Beaches are the answer for the winter weary

A harsh wind chill cuts you to the core.  Shoveling your driveway results in an aching back. Sleet makes for impossible driving conditions.

Billowing snow and blowing ice is enough to make any Northerner rethink their decision to brave yet another winter season. Sometimes the best remedy for the winter blues is tossing your shovel in the attic and trading it in for a boogie board because you're booking a beach vacation.

Need some inspiration? Here are National Geographic Traveler's 10 best beaches

1. T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (Florida) 
2. Hanalei Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
3.  Ka`anapali, Maui, Hawaii   
4. Fort De Soto Park, Florida 
   
5. Caladesi Island State Park, Florida 
   
6. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
   
7.  Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii 
   
8. East Hampton Main Beach, New York
9. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Florida 
10. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu, HI 

Our Must-Have Travel Item for a Beach Vacation:
The waterproof travel envelope - keep the Blackberry from taking a dip with this large, waterproof travel pouch. It protects everything from the digital camera to your credit cards and IDs. You can use a PDA or take photos through the clear window.