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Thank you to HomeAway/VRBO for partnering with me on this post. All opinions are my own.
We just got back from a fun trip to Whitefish, Montana and we're missing vacation already! So we decided to plan another weekend getaway with some friends in January. I'm so excited! Winter vacations are awesome, because they give you something to look forward to during the darkest and dreariest months of the year. But "winter vacation" means something different to everyone. Some people seek out snowy weather for a classic white Christmas, or head to the mountains for an annual ski vacation. Others want to escape the cold and dream of laying on the beach. I found six dreamy vacation rentals throughout the U.S., to suit six different winter vacation styles. I'm curious, which one appeals most to you?? And see if you can guess which one fits me!
1. Have a private mountain to yourself for the ultimate ski vacation.
Let's kick this list off with a super cool and unique opportunity. HomeAway/VRBO is giving away a once-in-a-lifetime ski experience with Eagle Point Resort in Beaver, Utah. The winner and up to 19 friends will get private ski instruction, a $5,000 travel stipend and a three-night stay in this luxurious cabin. Imagine skiing down powdery slopes with no other skiers, boarders or lift lines in sight, plus $5,000 to spend on your travels, and a gorgeous cabin to come home to. I'm not even a skiier and that sounds absolutely amazing!!! The sweepstakes just kicked off yesterday, so click to enter here.
2. Trade your winter coat for a swimsuit, a beach, and gloriously warm weather.
For those of us that live someplace where it snows November-March, sometimes there's nothing more appealing than escaping the cold. Florida and Hawaii will always be popular in the winter, but for a more budget-friendly destination that's equally sunny, try San Diego! It also boasts beautiful sandy beaches and lots of fun activities...and can you believe this cute condo is just $159/night in January?!
3. Meet up with friends in a cozy lodge for a weekend of games by the fire.
In the summer, I'm a go-go-go kind of vacationer. I want to see it all, and I've got a major case of FOMO. In the winter, I can actually relax and enjoy a slower pace of life. When it's snowing outside, it feels just right to sleep in, drink coffee all day, play games, and cuddle up by the fire. This gorgeous lodge gives off all those cozy winter vibes, and is located just a couple hours from us in charming Leavenworth, WA.
4. Watch the Northern Lights dancing in the sky from your own private hot tub.
Seeing the Northern Lights is on many people's bucket list, and for good reason. They're awe-inspiring! I've seen them in Iceland, but you don't have to fly all the way there to make this dream come true. Fairbanks, Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis, especially in the winter when nights are long and dark. A hot tub is a must so you can watch them in comfort every night!
5. Take advantage of off-season rates and enjoy lakefront views on a budget.
In July, this same home would go for $345/night, but in the winter it's only $155...and it has 3 bedrooms! Split it with friends for a super budget-friendly weekend, or have it all to yourselves for a romantic getaway. Couer d'Alene, Idaho is a cute resort town with great restaurants and fun winter activities like a "Journey to the North Pole" cruise that shows off the city's holiday light displays.
6. Get caught up in the holiday buzz and feel like you're in a Christmas movie.
There's nowhere better for holiday magic than New York City. Giant glittering Christmas trees, elaborate store displays, ice skating, snow falling, and energy and excitement all around you. Whether you go for Christmas or watch the ball drop in Times Square on New Year's Eve, NYC is a special place to experience the holiday season.
What's your favorite idea? And what did you guess for me?
...if you guessed the lodge with games, you're right! Actually, all of these sound pretty amazing to me, but I'm a sucker for cozy winter getaways. The snow falling outside, a fire crackling in the fireplace, games and mulled cider with friends, a hot tub with snowy mountain views, plus a cute town nearby with good restaurants and twinkly Christmas lights...sounds perfect!
No matter where you go, I am a huge fan of staying in a HomeAway or VRBO (vacation rental by owner). Especially now that we have kids, we always end up spending a big chunk of time in our vacation rental, so it's important for it to be comfortable! If we're traveling with friends, a shared common space is a must so all the adults can hang out once the kids are in bed, and we like the option to cook meals in the kitchen (after all, it's not that relaxing to go out to eat with little kids, and we save money by cooking!). In the winter, we're even more likely to stay inside for a good portion of our vacation, so choosing a unique and beautiful vacation rental is critical since it's a huge part of our experience. We look for one with a hot tub, a fireplace, a big table for games, and a pretty view.
If you haven't done it yet, stop scrolling now and enter the Homeaway/VRBO "Win the Mountain" sweepstakes! It just launched yesterday and runs through Saturday, November 17th. If you win because you heard about it here, maybe you can take me as one of your 19 friends?! ;D But really, if you win I'm going to be so happy for you!!!! (And a little jealous). What a truly unique and memorable experience!
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