Plan Ahead: 3 Trips That Are Perfect After the Holidays
While most people hold off vacationing until the summer, there’s no better way to deal with the post-holiday blues than with an exciting new adventure. After the last of the holiday dinners have been eaten and the piles of wrapping paper have been cleaned up, start planning a trip to one of these 3 incredible destinations. Each of these locations have mild climates for year round enjoyment, and they offer plenty to do even in the depths of winter. The hardest part will be choosing which to visit first after the holidays.
The Florida Keys
Escape from the harsh winter weather with a few relaxing days in the Florida Keys, a chain of islands that stretches off the southern coast of Florida. Go scuba diving at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, charter a deep sea fishing boat in Islamorada, and join the nightly sunset celebration in Key West. Adventurous visitors will love taking the ferry or sea plane to Fort Jefferson, an isolated former prison that now serves as a gorgeous spot for camping and snorkeling. Don’t leave the Keys without trying a slice of authentic Key lime pie.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Each year in February or March, a celebration like no other comes to New Orleans. Dive into the raucous crowds on Bourbon Street for a party, or experience a family friendly parade along Canal Street. Held the day before Ash Wednesday, Mardi Gras traditionally was one last celebration before the somber period before Easter. Today, Mardi Gras celebrations start up to 2 weeks before Shrove Tuesday, and there are parades and parties every day. Don’t forget to purchase Mardi Gras Supplies like confetti, doubloons, and boas for a complete experience.
In between Mardi Gras experiences, don’t forget to try a beignet and chicory coffee at Café du Monde, or a muffaletta sandwich at Corner Grocery. Learn more about the incredible history of New Orleans with a walking tour of the French Quarter or Garden District.
Los Angeles, California
Head to the land of movie stars and palm trees for a fantastic post-holiday trip. Take a studio tour at Warner Brothers or Walt Disney World Studios, then compare handprints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Film buffs will also enjoy taking a guided tour of film locations and stars’ homes. Not only will you be able to experience the sense and scene of Hollywood, but you can also take trips to the ocean as well. Do your research and plan some beach excursions that you think would be nice for your trip.
Add some culture into your visit with a day at the Getty Center, The Broad Museum, or the Museum of Contemporary Art. Kids will love a day at the iconic Disneyland, the La Brea Tar Pits, or the Los Angeles Zoo. Don’t forget to grab a photo of the Hollywood sign for Instagram.