With the weather raging this winter, a lot of people are probably looking for a chance to get out and go somewhere else.  And who can blame them?  Luckily, there are lots of places where you can get away from the weather.  I recently came across an article with some of the best vacations that you can take this winter, whether you’re looking for some good skiing or something warmer.

1. Kauai, Hawaii: Although the winter usually means a lot of tourists and inflated room rates, once you see the golden beaches and gorgeous scenery, you’ll understand that the cost is 110% worth it.  The island even offers hiking on the Na Pali Coast which, although difficult, offers glorious views.

2. St. Martin/St. Maarten: This Caribbean island, split between the Dutch and the French, offers the unique experience of two cultures for the price of one.  The French side offers some great duty-free shopping and fine dining, while the Dutch side of the island hosts lively clubs, bars and casinos.  And no matter what side of the island you’re on, the island’s white-sand beaches are gorgeous.

3. Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Here, the atmosphere is laid-back, the drinks are strong and there’s no shortage of golf courses.  However, you’ll need to make sure that the price is right before booking, as winter tourists can cause hotel rates to dramatically fluctuate.

4. Queenstown, New Zealand: In New Zealand, this is currently the height of the winter season.  This scenic town offers plenty of shops and cafes, as well as intense adrenaline-pumping activities to keep any thrill-seeker occupied for a long time.

5. Puerto Rico: Here, you can enjoy the perks of the Caribbean without even needing a passport.  Attractions here range from adventurous to historic to simply relaxing on the beach.

6. Costa Rica: December is the start of this country’s dry season, leaving only 70-degree temperatures to accompany you on your hike through the country’s rainforest.  If you visit in January, you’ll find the country basking in the “pura vida” while celebrating during fiesta time.

7. Key West, Florida: This makes an ideal winter getaway for anybody seeking warm weather, frozen daiquiris and chill afternoons.  Snorkeling and scuba are both huge here, and you can always hit the scenic bike trails.

8. Lake Tahoe, Nevada: No matter the season, this is a beautiful place, so bringing a camera to capture the scenery is a must.  After you’re done skiing, you can check out the area’s exceptional dining and nightlife venues.

9. Bora Bora: When you live in a part of the country regularly freezing at this time of the year, Bora Bora, with its scenic bungalows and beaches, could very well be your dream come true.  However, this paradise isn’t cheap, and you could just as easily come face-to-face with rain and mosquitoes as tropical weather.

10. Miami Beach, Florida: With warm temperatures, a lively nightlife and plenty of cool hotels, Miami lives up to the hype behind it.  You can spend your day chilling at the beach or shopping at Lincoln Road Mall, and then go out clubbing all night.

11. Tulum, Mexico: Even though this is a fairly tiny pocket of the Yucatán, Tulum nonetheless offers plenty of activity.  Not only can you visit the Mayan ruins, but you can also snorkel through the cenotes area or schedule a massage.

12. Whistler, British Columbia: At this ski mountain 125 miles north of Vancouver, this is prime ski season.  Whistler Mountain is any skier’s dream come true, with over 8,100 acres and 200 trails.  Even if you’re not a skier, you can always hit the buzzing after-ski scene.  Just make sure that you book in advance.

13. Innsbruck, Austria: In the winter, Innsbruck attracts skiers from around the world, all of them eager to try out SkiWorld, a network of nine ski resorts located around the town.  When you’re not on the slopes, the charming town has plenty to offer, as well as holiday shopping at the local Christmas market along Maria-Theresien-Strasse.

14. Aspen, Colorado: Aspen is a paradise for winter sports.  Here, there are four main ski areas, which welcome ski fans of all skill levels, but you’ll also find yourself no shortage of interesting museums and high-end shopping.

15. Telluride, Colorado: This fun, funky town draws thousands of visitors every year due to its array of great ski slopes.  You can spend your days running down mountains and nights warming up with a drink.  To ensure that you get the best rates, however, you need to make your travel plans several months in advance.