So many people are stressed right now about their jobs, their money and their future. Wouldn’t it be great to just take a pass this year on all that holiday stress?
The average US consumer will spend $700 dollars this holiday. For about the same amount you could chuck the “to do” list and get out of town instead.
“Families are really looking for ways to spend time together. Especially in this economic environment, they’re looking for ways to do it cheaply and also, really kind of harkening back to what the holidays are all about,” says AOL Travel Editor Beth Caulfield.
Check out these 5 stress-free budget getaways.
Virginia’s 35 state parks have lodges and cabins for all size groups.
“The parks are a tonic for the mind, body and spirit,” says Lake Anna State Park Manager Doug Graham.
A two bedroom, fully stocked cabin overlooking Lake Anna runs $118 a night. Holiday activities include fishing.
“There’s crappies, bluegill, there’s catfish. There’s striped bass,” says Graham.
There’s also reading on the porch and fireside storytelling to pass the time.
“Our cabins and family lodges give families an opportunity to not only get back to nature, but to get back to being a family,” says Jim Meisner with Virginia State Parks.
If you want a guaranteed white Christmas, hit the slopes. Snowshoe, West Virginia has overnight options starting at $120. Kids under twelve get free lift passes.
“They also have snowshoeing, tubing and snowcat rides,” says Caulfield. And there’s a Christmas Eve party too.
Resorts like the Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia really know how to shine for the season.
“It’s like a postcard back in time where you really get the Victorian feel and they have a ton of lights. The whole place is decorated,” says Caulfield.
Rates start around $195 a night. So, you can go for three nights and still not blow that holiday spending budget.
Bargains abound at winter beaches. Virginia Beach puts on the sparkle for its visitors. Caulfield says, “They have a fantastic light show that spans the 32 blocks of the boardwalk.”
Plus, the off-season room rates are around $80 a night. Packages begin popping up in late November.
A holiday cruise to a warmer beach isn’t out of reach either. Celebrity has a nine night cruise to the Bahamas, sailing from Baltimore, starting at $500 per person. Bump your budget to $900 and you can sail Christmas week on Carnival.
Bottom line, “You can really have a stress free holiday season and enjoy the family without having to worry about cooking and cleaning and the relatives,” says Caulfield.
And focus your financial resources on making family memories.
TOP 5 STRESS-FREE BUDGET GETAWAYS FROM AOL TRAVEL EDITOR
Head to a Resort
Why it’s relaxing: Every thing is taken care of for you, from activity planning to dinner reservations. And with so many different types of activities at your disposal, you can be sure everyone is having a good time.
Our Pick: The Homestead - Hot Springs, VA (4 hours from DC)
Amenities: Olympic-sized ice skating rink, full service salon and spa, bowling, billiards, movies, renowned golf fairways, horseback riding, and skiing lessons for the whole family.
Why it’s good for the Holidays: Decorated with thousands of twinkling lights and bedecked with ice skaters wearing Victorian garb and carolers singing under lamposts, The Homestead invokes the image of a postcard-perfect holiday. Stroll the grounds, which are covered in festive Christmas decorations including Candy Cane Lane and Toyland, and enjoy a cup of cocoa by the fire.
Rates: range depending upon date of stay, but generally start at $195/night.
Another option: Williamsburg Holiday Packages - Williamsburg, Virginia
http://www.history.org/Christmas/packages.cfm
Why it's good for the holidays: Nothing welcomes the holidays like the all-natural decorations that fill Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area during the Christmas season. Come experience our rich holiday traditions and exquisite decorations.
Rates: start at $199/ night (based on double occupancy)
Get out to the Great Outdoors
Why it’s relaxing: Secluded in nature, a vacation in the woods relieves the stresses of the every day. Activities can include reading by the fire or rocking on the front porch while taking in mountain views.
Our Pick: Country Road Cabins – Hico, WV (5 hours from DC)
Why it’s good for the Holidays: Head out to nearby Absher Tree Farm to pick out, and cut down, your very own Christmas tree. Bring your haul back to your log cabin where you can decorate it, drink hot cocoa, and enjoy a quiet holiday with your family and surrounded by nature.
The Historic Fayette Theatre in nearby Fayetteville stages multiple holiday plays, including Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol”.
Amenities: Most cabins have hot tubs, fireplaces, fully furnished kitchens,
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