Where to Rediscover Summer Right Now

If you ask me, there truly is no better season than summer. Sure, spring is nice, with flowers abloom, fall is fun with its football-filled weekends … but well, don’t even get me started on winter. For warm weather fans like me, summer never loses its luster with its relaxed style and carefree attitude. Doesn’t slipping on a pair of flip-flops and leaving the coat behind sound appealing? Why not make it a reality? Instead of spending another night attempting to stay warm with the help of a cozy blanket, cup of hot cocoa and a roaring fire, find REAL warmth in these sunny Southern Hemisphere escapes that are experiencing the best season of the year (in my humble opinion) this very minute.

Australia

Ah, Australia. What’s not to love about an exotic destination that’s enjoying an average temperature of around 80 degrees daily? Get a healthy dose of Vitamin C as you enjoy equal parts outback and metropolitan. Plan a heart-pounding adventure worth overcoming your fear of heights for with a BridgeClimb Experience atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Rather spend the day alongside Mother Nature? Go on a Blue Mountains tour, where you can experience the world’s steepest railway and meet authentic Australian animals like koalas and kangaroos at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Or get in touch with your aquatic side by trying your hand (er, feet) at surfing on Bondi Beach. And if you make it north to Queensland, don’t forget to book an excursion to explore the largest living thing on Earth — the Great Barrier Reef!

New Zealand

With similar temperatures as Australia during its summer months, New Zealand is another perfect choice for escaping the winter blues. But while deciding to travel there might be a no-brainer, the hard part will be figuring out how long to stay to fit in all the exploration opportunities it offers. Adventure seekers will find everything from skydiving in Auckland to shark cage dives to get their adrenaline flowing.

Looking for something a little tamer? The Museum of New Zealand in the capital city of Wellington is a can’t-miss destination, showcasing Maori culture and history through a variety of unique exhibits. See the world from a breathtaking perspective with a glacier tour like the awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier. Or simply relax and take it all in alongside your favorite glass of vino during a Waiheke Island Winetasting Tour. (Now, that’s what I call sightseeing!)

Maldives

There’s a specific shade of turquoise that you’d imagine could only be found in dreams … or through a skillful Photoshop trick. But in the Maldives, you’ll see it’s a reality. This is truly paradise found, where sunny and 80 degrees is not only a possibility, it’s a probability all year-round. Of course, you could likely fill your days here just gazing into those crystal-clear waters, but why not dive into them? An excursion is a must here, whether you’re snorkeling, scuba diving amid whale sharks or simply kayaking atop its beauty.

Seeking relaxation more than thrills? You’ll find that here, too. Savor European cuisine 16 feet under the sea at the world’s first (and only) all-glass undersea restaurant, Ithaa within the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island hotel. Or find solace with a holistic spa treatment, like the award-winning wellness experience found within the Cocoa Island by COMO resort. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and most definitely inspired to return again and again.

Brazil

If you haven’t already set your sights on Brazil and its seaside city of Rio de Janeiro, it’s time you did. On average, its warmest month is February, but you’ll experience tropical temperatures reaching up to 90+ degrees throughout its summer months. With no need to pack a coat comes extra room in your suitcase to bring home exotic keepsakes from your stay … and trust me, you’ll find them here. From Havaianas flip-flops to art and antiques, retail therapy is alive and well in Brazil — and why resist a souvenir with a story behind it?

Certainly, no trip to Brazil is complete without witnessing the Christ the Redeemer landmark statue and Sugarloaf Mountain for yourself. Take a walk (or rather, drive) on the wild side with a Jeep excursion through the Tijuca Rainforest and the world’s largest urban forest. And don’t forget to fit in a stop at Copacabana, where you’ll not only find its famous beach, but also some of the city’s best shopping centers, restaurants and nightclubs. See, you really can enjoy summer all year-long!

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