I Escaped Winter and Played Pickleball Every Day

With the winter holidays here, I decided to escape the cold and head somewhere warm. I have been spending time in Southern California, playing pickleball outdoors at local courts around Carlsbad and Encinitas, and it has been an absolute blast. There is something about sunshine, fresh air, and relaxed outdoor play that makes the game feel completely different than grinding through winter conditions.

It got me thinking about holiday travel as an opportunity not just to rest, but to play, move, and stay active somewhere new. In this issue, I want to explore great warm weather pickleball destinations worth visiting, and then talk about how to plan these trips in a way that keeps you healthy, energized, and ready to play.

One of the underrated perks of pickleball is how easy it is to build a trip around it. Courts are everywhere, the community is welcoming, and you can usually find games within days of arriving somewhere new. During the winter months, traveling to a warmer destination does not just mean better weather. It often means outdoor courts, longer play sessions, and a more social atmosphere that makes the sport feel lighter and more fun.

Southern California is hard to beat for winter pickleball. Outdoor courts are playable year round, and the culture encourages casual drop-in play alongside high-level competition. Areas like coastal San Diego County offer sunshine, ocean air, and a mix of players at every skill level. The consistency of the weather means fewer canceled sessions and more relaxed play, which is part of what makes it such an enjoyable destination during the holidays.

Court access is generally straightforward, with many public parks offering free play and private clubs welcoming visitors for day passes. The relaxed social atmosphere makes it easy to meet people, join games, and settle into a routine quickly.

Florida remains one of the most pickleball-dense regions in the world. Many communities have dedicated facilities, large round-robin sessions, and well-organized open play. Winter brings ideal temperatures for outdoor movement without excessive heat, which makes longer sessions easier on the body. Florida is also a great option for players who want structured play and predictable schedules while traveling.

The sheer number of courts and the density of players means you can often choose between highly competitive environments and more casual social play depending on where you go and what time you show up. Accessibility is excellent, with facilities ranging from sprawling retirement communities to public parks with dedicated pickleball complexes.

Hawaii offers a slower, more scenic pickleball experience. Outdoor courts are often set against beautiful backdrops, and the pace of play tends to feel less rushed. While competitive play exists, many travelers enjoy Hawaii for its balance of activity and recovery. Playing in the morning and spending the rest of the day walking, swimming, or resting fits naturally into the environment.

The island culture lends itself to friendly games and casual connections, and the consistent temperatures make it easy to plan around outdoor play without worrying about sudden weather changes. Travel considerations include higher costs and longer flight times, but the trade-off is an immersive environment where staying active feels like part of the vacation rather than something squeezed in around it.

For the more adventurous traveler, Vietnam has an emerging pickleball scene that continues to grow. Cities with strong expat communities often have courts and organized play, and the cost of travel and accommodation can be surprisingly affordable. The experience is less about polished facilities and more about cultural exploration paired with staying active. It is a great reminder that pickleball can connect people across very different settings.

Court culture varies by location, but expat-run clubs and sports facilities in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi tend to be welcoming and well connected. The broader travel experience includes incredible food, walkable cities, and a pace of life that encourages slowing down and exploring beyond the court.

Japan is another destination for players looking for something unique. Clubs tend to be organized, respectful, and structured, and the emphasis on technique and etiquette can be refreshing. While pickleball is still developing there, the experience of playing in a different sporting culture adds a meaningful layer to the trip. For players who enjoy learning and adapting, Japan offers a very different rhythm of play. Court access often requires advance planning and connections through local clubs or expat groups, but the effort is rewarded with thoughtful organization and a welcoming atmosphere once you are connected. The broader travel experience includes excellent public transportation, walkable neighborhoods, and a culture that values health and movement in everyday life.

Not every pickleball trip needs to look the same. Some players want high-volume games and competitive energy. Others want relaxed play paired with vacation recovery. Climate, court access, travel distance, and how much structure you prefer all matter. The best destination is the one that lets you play comfortably while still enjoying the rest of the trip. Consider how much advance planning you are willing to do, whether you want drop-in games or organized sessions, and how the destination fits with other interests like food, culture, or outdoor activities. A well-chosen destination supports both your pickleball goals and your broader travel experience.

Traveling somewhere warm to play pickleball can feel rejuvenating, but long flights, time zone changes, and sudden increases in activity can stress the body in subtle ways. Planning ahead from a health standpoint helps you arrive feeling energized instead of depleted, and it lowers the risk of getting sick or injured halfway through your trip.

Travel disrupts sleep, hydration, and routine, all of which can weaken immune defenses. In the weeks leading up to a trip, prioritizing consistent sleep and nutrition goes a long way. Good rest and whole foods provide the foundation your immune system needs to handle the stress of travel and increased activity.

From a supplement standpoint, vitamin D is especially important during winter months, particularly if you are leaving a darker climate. Many people are deficient without realizing it, and maintaining adequate levels supports both immune function and recovery. Vitamin C and zinc support immune function and are easy to take while traveling. Quercetin has gained attention for its antioxidant and immune-modulating effects, especially when combined with zinc.

Convenience products like Airborne can be useful during travel days, but they should be viewed as support tools rather than a replacement for good habits. The real work happens in the weeks before you leave, when consistent sleep, hydration, and nutrient intake build the resilience you need to stay healthy once you arrive.

Long flights increase the risk of dehydration and leg stiffness, which can carry over into your first days of play. Drinking water consistently throughout the flight helps maintain circulation and joint lubrication. Cabin air is notoriously dry, and even mild dehydration affects energy levels, focus, and muscle responsiveness once you land.

Compression socks are a simple but effective way to reduce lower-leg swelling and improve blood flow, especially on longer travel days. They help prevent the heavy, sluggish feeling that often follows a long flight and can interfere with the first sessions on the court.

Standing up periodically, walking the aisle, and doing gentle ankle movements help keep muscles responsive for when you land. Even small amounts of movement during the flight make a noticeable difference in how quickly your body feels ready to play.

Arriving somewhere warm often tempts players to jump straight into long sessions. This is where injuries can sneak in. Jet lag, altered reaction time, and subtle fatigue all increase strain risk. Even if you feel energized by the change of scenery, your nervous system is still adjusting to the time zone and travel stress.

Treat the first day or two as a transition period. Shorter sessions, longer warm-ups, and lower intensity rallies allow your nervous system and muscles to adapt. You will often play better by doing less early on. Giving your body time to recalibrate prevents the frustration of dealing with a pulled muscle or strained joint that could have been avoided with a little patience.

Moving from winter to a sunny climate places new stress on the body. Sun exposure affects hydration and energy levels more than many players realize. The combination of heat, direct sunlight, and extended outdoor play increases fluid loss and can lead to fatigue that builds quietly over a few hours.

Using sunscreen, wearing hats or UV-protective clothing, and taking shade breaks helps prevent fatigue that can compound across multiple days of play. Protecting your skin is not just about avoiding burns, it is about maintaining the energy and focus needed to play well throughout your trip.

Footwear also matters when switching climates, as harder outdoor courts and warmer temperatures increase load on the feet and calves. Shoes that worked fine indoors or in cooler weather may not provide enough cushioning or support on hot outdoor surfaces. Taking the time to break in appropriate footwear before your trip can prevent blisters and soreness that interfere with play.

Recovery does not stop just because you are on vacation. Light stretching, walking, and gentle mobility work help counter long travel days and repeated play. Even a few minutes in the morning or evening can release tension and improve how your body feels the next day.

Maintaining protein intake supports muscle repair, and carbohydrates help replenish energy for back-to-back sessions. Travel often disrupts eating patterns, but making an effort to eat balanced meals keeps your body fueled and ready for consistent play.

Even small routines, like a few minutes of movement in the morning or evening, help the body stay resilient throughout the trip. The goal is not to maintain a rigid schedule, but to give your body the basic support it needs to recover between sessions and enjoy the trip without breaking down.

Holiday travel does not have to mean putting your game on pause. For many players, it can be a chance to rediscover why pickleball is fun in the first place, especially when you pair sunshine, outdoor courts, and a change of scenery.

The key is balancing enthusiasm with preparation, so your body stays healthy enough to enjoy every session. With a little planning, warm-weather trips can leave you feeling refreshed rather than run down, and often more motivated to keep playing once you return home.

Boris.

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this newsletter.