrovnik should be on your bucket list, for no other reason than getting a chance to visit Westeros.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
While not technically a beach, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef qualifies for this list by 1. being insanely beautiful and 2. incredibly warm all while 3. allowing one to swim with tropical fish.
Pink Beach, Bermuda
Really, any pink beach will do.
Cinque Terre, Italy
The five villages of Cinque Terre (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) are impossibly quaint. Protected as a UNESCO Heritage site, Cinque Terre has managed to retain its old world charm into the 21st century.
Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Any beach in Costa Rica would be a beautiful break from winter madness, but Manuel Antonio stands out for it’s biodiversity and sloths. The fact that you can see sloths and the Pacific Ocean in one trip should be enough to make any sane person look for plane tickets.
Mancora Peru
Located in northwestern Peru, Mancora is famous as one of the best surfing towns in South America. It’s also a great travel option for students: oceanfront hotels go for as little as $40 a night.
Seychelles
A world leader in sustainable tourism, the islands of Seychelles remain relatively untouched by development. The price tag to visit is steep (it was the location of the royal couple’s honeymoon) but likely worth it.
Siesta Key, Florida
The Florida Keys are the best beaches in the United States (sorry not sorry, Malibu). White sand, stunning sunsets, there’s nothing quite like the thought of the idyllic waves of the Gulf of Mexico and key lime pie to help one forget about shoveling snow.
Photos Credits
http://itsperfectmalibu.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Malibu_Sunset_1.jpg
http://forum.xcitefun.net/greece-beaches-boat-yourself-on-gorgeous-island-t42183.html
http://cdn4.list25.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/zanzibar.jpg
http://www.enjoyourholiday.com/2011/03/29/top-5-croatian-highlights/
http://sevennaturalwonders.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/shutterstock_34476025.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-oz7K72fuY/T7Zuz827DYI/AAAAAAAAApQ/uS-m5hm-8Is/s1600/Barbuda%2Bsunset.JPG
http://whc.unesco.org/uploads/thumbs/site_0826_0012-500-375-201310031703…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Atardecer_en_Manuel_Antonio.jpg
http://www.alexinwanderland.com/2014/01/20/magic-of-mancora/
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/01/a5/a5/01a5a525ec78d374b64760cf7c2b71c3.jpg
http://www.dwellingwell.com/images/beach2_2304.jpg
http://allzinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/2.-Siesta-Key-Public-Beac…