Once Christmas has past and the New year has begun, many find that it's the common time for the battle against Winter Blues. When there is nothing to look forward to coming up and the weather is dark and wet, it's hardly surprising that dreams of warmer climes creep into our daydreams.

When looking for a getaway for the winter blues, one great choice is the Bahamas. There are 29 islands in total not too far off the southern coast of Florida. The country derives about half of its total economy from tourism and many resorts cater exclusively to visitors. It is easily reached by plane, and the bulk of the populace speaks English. Nassau is the largest city here and it is a tourist magnet. With its crystal clear water and miles of beautiful beaches, this can be considered paradise. Many people frolic on the beach by day and then enjoy some nightlife at one of the local casinos.

A more adventurous spot can be found south of the equator in Brazil. Many travelers prefer to head for Rio de Janeiro, but Costa do Sauipe is another hot spot. This jewel in the rough is located just one hour from Salvador. There are plenty of places for water sports of all kinds including swimming, snorkeling and surfing. It is now one of the largest developments in the country devoted to the tourism trade. There are beautiful beaches located here for walking and sunbathing, and the local forest can be used for hiking as well. A great variety of sites can be seen here and tours are readily available from local guides. This area is also home to one of the largest carnivals in the world and tourists can enjoy this when vacationing at the right time. Rio can also be enjoyed too, being just a short jump by plane.

Venezuela is another great destination for curing the winter blues. The resorts at Curacao offer a unique vacation. The Dutch government controlled this island for a long time. This has resulted in a mixture of both Spanish and Dutch heritage in the capital city of Willemstad, making it a UNESCO site and also a great place to find your loved ones some ethical gifts. Hiking and gambling can be enjoyed in equal measure here. Most of the fun though, is found beneath the water. The gorgeous coral reefs that encircle the island are being enhanced with artificial ones designed by aquatic experts. This ocean floor is just a short way from the beach, making it easy to launch a boat for a cruise or sport fishing.

Another great vacation spot to beat those winter blues lies on the gulf coast of Florida. An Anna Maria vacation there has something for everyone including mild temperatures, warm, sunny days and a variety of entertainment that is designed to keep visitors entertained and refreshed. A final place that is close by is Key West which is the perfect spot for enjoying a winter holiday and a

family weekend break. Being just off the Florida mainland, there is sun, sand, history and a great dining experience which makes this area a popular tourist hot spot and can provide the famous tan that makes visitors the envy of their friends back home.