Looking at next year

We’re very close to the New Year. This means we have a couple of cold months ahead of us. So, let’s take a look at 10 islands you can flee to for some sun and surf.

This is a personal list of quick snapshots of places that we’ve traveled to and loved. In January or February when the snow is flying and the wind is howling – this list may give you some ideas.

BERMUDA The great thing about Bermuda is that it’s only a two-and-a-half hour flight from New York. Back a bit, a group of us single gals decided to go to Bermuda in December and, although it was lovely and warm – it was not really “hot-hot” because this island is located in the North Atlantic. No swimming, but we rode bikes everywhere and had a great time. A surprise? Seeing masses of poinsettias growing like dandelions in peoples’ backyards.

The beautiful blue waters of Bermuda (British)

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS Situated in the Western Atlantic Ocean, Nassau is like Bermuda – not super hot – but great weather just the same. It’s a fun place to go if you’re in the mood for casino gambling. We found Nassau a bit pricey and when New Yorkers (who are used to forking over dollars) say this, it has weight. When we heard that the residents of the island pay no personal income tax, my husband remarked, “Of course not, we’re paying it.”

JAMAICA Or more precisely, Montego Bay – was a lot of fun. This is where Ian Fleming created his famous James Bond character and where we read aloud from The Daily Gleaner newspaper every day when we were on the beach. What a hoot! It’s also where I ate delicious curried goat while hubby drank his Red Stripe Beer.

Montego Bay, Jamaica (British)

ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN/ST. CROIX/VIRGIN GORDA We went to St. Thomas for our honeymoon and loved it. Megans Bay is simply spectacular. Other islands: To go to St. John, take a ferry. And be sure to reserve your rental car in St. Thomas before you go. To travel to St. Croix get seats on a small commercial seaplane (aka puddle jumper). Finally, if you travel to British Virgin Gorda be sure and take your passport.

St. Thomas, Virgin Islands (American) tramway to Paradise Point

The Baths - Virgin Gorda (British)

GUADALOUPE/MARTINQUE These islands are very French and that means fantastic cuisine. We have a framed menu from Auberge de la Vieille Tour in Guadaloupe hanging in our kitchen. It definitely brings back memories of wonderful times.

BARBADOS If you want scorching heat, this is the island for you because it’s much closer to the equator. Be sure and visit the wild East side of Barbados – aptly named Bathsheba and watch huge waves from the Atlantic Ocean come crashing in. And take a look at Codrington College with its palm trees and magnificent lily pond, and wonder as we did, “How in the world can anyone concentrate and study in this paradise.”

Codrington College, Barbados (British)

MAY WE SUGGEST...

For a winter vacation consider Adea's spaghetti strap or reversible camisoles. Both work as an extra layer on a chilly plane or as must-have tops in hot, tropical climes.

- Shaun

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