Escape the winter chill on a vacation to SoCal, the Southwest, Hawaii, or Mexico

When the weather outside is frightful, sometimes the only delightful thing to do is hightail it somewhere nice and balmy. Sure, winter wonderlands are magical and few things beat a good ski trip with friends, but by the time January and February roll around, it’s time for a change of scenery. Whether you’re a beach bum or a desert explorer, these destinations promise a soul-warming winter getaway. Just one weekend of surf and sand may be all you need to carry you through the rest of the season.

Please bear in mind this winter, though, that there is no vacation from social distancing, masks, and hand-washing. Some states have restrictions in place concerning visitors from other states—you might have to quarantine for 14 days on arrival, or you might have to prove you’ve tested negative for COVID-19. Be sure you know the rules before booking.