Tropical Sunset

Tropical Sunset

This winter, the cold blasts and driving snow aren't just hitting the usual spots. Virtually every region of the U.S. mainland has been hit my major winter storms, with significant snowfall being seen as far south as Atlanta-all within the first official month of winter. If you've been affected by this weather, you may be dreaming of warmer climates by now. But what if you don't have a passport, or what if you just don't have the money to travel long distances?

You don't have to go far to enjoy a luxuriously warm tropical vacation. Plus, you might be surprised by how far you can go without your passport. Read on, and I'll fill you in on a few of the top tropical spots in U.S. territory.

Hawaii: Hawaii is the first place that comes to most people's minds when they think of tropical islands in U.S. territory, and for good reason. Hawaii is a genuinely one-of-a-kind island chain, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, plus complex natural landscapes that afford visitors boundless opportunities for adventure. Visiting Hawaii during the winter is the perfect way to rejuvenate your spirit with some fun and relaxation.

Florida and the Keys: In January, the average high temperature in Key West-the southernmost point of the lower 48 states-is 75 degrees. It doesn't get much nicer than that. And much of southern Florida is the same. The Miami metropolitan area has a winter climate similar to San Francisco in July, and the western gulf coast is similar. The Fort Myers area in particular is ideal, with its beautiful white sand beaches, rich fishing areas, calm waters for boating and kayaking, and even a manatee preserve.

U.S. Virgin Islands: The Virgin Islands, east of Puerto Rico, are split into an American side and a British side. The American side, which happens to be larger than the British, includes the beautiful and bustling capital of Charlotte Amalie set in the middle of the biggest island, plus many lovely bays, beaches, and smaller outlying islands. In addition to the picturesque inland territory, the main island of St. Thomas has miles of perfect white-sand beaches.

Winter high temperatures average in the upper 80s, and there is barely any rain in the months of January through March. Across from St. Thomas, you can also visit the island of St. John, containing the Virgin Islands National Park.

Northern Mariana Islands: The Northern Mariana Islands, a commonwealth in union with the U.S., is an island chain about 2000 miles south of Japan, and about 3000 west of Hawaii. For visitors, the top activity in the Northern Mariana Islands is scuba diving. Divers can swim through vast coral reefs, swarms of life, and wrecks left over from World War II.

Guam: Guam, an island territory at the south of the Mariana Islands, featuring picturesque towns, friendly people, and beautiful, isolated beaches. For visitors from the U.S. mainland, one popular destination is the War in the Pacific National Historic Park, which contains former battlefields, trenches, and historical structures from the World War II battles that took place on Guam.

Caterina Christakos is a published author and reviewer. Read her latest reviews of Johnson and Johnson shampoo and other Johnson and Johnson baby products.

What's the best kind of perfume?

I like kinda the floral, tropical smells. Right now I use Sunset Heat by Escada, but I'm looking for a new one. I really don't like Chanel perfumes so please don't suggest those.

Here are 5 that I would suggest:
Burberry Brit
Britney Spears Fantasy
Britney Spears Curious
DKNY Be Delicious

Perfume is generally expensive, but these smell great and come at a good price.