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Sunny and Warm Winter Family Vacations

snowWinter is sneaking up on us and, while I love the snow, some cringe at the thought of the cold white slosh. Black Friday deals are already hitting the net and soon we will be enduring holiday music at every outlet.

So, why not escape the onslaught of shoveling snow, shopping in packed malls and having to pull on a parka? Vacation instead!

There are hundreds of options, but these places will prove to be fun for the family and just as sunny.

TripAdvisor named Rabbit Beach on Lampedusa Island in the 2013 Traveler’s Choice Beach Awards as one of the most beautiful beaches. If you are looking for a real escape with the family, the Italian treasure is a gorgeous option where you can rock hop and soak up the sun with locals. This area is best for the family with tweens. You can snorkel, picnic and walk in the shallow and clear water. It isn’t as tourist friendly as some places, but its beauty is worth the possible communication bridge. You can take the bus from the city center for a small fee and it is recommended you get there early.

Las Noches de las Luminarias

If staying in the states is more your speed, look into Scottsdale, Arizona – The Living Desert. The dry heat may be killer in the summer, but winter temps usually hover in the 70’s. The area offers a luxury resort and moderately priced hotels that will cater to all budgets. If you visit the online visitors bureau, you will find packages that begin at $99 a night. The Polar Express will entertain the kids and Phoenix has a Zoolights display too! For a truly beautiful display of the desert and lights, hit Las Noches de las Luminarias. Each night of Luminaria, the Garden will come to life with the soft glow from more than 8,000 hand lit Luminaria bags, thousands of white twinkle lights and the bright and vibrant colors of Dale Chihuly’s glass.

Mele Kalikimaka! It’s the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day. Snorkeling, surfing, dinner cruises, helicopter tours are just a few of the options. Oahu is home to The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing event which takes place each November and December. If you aren’t a big surfing fan, you might want to avoid the area as it becomes traffic heavy. Maui is another good island to visit while escaping the snow.

Texas offers plenty of great winter escapes, but Galveston and Austin are two favorites. The mercury tends to hit the upper 80’s and into the 90’s, but it provides a great venue for the outdoorsy family. Hit a bike-trail, go kayaking and enjoy the Four Seasons in Austin which has free bicycles, child-size robes, jogging strollers, and a s’mores fire pit! Galveston Bay lets you take a tour of the NASA Space Center or visit the Children’s Museum in Houston. Stay at the Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites if sandy escapes are more your preference.