20 Islands Sure to Beat the Winter Blues

Blue Monday may be behind us, but that doesn't mean that we've seen the worst of the winter doldrums. While the worst of the season is yet to come, the good news is that there are sunny islands scattered all around the world ready to help us escape its grip.

While just hearing the word "island" is bound to put a smile on your face, visiting one of the following 20 locales will have you grinning the rest of the year.

This dreamy island off the south coast of Australia is currently enjoying a long-overdue moment in the sun and you're guaranteed hours of sunshine if you head (way) down under to see it for yourself. Hobart, the capital, is equally approachable and inviting and is well stocked with farm-fresh restaurants serving local wine, renowned museums and a beloved Saturday market, while the town of Launceston is intertwined with a dramatic gorge.

Beaches are plentiful, with the sweeps on Bruny Island (pictured), Freycinet National Park and Bay of Fires being some of the best places to throw down a blanket. And remember, since its in the Southern Hemisphere, it's summer there when it's winter here.

In Guadeloupe, you will find a group of five small islands, all flecked with French flair and surrounded by swoon-worthy beaches and bays. Paramount on the list of beautiful coves is Les Saintes Bay (pictured), which welcomes visitors to the island of the same name in style. The quintet of islands also offers adventurous travelers the opportunity to take part in a plethora of active sports-only after you put your time in on the sun lounger, of course.

Many people aren't even aware that there is a tiny slice of America sitting right there in the middle of the South Pacific, but those who visit never forget. What will stick with you? Well, the National Park of American Samoa for one. It's our nation's southernmost national park and holds a host of otherworldly sights like Ofu Lagoon. Is it a little off the beaten path of mass tourism? Yes. Is that a major part of the magic? Absolutely. That and the year-round tropical weather of course.

Long-loved for its laid back charm and more chilled-out vibe than its neighbors, St. John is making strides towards recovery from 2017's twin hurricane hits and is most definitely back "open for business." Explore the lands and sands of Virgin Islands National Park before lazing an afternoon away at happy hour at a no-frills beach bar. Sure beats being stuck in the traffic in the snow, doesn't it?

The residents of this sliver of an isle located off the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula have perfected the art of living the good life. You won't see any cars on Holbox, but you will find pastel-painted buildings, sugary beaches and humble seafood-and-michelada shacks. Don't be surprised if you accidentally miss the ferry back to the mainland.

Penang is one of the most well-rounded island destinations in all of Southeast Asia. The streets of the main town, Georgetown, are lined with historic shophouses and atmospheric guesthouses and each evening they fill-up with some of the best street food stalls in the world. Those who are hungry for relaxation will find it as also Penang possesses miles of soft-sand beaches.

They are fond of saying that there are 365 beaches on Antigua and while you certainly couldn't visit all of them one trip (or could you?), memories of the ones you do meet will keep you warm through Spring. After a day spent on the sand, head to Shirley Heights to admire the sunset views with a rum-infused libation in your hand.

Dominica certainly shares much with its Caribbean neighbors, but it also has a distinctive character all to its own. Most of this is derived from the lush tropical jungle that covers most of the island, making it paradise for those who love to combine active pursuits with stretches of pure "chillaxification."

Puerto Rico has saved a sunny place for each and every kind of traveler this winter.

San Juan is a hub of metropolitan delights, with historical and culinary discoveries beckoning around every corner of the faded Old Town. (To say nothing of all the fine rum begging to be sampled.) The eastern portion of the island is home to the natural splendor of El Yunque National Forest, the central section is filled with rugged mountains perfect for adventure lovers while the west offers hammock-strewn hidden beaches. All this and you won't even need to pack your passport.

Technically speaking, Tahiti is the name for the largest of the islands of French Polynesia, but the name is also often used to refer to the entire family of islands. Rest assured, whether you stay at an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora, a beachside cabana in Moorea or a hotel near the black sand beaches of capital Papeete, you will feel like you have arrived at "peak paradise."

Buoyed by a string of stylish new hotel openings, the stock of "The Spice Island of the Carribean" is certainly on the rise. Spend your mornings in Grenada river-rafting or taking a "tree to bar" chocolate tour (the island is home to a quintet of producers) before retreating to the beach or soaking in an island waterfall.

St. Lucia's twin Pitons are arguably the Caribbean's most iconic natural landmarks and simply seeing these jungle-clad, dormant volcanoes with your own eyes will make last week's snow shoveling seem like it happened on a different planet. The jury is still out if they look best from the sea or the edge of an infinity pool, so why not take them in from both angles?

Fiji is the perfect place to get your feet wet with traveling in the South Pacific and no matter the month, those toes won't be cold. The nation is made up of hundreds of islands and odds are strong that you'll arrive on the biggest and most populated island of Viti Levu. Explore here for sure, but you'll want to quickly set sail for the offshore Yasawa and Mamanuca chains, for this is where you will find the isles of your dreams.

The largest island in Belize, Ambergris Caye sits adjacent to the greatest underwater show in the Western Hemisphere: the Belize Barrier Reef. The second-largest in the world behind the Great Barrier Reef, it is a mosaic of vibrant marine life that will leave you in awe. Ambergris is home to a multitude of tour operators who will help make exploring the reef a breeze and a multitude of breezy beaches.

While the winter chill keeps most of Europe's beaches shuttered through Spring, the southern location of Spain's Canary Islands (around 60 miles off the coast of Morocco) means Spring-like temperatures are the rule in the middle of the winter. Tenerife is especially blessed when it comes to striking black sand beaches, excellent resorts and otherworldly topography.

From the cosmopolitan delights of Kingston to stretches of sand that seemingly never end in Negril, Jamaica offers the quintessential Caribbean experience. Here, you can mix-and-match a trip that combines simply soaking up the sun and warm breezes with a genuine exploration of a culture that has made a lasting mark on the worlds of music, food and political movements.

There are more slices of paradise in the Bahamas than there is time to list them, but Harbour Island offers visitors a little bit of everything. Pink sand beaches, pastel beach shacks, boutique hotels and a burgeoning foodie scene are all attracting more and more attention-so get here soon to beat some of the crowds.

Tortola is the largest of the BVIs and it contains a little bit of all that makes these islands so great. Sheltered coves perfect for dropping anchor, beaches lined with white powder sands and lush interior hills all await here alongside a set of sand-in-your-toes beach bars that will make you forget all about that pending return flight.

The ascent of Anguilla has been nothing short of remarkable, with 2019 seeing the island set a new standard when it comes to the number of traveler arrivals. Why is everyone flocking here? Thirty-three stunning beaches are certainly a factor, as is the stellar reputation as the foodie island of the Caribbean. Or is it the excellent shopping and spa scene?

A short and scenic ferry ride from Auckland lies Waiheke Island, a wonderland of wine, sand and sunshine. The isle is home to multiple vineyards and several dreamy stretches of shore, which is highlighted by the sensational Onetangi Beach. Stay here during a bigger trip of New Zeland for a true "vacation within a vacation."