As the winter approaches, it's natural to crave the warm, cozy comfort of our homes. But for those willing to brave a bit of cold, Washington offers some of the best destination getaways for the season.

"It is common to see Queer partners walking hand in hand through the streets of the Old Town, sitting and smooching at a café, or staring romantically into each other's eyes over hot cafés con leche or a cold cerveza."

"And, if your curiosity gets the best of you, tuk-tuk operators are notorious for taking you directly to the red-light districts or naughty remote alleyways, where everything from ping-pong shows to other debauchery awaits."

"Whereas Seattle and vicinity is home to just over 4 million residents, Istanbul, with one quarter the space, crams in over 15 million. And somehow — well, it wasn't a big mystery: Grindr! — Afran and I found each other."

"Many locals casually joke that 'Taiwan is the 51st US state nobody knows about.'"

"Two birds, one stone."

"Winter camping is not an activity for those who enjoy cleanliness, but the mud was a small price to pay for the peace and adventure I found hidden among the Pacific Northwest woods."

"For me, San Francisco was a step into adulthood."

"A haven for travelers seeking an unforgettable escape."

"I had done extensive research, but I somehow missed the part where I would be part of a water-based war zone."