From St. Lucia to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Caribbean is an easy-to-access region for warm-weather retreats.

Set on the Persian Gulf, Dubai lets you enjoy water sports and beach days against the backdrop of its modern, boundary-pushing skyline.

If you want a longer vacation, head to Cape Town, South Africa, where you can spend sunny days watching penguins and going wine tasting.

There is nothing quite like the dead of winter—with January’s freezing temperatures, fewer hours of daylight, and general post-holiday somberness—to leave you in desperate need of a warm-weather trip. But because many tropical destinations experience their peak season this time of year, it’s best to plan your travels as soon as possible.

Do you want a quick getaway that only requires a direct flight? Hop on a plane to Mexico’s Riviera Maya or Jamaica. Is your ideal beach vacation one that includes a healthy dose of adventure? You may like St. Lucia or Cape Town.…