by Tom Bastek
Last updated: 1:00 AM ET, Tue February 24, 2015
Photo above: "Wizarding World of Harry Potter Castle" by Rstoplabe14 via Wikimedia Commons.
Unless the winter storms have frozen your television and computer, you've no doubt heard that this winter has been breaking records left and right for temperature, duration and ferocity of storms. Where can you find a cure for those Siberian Express Blues? Here are a few travel prescriptions that aren't just warm, they are decent deals, too. Take at least one or maybe two and head home after the color green returns.
Orlando, Florida
With flights right now as low as $98 (according to KAYAK Explore's Map), O-town is the jam whether you want to travel with family or without. Orlando weather is getting up into the lower 80s right now and there is plenty to do in and outside of the theme parks. If you need some beach time, Cocoa Beach is just one hour and five minutes away with temperatures in the mid to high 70s.
See also: 4 Lesser-Known Attractions in Orlando
Prescription for Recovery : Nothing gets you thinking about the mess you left back home better than fantasy. And one of the most fantastical places in Orlando is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal Orlando Resort. Last summer they opened Diagon Alley in the Universal Studios Florida side of the resort and you can take the Hogwarts Express to go between there and Hogsmeade in the Islands of Adventure side.
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Flights are a little over $300 to fly to Ponce right now and there is much there to see and do in this city on the south side of the Island. There is great snorkeling and scuba diving as well as fantastic museums and incredible food and drink.
Make sure to check out Parque de Bombas, the brightly painted local firehouse which houses not only the tourism information center but also an exhibition of the history of firefighting in Ponce. Did I mention 70s for the lows and 80s for the highs? Heaven.
Prescription for Recovery: Pina Coladas and seafood at Restaurante el Ancla. Kick back and have one of the best pina colodas you have ever tasted and enjoy your view of the ocean. The food is pleasing and not terribly expensive either, but the view is really why you are here.
Las Vegas, NV
Flights are lower than $300 at the lowest right now and the weather is just starting to come back. They are averaging high 60s to high 70s right now and the pools are just about to start opening. You know that the strip is great no matter what the weather is, not to mention that there is plenty to do outside of the city's "Great White Way."
Prescription for recovery: China town in the Vegas valley is the little secret that everyone should know about. No matter if you are looking for Chinese Dim Sum (available at most spots 24 hours a day) or Korean BBQ, the city's finest authentic cuisine comes from Asia. These guys celebrate the Chinese New Year with fervor.
Liberia, Costa Rica
If you are willing to spend a tad more, you can really get away this winter. You are looking at just over $400 for a ticket, but the country is totally worth the escape. With no shortage of things to do, you are bound to find something that fits your bill.
Prescription for Recovery: Just a quick two-hour jaunt from Liberia is the Tabacón Hot Springs, the place to go if you need to lose that winter chill. The springs are provided by the Arenal Volcano and are a perfect way to relax. While you are there, check into the Grand Spa and take advantage of their mud wraps, coconut and coffee exfoliations, and meditation trails.
Hopefully, you haven't given up hope of ever seeing your lawn again. But if you are needing that reprieve from mother nature, try one of the places above. The change in the weather will create a wonderful change in your attitude. You may even want to come home excited to shovel more snow!
OK, let's not push our luck.
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