Though Fall is not quite behind us, it’s not too early to begin planning for your wintertime getaway. Whether you’re looking for a place to relish the snow, or enjoy the warmth of a sunnier locale, one of these five suggestions may have exactly what you’re looking for. Remember: planning ahead may help you save money later.
1. FLORIDA
If you live in a colder climate, Florida can offer a warm escape from winter’s chill. Looking to enjoy some time away from the crowds? Check out the Everglades, Sanibel Island, or St. Augustine. Each of these getaways allow for some quieter activities, like kayaking, bird watching, or history lessons. Prefer a bit more celebration during your Winter vacation? Orlando has plenty of theme parks, some of which offer discounts over the holidays.
2. SKIING
Turn your winter holiday into a romantic one with a trip to Park City, Utah (close to Salt Lake City). Affordable condo rentals allow guests to enjoy a more intimate time away from home, with nearby access to the slopes. If you’d like to take the family with you, take a look at Keystone, CO. Keystone has been known to offer a variety of savings, including discounts for reserving space early, and free skiing for children.
3. SMALLTOWN, USA
America is full of wonder. Sitka, AK has a population of just over 9,000 people and rests at the bottom of glacier-covered mountains, right next to the sea. If you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding, Ketchum, ID may be the place for you. Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, known for its quaint, seaside cottages, has a ban on wearing high heels without a permit – so pack accordingly. There are plenty of small, fun cities in our country. Do a bit of research and find the one that’s right for you.
4. MONTREAL, CANADA
This is not the place to get away from winter, but the perfect spot to embrace it. Known as the “Paris of the North,” Montreal has a lot of things to do at great value. With favorable exchange rates and vast shopping options in downtown’s Underground City, Montreal is particularly fun for shoppers. If you consider yourself a foodie, you may want to plan your trip for the end of winter, when the Montréal en Lumière festival offers several culinary opportunities.
5. ALL-INCLUSIVE GETAWAYS
If you’d like to be able to set your budget and simply relax, consider an all-inclusive trip. Several companies, resorts, and destination spots offer packages that include travel, hotel, food, and in some cases, activities. One of the most popular venues for an all-inclusive trip is a cruise, where entertainment opportunities abound on-and-off ship. When you decide what you’d like to do ahead of time, it can feel a lot like vacationing off of a menu, which can relieve some common vacation stresses while you’re actually there. All-inclusive trips are available all over the world, so do some research and find the perfect spot for you.
Vacationing on a budget does not have to be a sacrifice if you plan ahead and find early-bird specials. No matter what you’re looking for, chances are there is a deal out there waiting to be found. Start figuring out your winter trip now, and countdown the days until fall ends and your fun begins!
Of course, before making any plans, be sure to check with your physician to ensure you’re healthy enough for travel and any other planned activities.
Resources:
http://travel.aarp.org/articles-tips/articles/info-2015/affordable-winter-vacation-ideas-photo.html
http://travel.aarp.org/destinations/#?intcmp=LNK-DSO-TRVEXP-NAVCLICK-DESTINATIONS-LINK