Those who use their vacation time each year often opt to use it in the summer months when gas prices are high and everyone else is vacationing too. This often leads to flaring tempers on the road and at the destination due to overcrowding and the rise in prices. Taking your vacation in the summer means inevitably having to pay more because this is the time of year when travel companies and tourist destinations raise prices in an effort to bilk as much revenue as they can get within the short three month window in which their businesses operate in the red.

A vacation is supposed to be about relaxation and freedom from frustration and worry. I find this is easy to do if I take my vacations in the winter. I hate winter and the uncontrollable shivering that comes with it. For this reason, every year when my vacation rolls around I pack my suit case and head for a warmer climate, such as sandy beach destination.

It’s pointless to go searching for a warm beach destination in the winter though; especially on the East Coast, as well as on the West Coast (yes people, California is not always sunny and warm). This is why I choose Hawaii. I had one of the most spectacular beach vacations in a Hawaii a few years ago. It was filled with beautiful landscapes, crystal clear water and activities I never would have imagined could exist in one place. I haven’t been back since, but I intend on getting back there some day soon.

While Hawaii is nice, so is the Caribbean. Words can’t describe just how nice the beaches of the Caribbean islands are. The Dominican Republic is also a nice place to vacation (I did so last year). However, make sure and stick to the tourist areas and the gorgeous beaches for your own safety.

All of these destinations have provided me with one great beach vacation after the next, but my personal favorite was St. Lucia. Though it was the most expensive vacation I ever took, it was well worth it. I have a memorable picture of a beautiful sunset that I personally took while I was there.

On a sentimental level, Puerto Rico is a personal favorite of mine. It was not the best of the islands I have visited, but it is where I met my wife and remains a place that has etched many a memorable moment into my mind.

One of the best parts about taking an exotic beach vacation in the winter is that it is easy to find great travel deals. Oh, and did I mention the crowds are not nearly as bad. Keep this in mind the next time you’re dragging the family to Disneyland in August with a hundred-thousand other families in 103 degree temperatures, and maybe next time you’ll give the beach a try in winter.