It seems everyone around me is taken with the changing colors of autumn. Wherever I go here in northeast Pennsylvania someone points to the rolling hills or a particular orangey tree and gushes over their hues. Fall foliage tours are touted as spectacular weekend getaways. Farmers markets teem with cornucopias of colorful foods and shoppers happily snapping them up. Autumn, everyone keeps telling me, is their favorite season.
I, on the other hand, want to lie on the couch all day with a pound of Gertrude Hawk Smidgens and a thermos of coffee, watching Netflix.
I’ve come to realize what differentiates me from those who appreciate autumn’s beauty is SAD-ness: seasonal affective disorder.
I’m not alone. Millions of people, especially women between the ages of 18 and 55, suffer from SAD. For us, shorter days and less light take a toll on serotonin levels. We become depressed, lose interest in activities that ordinarily bring pleasure. We crave carbs and gain weight, which makes us more depressed.
Luckily, there is a cure: travel to somewhere sunny, preferably near the equator.
Here are my favorite places to beat the winter blues:
Goa, India. India is always number one on my travel wish list. To get to Goa, fly to Banglalore and change to a small plane there for the quick flight to India’s tiniest state, which features a wide range of accommodations. You’ll find the best beaches at the southern and northern tips of the state. For great yoga, head to Arjuna Beach and practice with Rolf and Marci Naujokat.
Candidasa, Bali. Bali lies right on the equator, which blesses it with long days. Light begins peeking above the horizon by 5 a.m. Candidasa is less than two hours from the Denpasar airport and Bali’s bustling cultural center Ubud, yet far enough off the typical tourist trail to remain serene. Visit ancient temples in neighboring towns in between long stretches of lying on the beach.
Plan at least three weeks in each destination—quick getaways may be fun, but raising serotonin levels requires some serious time in the sun. Bring plenty of sunscreen.
