Winter in Kauai is always devoid of snow. That should be enough reason to travel there. The coldest winter I ever spent was in Hawaii. I know that sounds like a Mark Twain reference to summer in San Francisco, but it isn't. Hawaiian homes don't have heaters, but you don't really need them 99 percent of the time. Many people come to Hawaii for Christmas vacation. Kauai is the perfect place: St. Nick is often seen in Kauai wearing his festive aloha attire.

The green trees and grass will recharge your battery for the grime days of winter back home. The sand between your toes on the sparsely populated beaches will be the antidote for cabin fever. The palm trees swaying to the trades winds. The temperature at the peak of the day a perfect 70 degrees. 

There are chances of bad weather like cold rain and such. But that will pass quickly, the rainy season is in early spring. Did I mention that I lived on Oahu for 10 years and never owned long pants? I never had to bundle up in a snow suit or shovel snow off the side walk.

Just think how envious your friends will be when you tell them you stayed on Kauai for a week and have a sunburn. You can show them the pictures of you with fresh leis around your neck and the smug smiles of contentment, rejuvenated for the rest of the months until spring arrives on the mainland. You'll think back and consider the trip was worth every penny. There's nothing like Christmas in Hawaii. Everyone should do it at least once in a life time. Aloha!

This tidbit of real travel advice was contributed by Matthew Brendal.