A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Aug. 15, 2024
Not a fan of a snow-covered winter? We feel you. Say goodbye to your scarf and hat, and head south, way south, to these Southern Hemisphere hot spots where the warmest days of their "summer" heat up while we're feeling the freeze up north.
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These sunny vacation spots all have one important thing in common: they’re located in the Southern Hemisphere. This means they’re experiencing the height of summer in December through March, coinciding with when it’s the most frigid time of year throughout North American and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. Soak up the sun and get a warm and wonderful respite from winter weather with palm trees, sunshine, and warm surf at these guaranteed summer-in-winter spots. Traveling with kids? Then you’ll want to check out these 20 warm-weather winter getaways for families.
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Now that Brazil has removed their visa restrictions for the U.S citizens., it’s simpler than ever to visit South America’s biggest country, which has more than 2,000 beaches that stretch along its shoreline. Some highlights to keep an eye out for: Rio de Janeiro has been selected by UNESCO as the first World Capital of Architecture for 2020, and the city will host a variety of events and celebrations tied to architecture and art. Or plan to samba down the street in February, when Carnival is celebrated in Rio.
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For amazing safaris filled with incredible wildlife viewing, Botswana, which has designated nearly 40 percent of the country as protected national parkland, including the vast, mesmerizing oasis of the Okavango Delta, is the ideal destination during the Southern Hemisphere summer months of December to April. You can explore the richly diverse natural habitat by boat along wending waterways, on 4-wheel-drive driving safaris, and on walks to encounter an exceptionally varied animal population, including lions, leopards, rhino, hippo, and herds of elephants. Explore the incredible natural areas in complete comfort with Micato Safaris.
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saiko3p/ShutterstockKnown as the “Paris of South America,” Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital blends European glamour and Latin flavor, and the well-known culinary and cultural hub especially sizzles when it’s winter in North American but summer south of the equator with late-night al fresco parties, tango in outdoor squares under the stars, and grilled steaks on open-air parillas (barbecues).
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Deep in the Pacific Ocean waters of the Southern Hemisphere is this faraway chain of islands comprised of active volcanoes, luscious jungle, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. It’s one of the most unique natural environments in the world, and you can help with conservation efforts during a “summer” trip with Pelorus cruises. Some options include participating in a project to protect dugongs (seacows) and their seagrass habitats, including snorkeling with the gentle giants or lending a hand in tagging critically-endangered Hawksbill turtles before they are released into the wild.
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