A winter storm is heading your way, and it’s time to getaway to a warm destination. Your hometown is covered in snow and ice – What better way to warm up and have fun. .In about 3 – 5 hours you can be on the beach or sitting by the pool enjoying a fuzzy drink and applying your favorite sunscreen.  Where should I go you ask – well we have suggestions for ten island to escape the winter cold.

10 Islands to escape the winter cold

10.  Aruba –  From young to old everyone has something to enjoy on the island of Aruba.  With a history of  Dutch influence, you’ll enjoy warm hospitality and friendly residents.  The blue waters are like a patchwork of blue-green, turquoise and dark blue. Take a catamaran ride around the island, snorkel, or swing-dive from a rope on an old pirate ship.  If you want to keep it a bit calmer, take a walk around this beautiful island along the oceanside.  Known for great food, you’ll enjoy local favorites and find US chains for a familiar bite.  Casinos are available for a try of your luck or enjoy the nightlife with friends.  Aruba has a desert side too.  And, you must visit Arikok national park where you can view animals and catch a glimpse of donkeys enjoying a casual walk along the roadside.  For more information visit their website:  www.aruba.com

9.  St. Lucia – A personal favorite because of the natural beauty at every turn on the island. Everything feels pristine and untouched. Beautiful properties invite you to enjoy the open air while relaxing inside.  Hotels feature three walls with one wall completely open facing the ocean, Pitons or lush landscape.  All of the lush landscapes around the 238 square-foot Island invite you to take a tour and spend time exploring the sulfur springs and viewing the Pitons – the rock formations the island is known.  The Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton) shoot up from the water and viewing them from one of the many boat tours is an awe-inspiring experience.  You are sure to be amazed. And, you can explore the amazing Caribbean coral reef with a day of diving. Enjoy cuisine with influences from Caribbean, African, Indian, British, Spanish and French influences.  For more information:  www.stlucianow.com

8.  Guadeloupe Islands – A group of five islands – Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, and La Desirade in the Lesser Antilles between Dominica and Antigua.  The islands are located closely together by beautiful blue water.  Known as the “Pearl of the French-Caribbean” this island has long been known as the Ultimate French Caribbean experience.  Enjoy delicious cuisine heavily influenced by the Caribbean and French cooking styles and ingredients.  An island packed with something for everyone.  From the history lover to the foodie to lovers of watersports, the whole family can find something special to do.  For more information:  www.guadeloupe-islands.com

7.  Curacao – What do you like to do on vacation? Dive, adventure, visit art galleries, land sports, watersports, museums or just relax.  This island has it all.  Bring the whole family or get away for a romantic weekend. Explore the Hato Caves, an elaborate network of stalactites and stalagmites with drawings at least 1,500 years old. Hike the trails of the 4,446-acre Christoffel National Park, teeming with exotic wildlife and gardens. You can also dive the Mushroom Forest, and angle underwater with mushroom shaped coral.  The capital city Willemstad offers great cuisine, shopping, and nightlife.  The island is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bring your camera along for photos of the vibrant colored Dutch colonial buildings.  Find more information:  www.curacao.com

6.  Puerto Rico – Not just a beautiful island with history, culture, local cuisine and it’s own National Drink – but Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the U.S..Great news for US citizens because you can travel to the island without the worry of applying for a passport.  Take a walk around Old San Juan where cobblestone streets are blue and gray, casting a unique pathway while shopping and trying a Pina Colada.  Filled with history, visit the National Park where residents enjoy flying kites, picnicking or lounging on oversized blankets.  A visit to the beach is an excellent way to relax or enjoy snorkeling and watersports.  Puerto Rico also has casinos for those who enjoy taking a chance on their luck.  For more information:  www.topuertorico.com

5. US Virgin Islands – Another leave your passport at home Caribbean experience.  Skip the long lines on arrival because you’re still in the US.  Close by and you feel you are getting away.  The US Virgin Islands includes St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.  Each island has its style and feel.  St. Thomas is the cosmopolitan and big city island. With opportunities to do everything from golfing to the spa, shopping and watersports.  St. Croix features many of the old colonial buildings and is filled with culture and history.  The Whim Museum preserves this past, displaying masterfully crafted mahogany woodwork, delicate linens, and original artwork.  St. John is the island filled with opportunities to enjoy luxury in a natural setting.  Travelers can explore the Annaberg Plantation ruins on St. John’s National Park.  And, be on the lookout for the friendly donkeys always ready to greet guests on the island.
Delta Airlines is offering great deals to the islands.
For more information:  www.visitusvi.com

4. Cuba – Considered the hot spot for 2016 and predicted to continue as US regulations continue to soften.  At this time, American citizens are required to visited under the People-to-people program with a certified tour company.  Visits to old Havana, countryside villages and places associated with the revolution that happened over 50 years ago.  Many tours include a visit to the Bay of Pigs. Travelers have a chance to experience the culture, art, and music of the people which has inspired them through the years of economic embargo.  If you are interested in going, Travel Bags With Annita is sponsoring a trip this May for seven days. There is very limited space available.  For more information:  annita@travelbagswithannita.com

3. Little St. Simons – I have heard this island described as the little island where you experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous.  And, it doesn’t disappoint. Nature lovers can hike, go horseback riding, take an exploration tour with a naturalist or relax in the library.  Once a hunting club, the feel, and atmosphere of those days remain today when visiting the island and relaxing in the reception area.  Southern meals are prepared family style with veggies from the local garden, just steps away.  Bundle up a bit and take a walk along the beach and enjoy an oyster roast prepared around a large table with all the guests chatting and sharing in the fun.  For more information:

2. Jekyll Island – With a new hotel, the Westin there is an ocean view with your name on it.  A recent rededication on the island celebrates the renovation and opening of a new shopping area where tourists can enjoy a low country meal, shop for local crafts or beach necessities.  Walk along the beach enjoying the sunrise or venture out to driftwood beach with your camera for a fascinating exploration of beautiful driftwood scattered along the beach. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel offers accommodations in a historic building reminiscent of days-gone-by.  Tour the property where structures remain just as they were when North Eastern tourists consider the island their playground. The turtle hospital on the island helps rescue and nurture them back to health.  Bike along the paths exploring tabby ruins and residents. Close by and easy to reach, drive or fly to Jacksonville or Savannah.  For more information:  www.jekyllisland.com

1. Sapelo – The island the size of Manhattan has only 45 residents and lots of room to be adventurous.  Go to Nanny Goat Beach and walk along the sea shore with hot chocolate all while watching the sunrise.  Hiking trails take you through a maritime forest with gray moss draping the live oaks.  The home of Geechee residents, the descendants of slaves who worked the plantation on the island, the island is filled with culture and traditions dating back to West Africa.  The residents continue today fishing and harvesting seafood from the pristine waters around the island.  Featured as a romantic getaway in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. bundle up with your favorite person and walk along Cabretta beach or enjoy the screened porch of the Birdhouse cottage where you can wake to a golden sunrise and watch the tide roll in.  For more information:  www.sapeloislandbirdhouses.com