It’s only October and already those of us who live in the Northeastern United States are sharing the latest winter forecast from the Old Farmer’s Almanac and making offerings to the weather gods, beseeching them to spare us another recordbreaking snowfall.

Like many of my fellow winter of 2014–2015 survivors, I tried to get out. During the height of the frozen deluge, I wanted to go anywhere warm, anywhere. But I was too late. Flights to warm-weather destinations were either full or priced way beyond my quick-getaway budget. Resigned to toughing it out, I set my sights on next year and booked a 2016 winter vacation. So when the snow flies this season, I’ll be winging my way to the U.S. Virgin Islands, coincidentally this month’s featured Kicking Back destination.

It’s not too late for you to do the same, and this issue provides plenty of inspiration for booking a warm-weather getaway — for business or leisure — with articles about safaris in South Africa, business in Abu Dhabi, meetings in São Paulo and golf in South Carolina.

Flip-flops, piña coladas and sunglasses beat snow boots, hot toddies and mittens any day of the year!