The words modest and Manhattan don’t typically belong in the same sentence, but if you’re willing to stay a little farther north (read: Harlem), your bank account will thank you.

The steps pictured lead to a Manhattan vacation rental priced well below any Midtown hotel at just $155 a night through Dec. 15. And it’s no matchbox either, people. You’ll be getting a whole one bedroom. In New York terms, that’s huge. It could mean squeezing in an extra bookcase, sofa or person. And in this case, you also get a full-sized kitchen.

We’re not talking kitchenette with a puny-excuse-for-a-hotel-refrigerator, but a tricked-out, Bosch dishwasher- and Wolf range-fitted chef’s station. (Check out those granite counters, glistening cabinets, deep sink and hood, the envy of any foodie.) The bathroom is equally impressive with its seamless glass shower wall and subway tile.

And for those very upgrades, you’ll feel better for staying here over a walkup in Chelsea, regardless of the “help yourself” bagels in the lobby. Save your dough for shopping and boozing.

After winding through mountains and past gold-flecked trees and sparkling streams, your reward is a cabin in the woods.

The 1920s cottage above, affectionately called “The Lilacs,” perches at an elevation level of 5,300 feet, blessing visitors with views of starry skies, a pond below and all that gorgeous greenery. Besides its name, the setting oozes with historical charm. The property was once part of the Bailey Palomar Resort, where “townies” would come to play during summers to enjoy the warmth and the community gathering places like the dance hall and hotel.

The no-frills, Redwood cabin looks every bit the part of rustic retreat, where walls are wood-paneled and decorated with antlers, the fireplace is stone and guests can climb to a loft bedroom upstairs or chillax in one of a living room that streams the light in from multiple windows.

And now for the secret of this California vacation rental, one that may apply to many other vacation homes throughout VacationHomeRentals.com …

Through the end of December, the three-bedroom house is $65-$95 a night with a two-night mininum stay. Even in the summer (May 22-Sept. 10), the rate is an affordable $145 a night.

Shhh. No one has to know but you, your lady and mountain bike.

There’s not enough spontaneity in your life.

Your day is a series of deadlines book-ended by trips to the elevator, the office snack drawer and depending what’s on TV, that 7 p.m. spin class. (Your teacher is cute, but his squeaky voice, amplified by a wireless microphone, annoys.)

A crescent beach … a sunset … are just what you need.

Proponents of the unplanned vacation will find a deal in Destin condos, where the Gulf of Mexico waters are still warm and the high-rises are eager to fill their rooms during the slower fall and winter breaks. Florida’s Emerald Coast has some of the most pristine beaches in the state, offering less kitsch (not that Dade County’s Coral Castle doesn’t have its charm) and centralized living that allows visitors to stay in one place, thanks to on-site restaurants, multiple pools, parking, fitness rooms and tennis and basketball courts.

For a husband looking to surprise his bride with a long weekend away, you can’t beat it.

The two of you can also go shopping at the Silver Sands Factory Outlet, snorkeling, para sailing and golfing, then retire to your quarters to watch the dolphins from your balcony. The condo above rents for $100-$150 a night through Dec. 26. Do it. Shock her.

She’ll be impressed for years.

With Christmas less than two months away, you’d better believe that the retail blasts will be on, whether that’s your inbox, television or weekly circulars. But presents aside, what do the holidays mean to you?

For moi, it’s the lights, the tree, bundling up and stuffing my face, but I’m open to creating new traditions with my own family. Would that include travel? Maybe.

In my quest for a non-traditional idea for the holidays, I found the Alaska vacation rental above, quite possibly the most affordable vacation home I’ve stumbled across in 276 posts or so. The log cabin rents for just $375 a week until May 15, 2010. The adorable cottage sits on Cottonwood Lake, where rainbow trout are yours for the catching (or releasing, if you’re merely into the sport). It’s pretty cold now (28 degrees, teens at night), which is why the deal is so good, but for you tropical climate dwellers, a winter in Alaska may just be the novelty you need.

Everyone in Florida has seen a pink flamingo, but what about the Aurora Borealis, which dances across the sky in spearmint, indigo and fuchsia swirls? Or what about a real reindeer? (Nature geeks, I know they’re called caribou in the U.S.)

Ask Santa for a Patagonia coat for Christmas, and head up North. Now that’s going rogue.

This year, it’s pretty much a given that Black Friday and Cyber Monday shoppers will be able to score incredible sales on electronics, clothing and toys. The folks who wake up at 3 a.m. to stand in line at Best Buy are an aggressive bunch, and during this downturn, retailers are more than willing to dangle the deals.

Some of us, though, are happy enough with turkey and kickin’ back with our family. But what if you’re single and don’t necessarily want to go home this year? (Sorry moms, but as much as we’d love your homemade apple tart, we can’t return for every holiday.) Here’s a solution: Round up three solo friends and rent a Tennessee vacation rental.

The property above will be discounted from Nov. 25 to 29 to $585, the price of three nights for four. At almost 1,000 square feet, the Sewanee vacation home is still bigger than lots of city apartments if space prevents you singletons from gathering. Plus, how many places have a strawberry patch, private ponds and canoe on-site?

Of course, there’s the issue of whom cooks what, but that’s the fun of a community kitchen. You all get to taste (and test) together, and the pressure is at a minimum.

So what if you’re a Thanksgiving orphan. Think of it this way: If the stuffing is too soggy, your friends probably wouldn’t take as much offense as Aunt Cindy.

I saw a funny Facebook status update today: “SeaWorld yesterday, Animal Kingdom today, breakfast with Chef Mickey and a whole lot more tomorrow! The kids (both big and small…) are having a blast!”

It struck me as odd that this family was taking its vacation at the end of September, but it makes perfect sense come to think about it. The girls aren’t in school yet.

No crowds, manageable temperatures of 80s during the day and 60s at night.

Why aren’t more families doing this?

Well, if your kids are 5 and up, obviously the opportunity won’t come around until spring break, but the under 5s will indeed have a blast with Mickey and friends. Plan a trip to an Orlando vacation home during the work week, and here’s betting you have the run of the rides and avoid even the locals. If you time it right, you may even hit multiple theme parks–Universal, MGM, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, SeaWorld, etc.–and the outlets.

Look at you, multitasking while on vacation. Who said you weren’t a supermom?

It’s no secret that any chance a woman can get her face exfoliated and patted with expensive, fruit-smelling creams, she’ll jump on it. If her BFFs happen to join her on spa-cation, even better.

Getting any ideas?

At the Brian Head vacation rental above, one of many Utah vacation homes listed, guests are treated to head-to-toe pampering right on premises. The $77-a-night property sports its own day spa where your bones will get the relief they need and your skin a new glowing sheen. Don’t want to leave your room? Arrange for therapists to come to you.

Guys, there’s another reason to visit the resort: It’s a winter wonderland with 400 inches of Utah powder and hundreds of miles of downhill, cross-country and single-tract trails for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and tubing. So if you and your lady are snow bunnies, this is the place to be.

During the fall, the Brian Head area explodes with color, from lovely wildflowers to postcard-perfect meadows close waterfalls, ponds and streams. Bring your mountain bike and fishing rod to play in Mother Nature all day.

And then retreat indoors to renew those bones in the hot tub.

Now that’s a distraction everyone can enjoy.

If you have a grade school child like me, the back-to-school shopping is the first thing on your agenda. I don’t know about you, but the whole process has made me a little envious (OK, a lot) for a new fall wardrobe.

Parents, I say we resurrect the tradition for ourselves. Why should we let ourselves go? Don’t we deserve a new pair of boots, too?

And what better place than the capital of fashion? Manhattan, baby.

Consider it your reward for being frugal this summer and wearing last year’s maxi dresses with Target flip-flops, which have holes in them after daily use. Grab your gaggle of girlfriends and find New York City vacation rentals on our site.

Every fashionista knows of the strength in numbers, and traveling with a group will only translate to cheaper housing costs (if there is such a thing in NYC) like the East Village loft pictured. $275 a night won’t seem so bad when five of your BFFs are divvying up the tab.

Just make sure you designate an area of that dining room (I’d take the table–screw sit-down meals; you can eat standing up) for all your loot. And pack an empty suitcase for that fab new fall coat, Chloe handbag and J Brand denim.

Think of them as investments you’ll be able to pass down to your daughter.

At least that’s how I see it.

Nine blogs out of 10, I’d suggest making the most of your summer now and taking your trip before Labor Day. But this one time, it may be worth it to wait until September–especially if you don’t have little ones.

Check out the spacious vacation home above, one of many Ocean City rentals available on our site. It goes to the fall rate starting Sept. 12 for $1,100 a week. That’s a five-bedroom house for $1,100 a week. Does the delay really need justifying?

This immaculate townhouse sits on the in Sunset Island, a gated island community facing the bay. Walk to the beach, the indoor and outdoor pools and gym or try your crabbing or fishing skills from the pier. Hopefully you walk away with a bushel of the most succulent, meaty crabs you ever tasted and the grin of a cheshire cat for scoring this unbelievable deal.

Before you book, take note of the $75 registration fee that is due upon arrival. It secures six activity passes. If you need more, you’ll pay $70 per tag.

What’s that? A steak dinner for four at Outback? Totally doable considering you saved on the rental.

Perched in a cloak of trees away from eavesdropping, judgmental strangers, this Washington vacation rental is exactly the kind of place Edward Cullen and Bella might call their love nest.

It has that Twilight feel, doesn’t it? An air of seclusion.

The one-bedroom cottage is priced a mere $99 a night, one of many last minute vacation rentals on our site. And while it’s not the modern chalet that the Cullen family has decked out with expensive art and designer furniture, it’s not shabby either. Check out the cathedral windows and deck.

You could have your morning coffee out there, grill steaks or read the latest installment of the popular Stephenie Meyer’s series.

Or you could do what two humans do while alone in the woods. Hint: It has nothing to do with singing campfire songs.