When it's freezing cold in New York, most of us try to think of a place we could "escape to". Well, why not make the dream or idea of going to a warm paradise come true this week? I'm sure most of us would be able to take 2 days off work, right? I'm sure some of us are also getting some tax returns, right? If you could take a flight this Wednesday night, land in paradise by Thursday, enjoy the sun for 4 days and come back to New York City on Sunday night, where would you go? Here is my top 5 list...
1) Costa Rica - flights to San Jose, Costa Rica, are only $340 right now! Why not go to Costa Rica this Wednesday night and enjoy 4 days of surfing at the beach, exploring the tropical rain forest and sweating it up with some white water rafting? Not to mention that it's 85 degrees right now. You can enjoy sailing, turtle watching, the butterfly farms and mountain biking. Oh ya, be sure to try some fried plantains at the end of the day as well because Costa Ricans have one of the best recipes.
2) St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands - Flights are about $355 right now! The temperature is 84 degrees. This is the kind of place where I would spend all day and night at the beach. Let's all kick off our sandals, dip our feet in the sand, sip on our fruity alcoholic beverage and hopefully see a dolphin jump up from under the water... ahhhhh... Paradiiiiise... Not to mention that snorkeling in St. Thomas is supposed to be incredible as well. It is the perfect place to go with someone special.
3) Montego Bay, Jamaica - If Stella Got Her Groove Back then so can everybody else dammit. Flights are about $340 for Wednesday and $380 for Thursday. I can already taste the delicious Jamaican meat patties and the star fruit desserts. As soon as you get off the plane I recommend buying some rum, loading up on the reggae music and just chilling at the beach until Sunday. You honestly don't even need a hotel room. It's so nice and hot that you can just sleep on the beach, swim, dance and enjoy the 90-DEGREE weather!
4) Barbados - Flights are $390. This is definitely going to be more of a peaceful escape, where you can enjoy the beach, water sports, snorkeling and jazz. Barbados is known for its world-class dining as well. The island has some of the best-cooked fish because of the special blend of herbs and spices known as the Barbados seasoning or Bajan seasoning. The island is so tiny that you can explore it within one day. What better time to do it than in 86-degree weather...
5) Turks and Caicos Islands - Flight costs $430 to Providenciales. For a romantic, upscale, honeymoon-type trip, I recommend going to Providenciales. The sight-seeing is breathtaking and there are plenty of restaurants, places to shop, tours and excursions, art galleries and outdoor sports to enjoy. It is 85 degrees and a bottle of champagne is waiting at the hotel and ready to be opened.
