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I’m not sure what we did to deserve this, but the sun is ghosting us, Chicago.

Early last week, that bright orange ball in the sky just up and left. Won’t return our calls. Gone without a trace.

We’re reportedly in the midst of the longest cloudy spell in a generation

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, and January is on pace to finish as one of the cloudiest months on record.

If all this meteorological gloom and doom has you dreaming of sunnier spots on the planet, we dug up some of our travel stories about places you can go to reconnect with our old friend.

Here are eight spots to see the sun:

Tucson, Arizona

Last winter’s polar vortex drove me into the arms of Arizona’s second largest city for a long weekend of biking. I fell in love with the place — and not just because of its 120-plus-mile Loop trail, a cyclist’s dream.

Native Tucsonan Joe Pagac painted this huge mural celebrating Tucson's cycling culture in 2017 after raising money for the project on Kickstarter.
Native Tucsonan Joe Pagac painted this huge mural celebrating Tucson’s cycling culture in 2017 after raising money for the project on Kickstarter.

Stuart, Florida

This cute little city on the Sunshine State’s Atlantic Coast is an under-the-radar gem. The headline of our story says it all: Old Florida is alive and well in sunny Stuart, where the past won’t be forgotten.

A sunny view from the porch of the Blue House, one of the accommodations at the Old Colorado Inn in Stuart, Florida.
A sunny view from the porch of the Blue House, one of the accommodations at the Old Colorado Inn in Stuart, Florida.

Oahu, Hawaii

Imagine kicking back with a mai tai or two at a beachfront bar on this beautiful Hawaiian island. Our story about searching for the best version of this classic cocktail while bar hopping in Oahu should help.

At Waikiki's legendary Royal Hawaiian resort, the scenic beachside bar is named after the mai tai cocktail.
At Waikiki’s legendary Royal Hawaiian resort, the scenic beachside bar is named after the mai tai cocktail.

Las Vegas, Nevada

You can bet you’ll catch some sun in Sin City, which is undergoing a millennial makeover to appeal to the next generation of hedonists.

McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas says a jump in the number of travelers in December pushed it to a record 51.5 million passengers for calendar 2019.
McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas says a jump in the number of travelers in December pushed it to a record 51.5 million passengers for calendar 2019.

New Zealand

Yes, this is a long way to go to get some sun. But I’ve been twice, and I promise it’s worth it. Especially now, when it’s still summer down under. And Air New Zealand now offers nonstop flights between Chicago and Auckland. Here’s our recent story about eating your way through the South Island.

The Moeraki Boulders are part of the South Island’s geologically distinct Waitaki region, home of “geogastronomy.”

Tulum, Mexico

This story is a few years old but the ancient ruins, gorgeous beaches and laid-back vibe endure. Read about touring Tulum, the tranquil side of Riviera Maya.

If you're dreaming of a Mexican getaway, the city of Tulum, along the Riviera Maya, boasts gorgeous blue water, world-class beaches and Mayan ruins. Go snorkeling in cenotes (underground water-filled caverns) or take wildlife tours at the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
If you’re dreaming of a Mexican getaway, the city of Tulum, along the Riviera Maya, boasts gorgeous blue water, world-class beaches and Mayan ruins. Go snorkeling in cenotes (underground water-filled caverns) or take wildlife tours at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

Florida Keys

I just checked and it’s 75 degrees and — you guessed it — sunny in charming Key West, Florida. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of biking the island chain from Key Largo clear across to the southernmost point in the continental U.S. Whether you explore on two wheels or four, the Keys are a great place to escape this time of year.

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One of the biggest attractions on Key West is a concrete replica of a buoy that claims to be the southernmost point in the contiguous 48 states.
One of the biggest attractions on Key West is a concrete replica of a buoy that claims to be the southernmost point in the contiguous 48 states.

Nevis in the Caribbean

This inviting isle is so chill, it doesn’t even have a stoplight. Check out Alexander Hamilton’s old stomping ground in this little piece of sunny paradise.

Pinney's Beach, the largest on Nevis, runs past the recently refurbished Four Seasons Resort.
Pinney’s Beach, the largest on Nevis, runs past the recently refurbished Four Seasons Resort.

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