Thinking of taking a vacation this winter? Well, there are a few things you need to do if you want to make the most of it. Whether you’re treating yourself to a city break for a change of scene, or dialing it down with a retreat to nature, here’s how to plan the perfect getaway…
Set a spending limit
The first thing you need to do when you’re planning a winter weekend getaway is to decide upon your budget. This will determine the kind of vacation you have, and even where you go – so think carefully about what you can afford to spend on travel and accommodation, and don’t forget to factor in spending money too.
Pick the right time to go on vacation
Next, give some thought to the timing of your weekend getaway. The holidays can be the perfect time of year to get away from it all, checking out of dinners with feuding families or having to negotiate about where to have Christmas lunch. But, a winter weekend getaway over the holiday season can be particularly expensive – especially around New Year’s Eve where everyone is booking up the best hotels for a memorable night. January and February, on the other hand, tend to be much cheaper for a getaway, and it can be precisely the remedy you need after too much socializing and partying. Whether it’s a weekend in a cabin in the woods or a reduced-rate luxury hotel, timing your vacation for the post-holiday rush can really pay off.
Choose a destination
Once you’ve decided on a budget and time that feels right for you, you’ll be in a position to start narrowing down your shortlist of destinations. There’s a whole world out there to explore – from the romantic streets of Europe to the blue beaches of South East Asia – so give some thought to where you might like to go. See it as an opportunity to expand your horizons and try something new. For example, if you’ve always wanted to sample some authentic Italian cuisine, why not head to Rome? Or, why not simply travel out of your state and go and see an American landmark that people flock to see from all over the world, such as the Statue of Liberty in New York City? Once you’ve decided, check out this guide to packing like a boss – you’ll be glad that you did, wherever you choose to go on vacation.
Make a loose plan
The kinds of activities you get up to during you winter weekend away will entirely depend on where you’re going, and the kind of thing you like doing. For example, if you’re headed to the Big Apple, you might want to make the most of the opportunity to book a ticket for a world class theater performance, or grab a seat at a NYC comedy club for a live show you won’t forget. On the other hand, if you’re planning a trip to the snow-covered slopes of Utah or Colorado, you might want to limit your plans to picking the best resorts for a spot of skiing or snowboarding and simply bring your iPad along for a movie in your log cabin after a long day cutting through the mountains.
