T + L: 12 Best Tropical Vacations in the U.S.

Above, Dolphin Quest at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that we're creeping towards summer, now's the time to start planning for a tropical vacation. Some places are already good, weather-wise, for such a vacation. 

Travel + Leisure has posted an article of 12 of the best tropical vacations in U.S. One of them is surprising, since it is in the desert of Nevada.

I have been to several of them over the years: Key West, Santa Barbara, Catalina Island, Hawaii and Las Vegas (yes, this one's the surprise). 

They begin with:

When you're dreaming of a tropical vacation, but both time and money are in short supply, you can find what you want without going too far. Whether you're on the East or West Coast, a tropical destination is just a few hours away. There are islands, beach towns, and resorts that will satisfy that longing for balmy weather, palm trees, and icy cocktails topped with fruit and tiny umbrellas.

Pack a swimsuit, shades, and sunscreen and leave the passport at home when you travel to one of these tropical vacation destinations in the U.S.

 To read more, go here.