When the thermometer drops, sunny spots beckon.
Brrrrr! Every February can feel colder than the one before when you are an older adult. Thoughts of sunny skies, warm breezes and going barefoot dance in your head as you dread the thought of stepping out into the snowy, wind-whipped outdoors where you actually are. Why not get away somewhere truly warm this year?
There are plenty of spots in the U.S. that offer pleasing temperatures and plenty to do, even if that is sitting in a hammock reading a good book as far as you are concerned. And it does not need to cost a bundle, either. Find an Airbnb retreat, or use Uber instead of renting a car. Better yet, stay where the amenities are within walking distance.
Even seasoned travelers can find a new destination to explore on this list of assorted spots that kick up the temperature at the end of winter!
Best Low-Cost Airlines in North AmericaIf you are looking to get a good deal on airfare (and who isn’t?), be sure to check out these carriers ranked the best on World Airline Awards.
|
1. Orlando, Florida
You may think Orlando is only for kids, but you’re mistaken. Places like Disney World cater to baby boomers with entertainment and a variety of cultural food choices. Check out the World Showcase exhibit at Epcot park for international shows, then fill yourself with French cuisine at Be Our Guest, or indulge your German taste buds (and save a bundle!) by downing a bratwurst from a cart.
An hour north, 13 miles of toasty white sand are waiting for you at uncrowded New Smyrna Beach. Not far away, the Kennedy Space Center will appeal to NASA fans and history buffs.
2. Phoenix, Arizona
Golf enthusiasts can take their pick of more than 200 courses in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, where you can spend big bucks for luxury amenities at the Raven Golf Club or take advantage of a public course. Even newbies get a kick out of hitting a bucket of balls at one of many local ranges.
When you tire of the links, visit the Heard Museum to learn about the local tribal community, or explore the flowered paths at the Desert Botanical Garden.
3. Palm Springs, California
A top getaway for Hollywood stars in its heyday, Palm Springs still hints at its luxurious past. Indulge in a game of golf, order another drink brought to you poolside at a historic inn or stretch your legs on a quiet desert hiking trail. Average February temperatures are a balmy 75 degrees.
And if you choose to stay on iconic Palm Canyon Drive, the main drag through town, you won’t even need to rent a car since everything — shopping, dining and sightseeing — will be in walking distance. Dial up an Uber if you want to visit the historic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway or drive down to Palm Desert.
4. Maui, Hawaii
Airfare to the islands is expected to drop about 30 percent now that Southwest has dipped a wing in routes to Hawaii, so why not go? You could land in the bustling city of Honolulu in Oahu, or travel to the naturalist’s paradise of Kauai, but Maui is a wonderful spot between the two, literally and figuratively. You can make a day trip to Haleakalā National Park, site of a dormant volcano with amazing sunrises and sunsets. Or you are perfectly free to plop on the beach, perhaps interrupting nap time with a snorkel tour of ocean turtles and native fish. December through March is whale season, so listen for humpbacks singing underwater as you paddle about.
Those with a historic bent may want to stop by the Whaler’s Village Museum. The Hāna Highway is famous for its views of waterfalls, seashore vistas (you may catch a whale jumping out of the water) and bamboo forests.
5. Charleston, South Carolina
Relax with some Southern charm in the city Southern Living magazine dubs the best in the region. It’s a bargain, too, with senior discounts at Fort Sumter National Monument and Gibbes Museum of Art. The average temperature of 64 degrees in February makes strolling the waterfront while passing historic mansions a delightful experience.
Walk down Rainbow Row, where you will find whimsical Georgian houses, which legend says were painted distinctive colors to help intoxicated sailors find their way home. Visit the Citadel, where cadets have trained since 1842, or look for a ghost in the reportedly haunted Battery Carriage House Inn. All of these experiences and many more are free, making Charleston an affordable getaway.
Click below for the other articles in the February 2020 Senior Spirit
Sources:
Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors
