Unless you've hibernated with the past month, maybe you have noticed that it's cold outside! Bitterly, freezing, icy cold. What better time than throughout the bleak midwinter to plan some slack to a warm paradise? It may be winter in Washington but in plenty of places, it's 80 degrees and sunny. Rainforests and beaches make up the bulk of Costa Rica, a good looking Central American nation merely a 3.5-hour flight from Houston. Whether you enjoy hiking, surfing or simply relaxing, there is something for everyone. Up north, Arenal Volcano National Park can be a stand-out; this active volcano a major explosion in 1968 and possesses erupted consistently (with a smaller scale) since. On clear nights, you can view red and orange lava bursting in the volcano's smoking mouth. Bordered by two major bodies of water, the Pacific Ocean along with the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica has countless beautiful beaches to decide on among. Jaco, for the Pacific Coast, attracts a younger party crowd, while cruise lines generally visit Puntarenas. Escape hostels in laos the madness and head to Quepos, farther south but located next to the incredible Manuel Antonio National Park. One of Costa Rica's smallest national parks, it is also one of the most popular due to its incredible biodiversity of plants and animals. Costa Rica is really a great escape for just about any budget, from cash-strapped students trying to find bargain hostels to people wanting all-inclusive resorts. At Arenal Volcano National Park, I recommend Arenal Observatory Lodge, that has miles of hiking trails, knowledgeable guides and an attractive setting overlooking both volcano and Lake Arenal. In Quepos, the Blue Banyan Inn is really a hidden paradise, having a warm family-friendly atmosphere and tranquil mountain setting. Looking traveling farther afield? While it's winter throughout the northern hemisphere, it's mid-summer in the southern hemisphere. If you have a few weeks of vacation time built up, this might be the best time to visit Australia. Sydney's not the capital but could be the country's most bustling city. There are no shortage of activities: a world-class zoo, stunning beaches ideal for surfing, a captivating theatre scene and free public parks hostels in laos that invite wandering and exploring hours. An easy trip from Sydney is Blue Mountains National Park. Take the train from Sydney's Central Station to Katoomba, and buy a ticket for any hop-on, hop-off bus around the park. The blue haze, unique to the telltale mountains, is caused by the oil vapors emitted by eucalyptus trees, scattering blue light. As you walk along miles of peaceful paths, the scent of eucalyptus hangs in the air. Budget travelers to Sydney have a lot of luang prabang hostels to choose among, but I recommend Y Hotel Hyde Park, offering both shared and personal rooms, complimentary hot and cold breakfast (along with a cafe serving other meals), closeness to all sights and attractions (decreasing the need to pay for public transport) and friendly, helpful staff. It's always summer in Thailand, one of southeast Asia's most popular destinations. If you have time and energy to wander from the beaten path and visit Laos, Vietnam or Cambodia, all of the better, but Thailand is truly exceptional. Bangkok is crowded and not for everybody, but is worth visiting no less than for the magnificent Grand Palace. Built in 1782, the palace glitters and amazes having its incredible architecture and overwhelming size. Be advised that there is a strict dress code enforced for both women and men; clothes could be borrowed at the entrance. To north of manchester, Chiang Mai has a great deal to do, you might never want to leave. Tours might be arranged to view elephants (in the training camps and inside the wild), talk with tigers and meet local tribes. With literally hundreds of tour companies to pick from, travelers can bargain and incredibly get the best deal. Massage parlors are two to each corner, offering hour-long massages for as cheap as $3.00.Take in a Muay Thai boxing match if you possibly could stand the aggression. Many tourists choose to spend entire vacations island-hopping inside the south. One of the most widely used is Koh Samui, that provides easy access with other islands as well as a limitless amount of events and activities. Rent a motorbike and explore small island top-to-bottom, with stops at Chaweng Beach (stop at another end of the island should you prefer a quiet vacation), Big Buddha and Hin Lad waterfall. Thailand is a budget traveler's dream -- extraordinarily nice hotel rooms might be had for just $50, while beds in shared dorms might be bought to get a dollar or two every night. Food is exceptional and fresh everywhere, whether for the street or perhaps a restaurant, and inexpensive. Have a popular cold weather escape? Let me know within the comments section! For more info: Click here to read the entire "Make a resolution" series, a 2010 Washington guide. Do you desire to be notified once the DC Travel Examiner updates? Go to the top from the page and click on "Subscribe." Your email address will not be shared If you have any queries pertaining to in which and how to use hostels in laos [http://www.lymingshu.com/comment/html/index.php?page=1&id=8268], you can make contact with us at our own web site. .