Expedia

Dreaming of trading in woolly hats and gray skies for swimwear in the sun? Luckily, you don’t have to go far for a rejuvenating, balmy escape. No matter where you live in the U.S., short-haul flights—that’s three hours or less—can quickly whisk you away to another world, even if only for a long weekend. Whether you long for a laid-back, siesta-centric getaway or thrill-seeking adventures under the sea, these sunny getaways are sure to banish the winter blues.

What is it about islands that make a vacation feel like a true getaway? Detached from the rest of the world, islands are places where people sometimes do things a bit differently. They can be transformative escapes that promise relaxation, romance and, of course, miles of beautiful coastline.

New year, new views—there’s nothing like kicking off January with an eye-opening adventure. Seeking out sunshine has many scientifically proven benefits: Not only does it increase mood-boosting serotonin, it also sparks vitamin D production, which supports the immune system. All the more reason to escape the cold with one of these sun-filled starts to the year, and plan ahead for a bright, blue-skied 2025. Just be sure to pack sunscreen.

New year, new travel plans—it’s that time when we all start dreaming of where to go and what to do over the next 12 months. And we’re here to help you make this your best travel year yet. From exciting new direct flights to clever tricks that will make getting there quicker, easier and far less stressful, read on to count down our 25 predictions for how travel will change in 2025, compiled by Expedia Magazine’s expert contributors and staffers.