Whether you prefer sun and sand or snow and slopes, we’ve got a getaway you’ll want to book, stat.

For somewhere new: São Miguel, Azores, Portugal

The Azores are a subtropical archi­pelago situated in the mid­-Atlantic just west of mainland Portugal, and are often touted as “the Hawaii of Europe.” Need we say more?

Average February daily high temp: 14°C

Where to stay: White Exclusive Suites & Villas for its cliff-top location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

What to do: A little cooler in temperature than some other sunny destinations, the Azores will keep you warm with its thermal baths and springs at Terra Nostra Park on São Miguel island. Visit the black sand beach of Praia dos Mosteiros for an unbelievable beach day. Then, explore the island on foot—the Mata do Canário hike takes about three hours and rewards you with beautiful green and blue lakes. If you have a few extra days, consider hopping over to Terceira to explore the Azorean culture and to visit Flores for untouched nature and breathtaking waterfalls.

For laid-back vibes: San Diego, California, U.S.

Travel here if you love the beach but want to explore city life and culture, too.

Average February daily high temp: 19°C

Where to stay: The Lafayette Hotel and Club for its retro style, maximalist decor and historic swimming pool.

What to do: We love that San Diego is a fairly big city that takes full advantage of its coastline. Go hiking at Torrey Pines, walk around Balboa Park, shop at Westfield UTC, explore Old Town, eat fish tacos at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood and set up a towel and umbrella at Pacific Beach.

For a dreamy Mediterranean Escape: Paros, Greece

With 120 kilometres of coast­ line, this Greek island is a must for exploring traditional vil­lages, beautiful beaches and ancient ruins.

Average daily high temp: 15°C

Where to stay: Ochre Dream, Beachfront & Sunset Villa for a boutique hotel feel, postcard-worthy views and close proximity to the island’s city centre.

What to do: There’s a perfect mix of old and new in Paros—rent a car and village hop to take it all in. Drive to Naousa for a cosmopolitan atmo- sphere and an authentic Greek meal at Statheros Restaurant, Lefkes for mountain vibes, Parikia for traditional architecture and Drios for the charm of an old-world fishing village. Make sure to visit Yria Ceramics for handmade pieces you can ship home.

For Caribbean Soul: Saint Lucia

White sandy beaches, mountains, rain­ forests...Saint Lucia has every type of landscape a sun­seeker could ask for.

Average February daily high temp: 28°C

Where to stay: Harbor Club St Lucia if you want plenty of pools, a spa day and iconic Rodney Bay views.

What to do: Take advantage of the volcanic island by heading to Sulphur Springs for a mud bath. You’ll also want to take in the views at Marigot Bay (it’s best by boat). Visit a chocolate factory for an afternoon of snacking on sweet treats, and if you’re still hungry, hit up the Gros Islet Street Party for a classic fish fry. Spend a few days at Anse Chastanet beach if you need some downtime.

For Family-Friendly R&R: Florida Keys, Florida, U.S.

Try this 200-kilometre stretch of islands that boasts everything you need for family fun.

Average February daily high temp: 24°C

Where to stay: Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort for the beachfront access, serene garden rooms and watersport rentals.

What to do: Nature lovers will enjoy The Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center in Marathon. Head to the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Key West for an afternoon of interactive learning. If you want to test the waters, visit Calusa Beach in Bahia Honda State Park for calm, sheltered swimming, or go snorkelling in Key Largo and see the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.

For Winter magic: New York City, New York, U.S.

Visiting NYC post-holidays means fewer people, making your must-see list of attractions easier to get to.

Average February daily high temp: 6°C

Where to stay: Freehand New York for its central location—you’ll be able to wander all over Manhat­tan from here!

What to do: Head to all of the cliché tourist spots you’d never line up for during busy holidays or summer months. Stroll through the MoMA for modern and contem­porary art, stop by Bryant Park for a skate on the outdoor rink, head to Chelsea Market for delicious provi­sions and go to the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building for unbelievable city views.

For Homegrown Skiing: Whistler, B.C., Canada

Guess what? One of Whistler’s best- kept secrets is that it gets quite a bit of snow early in the season. You’ll be hitting the slopes before anyone else!

Average February daily high temp: 3°C

Where to stay: The Westin Resort & Spa if you want Coast Mountain views and Whistler Village just steps away.

What to do: When you’re not slaloming down one of 200 marked runs, take some time to explore the winter village at the bottom of the mountain. Stock up on pastries and fresh sourdough at BReD, grab a pizza and a pint at Handlebar or enjoy a highly rated après at Garibaldi Lift Company. There’s also tons of shopping (for both outdoor gear and trendy pieces).

For an all-ages retreat: Vail, Colorado, U.S.

You may know Vail as a ski town, but it’s full of activities (and beautiful views) everyone will enjoy.

Average February daily high temp: 1°C

Where to stay: The Landmark for mountain-side condos that can fit your whole family, plus winter gear.

What to do: Besides the 278 trails you can ski, there’s skating, snowshoeing, snow tubing and even ice bumper cars. Explore Vail Village and Lionshead Village for that traditional winter resort feel. Take the scenic gondola to the top of Vail Mountain, and enjoy a mug of hot chocolate beside one of the cozy firepits.

For Culture and Coffeehouses: Vienna, Austria

Those who love history, music and the arts will love this beauti­ful European city

Average February daily high temp: 7°C

Where to stay: Ruby Marie Hotel Vienna for its relaxed, loungey aura, on-site café/bar and seven-minute walk to a major train station.

What to do: Tour Hofburg Palace, stop by Mozart’s home in the city and enjoy a performance at the Vienna State Opera. To warm up, head to a traditional coffee house (or kaffeehaus in German) for a chill afternoon repast of delicious classic cakes and, of course, coffee.

Recommended

10 Top Vacation Spots Of The British Royal Family

By: Canadian Living

We might picture them sipping tea in Buckingham Palace, but the British royal family often spend their downtime travelling the globe.

Read More

Recommended

The Best Travel Destinations in North America For Your Next Vacation

By: Katia Gorshkova

Looking for a beautiful travel destination that doesn’t involve a transatlantic flight? You’d be surprised by the plethora of travel experiences North America has to offer.

Read More