{"id":13050,"date":"2016-02-09T10:03:38","date_gmt":"2016-02-09T15:03:38","guid":{"rendered":"\/inspire\/?p=13050"},"modified":"2017-12-11T23:03:36","modified_gmt":"2017-12-11T23:03:36","slug":"rediscover-summer-right-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/rediscover-summer-right-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Rediscover Summer Right Now"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u2026 but well, don\u2019t 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Australia <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ah, Australia<\/a>. What\u2019s not to love about an exotic destination that\u2019s 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<\/a> atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where you\u2019ll have a bird\u2019s eye view of the iconic Sydney Opera House<\/a>.<\/p>\n\"SydneyHarbor\"\n

Rather spend the day alongside Mother Nature? Go on a Blue Mountains tour<\/a>, where you can experience the world\u2019s steepest railway<\/a> and meet authentic Australian animals like koalas and kangaroos at Featherdale Wildlife Park<\/a>. Or get in touch with your aquatic side by trying your hand (er, feet) at surfing on Bondi Beach<\/a>. And if you make it north to Queensland, don\u2019t forget to book an excursion to explore the largest living thing on Earth \u2014 the Great Barrier Reef<\/a>!<\/p>\n\"Koalas\"\n

New Zealand<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With similar temperatures as Australia during its summer months, New Zealand<\/a> 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<\/a> to shark cage dives<\/a> to get their adrenaline flowing.<\/p>\n

\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/4pVf2Z\"<\/a>

NZOne_Skydiving_12<\/a>, Michael Napoleon<\/a>, CC<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Looking for something a little tamer? The Museum of New Zealand<\/a> in the capital city of Wellington is a can\u2019t-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<\/a>. Or simply relax and take it all in alongside your favorite glass of vino during a Waiheke Island Winetasting Tour<\/a>. (Now, that\u2019s<\/em> what I call sightseeing!)<\/p>\n\"4674555208_db09ae5866_b\"<\/a>\n

Maldives<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s a specific shade of turquoise that you\u2019d imagine could only be found in dreams \u2026 or through a skillful Photoshop trick. But in the Maldives<\/a>, you\u2019ll see it\u2019s a reality. This is truly paradise found, where sunny and 80 degrees is not only a possibility, it\u2019s 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\u2019re snorkeling, scuba diving amid whale sharks<\/a> or simply kayaking atop its beauty.<\/p>\n\"Maldives\"\n

Seeking relaxation more than thrills? You\u2019ll find that here, too. Savor European cuisine 16 feet under the sea at the world\u2019s first (and only) all-glass undersea restaurant, Ithaa<\/a> within the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island<\/a> hotel. Or find solace with a holistic spa treatment, like the award-winning wellness experience found within the Cocoa Island by COMO<\/a> resort. You\u2019ll leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and most definitely inspired to return again and again.<\/p>\n\"Snorkeling\"<\/a>\n

Brazil <\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you haven\u2019t already set your sights on Brazil<\/a> and its seaside city of Rio de Janeiro, it\u2019s time you did. On average, its warmest month is February, but you\u2019ll 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 \u2026 and trust me, you\u2019ll find them here. From Havaianas flip-flops to art and antiques, retail therapy is alive and well in Brazil \u2014 and why resist a souvenir with a story behind it?<\/p>\n

\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/rjQEW7\"<\/a>

Rio De Janeiro\/Santa Teresa Area\/Work Shop of Artist Chamego Bonzolandia<\/a>, dany13<\/a>, CC<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Certainly, no trip to Brazil is complete without witnessing the Christ the Redeemer landmark<\/a> statue and Sugarloaf Mountain for yourself. Take a walk (or rather, drive) on the wild side with a Jeep excursion<\/a> through the Tijuca Rainforest and the world\u2019s largest urban forest. And don\u2019t forget to fit in a stop at Copacabana, where you\u2019ll not only find its famous beach, but also some of the city\u2019s best shopping centers, restaurants and nightclubs. See, you really can enjoy summer all year-long!<\/p>\n\"Rainforest\"\n\n\n\t