3 Budget Vacation Homes for a Winter Getaway
If you’re not fortunate to live in a climate for cruising with the top down year round, January can be the most depressing month of the year. It’s time to take down the Christmas lights, pay the credit card bills and watch the new season of “American Idol.” (Hey now: Don’t be cruel. Yes, some people still enjoy it.)
Or …
You could just go on vacation.
For one, there’s instant gratification knowing that while your co-workers are going into their 2009 strategy sessions, you’re at a vacation rental in Ft. Lauderdale. While your colleagues are going home to Netflix and Chinese takeout, you’re drinking rum cocktails and savoring sea diver scallops at a beach house in Jamaica.
And then there’s the gorgeous memento to show off when you return: Bronzed skin.
Yep, January vacation takers, our little secret is the power we feel from scheduling our out-of-office replies when all the merriment is supposed to be over.
Check out three affordable vacation ideas for getting the heck out of dodge.
1. Myrtle Beach vacation home
The price for this king bedroom site at Sea Watch Resort isn’t fiction. Stay a whole week for $295 until Jan. 24. Are there any other notable selling points? Two indoor heated pools, an on-site restaurant and access to more than 100 golf courses in the area.
2. Mazatlan vacation rental
A suite of this caliber in South Beach would likely go for twice as much, but in January, it’s only $995 a week. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo overlooking the Pacific boasts resort-style amenities like concierge services, a breathtaking pool and nightclub. Cook at home or dine out at many restaurants nearby.
3. Paris vacation apartment
At $95 a night through March, this vacation rental captures all the romance of the City of Lights from a local’s perspective. Based in the gay-friendly neighborhood of Marais, the studio is five minutes by foot to cafes, bars, the Seine and Notre Dame. Retro Swedish-flavored and flea market decor make it 10 times more comfortable than a sketchy hostel. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the view outside your window. That’s one image you’ll want to tack up to your cubicle for all the envious teammates to see.
