It’s natural to want to follow our feathered friends and fly south for the winter.
Sure, a little snow is nice to look at, and who doesn’t love the occasional snowball fight with the kids – but it doesn’t take long to grow weary of the early sunsets and the ten-minute suit up just to walk the dog in the morning.
Luckily, we have the perfect remedy for those winter blues.
Nothing cures the winter blues like lounging in the warm sun on a white sandy beach below brilliant limestone cliffs.
And Phuket, Thailand is THE destination of choice this season with average temperatures in the 80s and more excursions than a chilly winter can ever provide.
Southeast Asia in general is a prime vacation spot, with Bali being a top contender, but the island of Phuket offers a sensational getaway with a price tag you can afford.
And getting to this remote paradise is easier than 1-2-3, being only an hour flight if flying out of Bangkok.
Get a traditional Thai oil massage followed by herbal therapy at Thai Spa Phuket for only 1300 Thai baht ($40 USD), reports US News Travel.
You would be remiss if you didn’t spend at least a day out on the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea, enjoying some – if not all – of the aquatic adventures the island provides.
Whether you’re the tourist who likes to lounge on a yacht and soak in the breathtaking view, or you’re an adrenaline junky who longs to swim with the sharks, there is an excursion for you.
Snorkel among the Mahi Mahi (while avoiding the Barracuda), get a workout in paddle-boarding or surfing, or take a boat ride on the Two Sea Tour for an incredible price of approximately $125 USD, which according to reports from tourists is “a dream come true,” reports US News Travel.
While you’ll have an amazing time participating in all the Instagram-worthy adventures, there’s another reason you’ll want to check out next year’s airfare to Phuket.
The food!
Americans are no stranger to Thai food – and the experience only gets better when it comes straight from the source.
Voted by Proud American Traveler as having some of the best street food in the world, grabbing a bite to eat is not only easy but it’s explosion of flavor you won’t get enough of.
A few authentic dishes we insist you try are tom yum goong (a hot and sour soup with shrimp), som tam (a papaya salad), and green curry.
You can get all of this and more at Thong Dee Brasserie, a tourist favorite for their “friendly and accommodating staff and consistently delicious meals,” reports USA News Travel.
While watching out for crime and pick-pocketers is something to be mindful almost everywhere you go, the most dangerous thing you’ll encounter in Phuket is riptides and undertows, so be cautious while swimming.
Taking a drive around the island in a tuk-tuk (taxi) alone is a cultural experience that only gets better from there.
While Phuket was first put on the map by the Leonardo DiCaprio flick “The Beach” – and then for offering the most-coveted quarantine experience during COVID-19 – now it’s time to get to know this island by the incredible memories you’ll make there.
Happy travels!