Winter is officially upon us! While that can mean playing in the snow, wearing cozy jumpers and eating all the Christmas cookies, it also means less sunshine, freezing commutes and rainy weekends. Because let’s be honest, winter just ain’t all snowflakes and mulled wine.
Some don’t like to take their chances with Olaf and prefer to live in eternal summer. I am one of those people. Ever since moving back to Germany I still regularly make my way to my old home, Cape Town, to spend the winter months in the sun. Why? Glad you asked! Here are the best 35 reasons how to get eternal sunshine on your traveler’s mind and why you should spend your winter in the sun too!
1. You hate Jingle Bells and Frozen gave you the chills.
2. And we know that the only good chills are aircon chills.
3. There is such a thing as eternal tanlines and you want some.
4. You worked hard on your bikini body. Too hard to only show it off for the few sunny days we get to call summer.
5. Pretty pedicures and freedom for your feet. Ask them, they don’t like heavy boots.
6. You could even go barefoot. Or at least spend extended time with your toes buried in the sand. It grounds and is good for the soul.
7. You don’t need to venture far, to catch some more rays. How about a staycation on the beach if you are in the US?!
8. Sundresses and sandals are just so much cuter than heavy jumpers and thermal underwear.
9. Packing and wardrobe organizing is simply a lot easier when traveling into the sun. No big jumpers that take up all the space or those heavy boots weighing you down. You could even attempt to travel with hand luggage only.
10. You can shop the summer sales in the southern hemisphere so you are prepared for summer when you come home.
11. Wear less make-up and let those freckles shine.
12. Cute boys in boardshorts – all the time!
12. You prefer chilled white to mulled wine.
13. Also, mince pies and stollen taste so much better when washed down with a glass of something ice cold.
14. You always wanted to see candles melt on a Christmas tree…
15. …and spend Boxing Day on a beach.
16. Or you hate Christmas altogether. Then this is the perfect time to escape to a Thai island where Santa can’t find you.
17. Wherever you are, soak up vitamin D. It’s good for you!
18. As is vitamin sea. Are you are a mermaid or like to find Nemos like me? Then head somewhere warm and cozy where you won’t need to be a polar bear or wear a drysuit to go diving. I recommend Malaysia, Komodo or Thailand right about now.
19. More sunlight = more hours in the day. Summer is the perfect time to get more shit done. Just imagine how productive you are when you have summer all year long.
20. Mornings are just better when you can start them with a surf or a run on the promenade.
21. You drink more. And by that, I don’t mean alcohol. Keeping up with good water intake just seems a lot easier when it is warm outside.
22. Especially for those with kids – Why not skip the inevitable flu season altogether?
23. And on that note – outdoor living. So much easier (and dare I say cheaper?) with kids!
24. Breathe! Fresh air is good for you and is so much better enjoyed on a beach, in the mountains or in the desert…
25. …Though there is something to be said for summer in the city all year long. When New York, Berlin, and London get too icy stroll the sidewalks of Johannesburg, Sydney or Bangkok instead.
26. Who likes road trips in the rain? Exactly, so summer is the perfect time for a road trip and countries like South Africa or Australia are the perfect places to take one.
27. Glamping and camping are best done during eternal summer.
28. You can see Orion doing a handstand in the summer night sky in the southern hemisphere.
29. More time to count shooting stars = more wishes coming true.
30. You need summer if you want to dance in the summer rain.
31. Extend the festival season and party on.
32. For those of you who were born in winter, spending the cold months in the sun is the perfect opportunity to finally have that outdoor birthday party you always dreamed of.
33. Long live ice cream all year long!
34. Be one of the first to celebrate New Year’s Eve and welcome the new year – head to Samoa now!
35. Absence makes the heart grow fonder – once you return home, you will be able to appreciate a winter’s day so much more.
All images via Unsplash
This post was written by Annika Ziehen who was a Travelette until 2019. Originally from Germany, Annika has lived in New York and Cape Town and now travels the world full time. She considers herself a very hungry mermaid and writes about her adventures, scuba diving and food on her blog The Midnight Blue Elephant. You can also find her on Instagram here!
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