The Best Warm-Weather Destinations To Spend The Holidays

For a warm-weather vacation as perfect for lazing on the beach as it is for outdoor adventures, consider Kauai. This Hawaiian spot is the oldest of the islands, with views like towering cliffs draped in greenery, plunging valleys, sparkling waterfalls and rolling hills. Start your adventure on the west side of Kauai at the scenic canyon nicknamed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific." The geological wonder is 14 miles long, 1 mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep. An aerial tour of the Napali Coast will unveil scenic areas largely inaccessible by land or water, like Manawaiopuna Falls, which was a backdrop in "Jurassic Park." For an artsy, small-town stroll, Hanapepe Town is on the southwest side of the island. It's home to shops, eateries and art galleries. And if you're there to take part in the holiday spirit, there's a light festival right on the island as well as a Christmas Day Luau.

If you prefer the great wilderness over sandy beaches, Big Bend is all yours. Big Bend is one of the best places for stargazing in North America, and has the least light pollution of all of the national parks in the lower 48 states. There isn't a lot that compares to lying down and looking up at millions of stars. The holidays are a particularly busy time for the national park, so it is best to come prepared with alternative plans for lodging or camping outside of the park. The Santa Elena Canyon in the park is right on the border between the U.S. and Mexico for an added treat.

The festive city of San Juan is the perfect place to experience true Puerto Rican culture, and its mix of old and new makes it especially appealing. The city boasts its blend of cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, with modern things like craft cocktails, contemporary restaurants and an energetic nightlife. Not to mention the glittering sandy beaches. Another sell for winter-season travelers, San Juan has the self declared "longest holiday season in the world." On the island, la Navidad lasts about 45 days, starting right after Thanksgiving Day and extending through mid-January. The festivities cap off with the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, also known as la SanSe. For a non-holiday expedition, make a day trip to El Yunque, the only tropical forest in the USDA national forest system. Recovery efforts are still underway after hurricanes Irma and Maria swept through, but there are trails that have been restored and opened. Because Puerto Rico is a United States Commonwealth, it's one of the easiest islands in the Caribbean to visit for U.S. travelers, who won't need a passport, have to exchange money or worry about their cell phone coverage.

This country, a territory of Great Britain, is home to 40 islands, with Turks and Caicos divided into two groups, the Turks Islands (Grand Turk and Salt Cay) and Caicos Islands (Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, South Caicos and West Caicos). You can spend your holiday relaxing on the beaches surrounding Providenciales, or you can dive into the turquoise waters to explore the sea. Choose from snorkelling tours, kayaking eco-tours and boat charters. And if you're an expert diver, the Bohio Dive Resort's dramatic ocean floor drops off rapidly to as deep as 7,000 feet. The islands host several holiday events, which can be a great complement to a vacation taken around that time of year.

Sunny skies all year long make Curaçao a perfect vacation destination, whether it's simply to escape the cold or to have a bright Christmas. Curaçao has over 35 beaches and many are tucked into intimate coves along the coast, ideal for a couples trip or a self-care vacation. If you want to ditch the beach for a day, head to the Curaçao Sea Aquarium to learn about ocean life and get an up-close look.

Cairo's extended sunny mornings and breezy evenings may give curious travelers the urge to explore a city of art, architecture and cultural activities — especially during the holiday months as the temperatures start to cool down in an otherwise sweltering place. It's a city full of rich culture and textbook architecture. The Pyramids of Giza are a must-see attraction when visiting Cairo, as they are the only remaining monument on the list of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World." If you're looking for some souvenirs to take home, check out the Khan El Khalili bazaar, an open-air vintage market with things like leather goods, embroidered clothing and hand-carved woodwork.

Bali, located 8 degrees south of the equator, has a typical tropical climate — warm and humid all year round with a dry season and a rainy one. Dry season is between April and September and the rainy season is usually between November and March, so plan accordingly. The Bali temples should be on your list, rain or shine. The archaeological remains, breathtaking views and peaceful ambience of Balinese temples are perfect for a rejuvenating trip. And if you visit close to the New Year, there are tons of NYE extravaganzas to choose from, from beach-club parties to fireworks displays.

If you want to spend your holidays in style, glitz and glamor, look no further than Dubai. Dubai's New Year's Eve celebrations are world-famous for being over-the-top, with extravagant pyrotechnic shows at Burj Khalifa and water-music dance at the Dubai Fountain. Another place to consider is Dubai's Global Village, a multi-cultural park with countless global food spots, live music and unlimited entertainment. The Dubai Mall is one of the world's largest shopping centers, with more than 1,000 stores and more than 160 food and drink sellers. For quintessential holiday vibes, you can also go ice skating at the mall, catch a movie or stare into the Dubai Fountain — a 900-foot-long pool where spurts of water dance amid colored lights.

An influx of visitors temporarily closed down Boracay to tourists for six months in 2018. That "rehabilitation" period was used to restore the island to its former glory and it has since reopened with a limit on the number of daily visitors. White Beach is the most popular destination, bordered by a sandy pedestrian highway where vehicles are banned and bare feet are recommended. If you do head there for the holidays, expect to be surrounded by restaurants, bars and dive shops. The ocean is full of romantic sailboats giving rides, and the scenic sunsets, live music and fire dancers round out the Islands.

Some of the world's most beautiful beaches like Bondi and Manly have become beacons for people from all over the world, and are located not far from the city center in Sydney. But if the crowds aren't for you, there are also plenty of other quieter beaches to explore like the northern beaches of Avalon and Cronulla. Another spot you won't want to miss is the Three Sisters rock formation at Blue Mountains. Visitors can rock climb, go on a walking tour or get a panoramic view of the mountains while on a cable car.

Cartagena is an exquisite colonial city in Latin America. It's nestled on the Caribbean coast and features modern architecture in addition to the colonial look. The city's bustling nightlife, cultural festivals and landscapes make it a top destination for a holiday getaway. A visit to Catagena won't be your typical beach vacation, but instead one immersed in history, art and theater. To get a sense of Cartagena's history, head up to Convento de la Popa, a huge convent built by Augustinian monks in 1607 on the highest hill in the city. And on almost every street in Cartagena you can find hand-woven bags, scarves, shoes and more locally made products in multiple colors.

Crete is the largest island in Greece, where visitors can admire the remnants of ancient civilizations, explore glorious beaches, mountainscapes and valleys. This destination is especially fit for the more athletic. Crete is ideal for canyoning and canyon hiking, and trekking through its famous gorges. And if you are ready to set off on any of these warm weather trips to escape the cold make sure to pack the items you should never vacation without.