Hi fellow travelers, I hope you are exploring, after a busy holiday season! I myself, got caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and found myself dreaming of a place, where I can unwind and relax after the chaos that consumed me for weeks. It’s hard, when you have high expectations of holiday magic and have resorted to parking yourself on the couch, melting into the Hallmark movies, that made me feel like I could really be the queen of Christmas this year. So, it’s over with Christmas Vacation and on to my favorite time of year, New Years refresh. If you never thought of planning a vacation right after the holidays, then you are definitely in need of one. It’s really an opportunity to limit your exposure to the doldrums of winter and forget all about the presents that you wish you never got. I know, I know, you just spent your entire life savings on gifts for every person you know, how could you possibly think of a vacation now? Well my friends, this is the perfect time, prices are low, kids are back in school and you will basically have the entire beach to yourself. Read on below to see some of the best spots to start those new years resolutions

Cruising the Open Seas

If you think a cruise sounds like a boatload of money being tossed into the open ocean, then you haven’t seen the deals that cruise companies are running, it’s amazing! While Cruise lines differ in what they offer and where they cruise to, one thing is for sure, the prices will have you thinking twice about not being captain of your own private island! The Royal Caribbean offers a deal, where kids can sail free and they give you an extra percentage off another passenger. It depends on the time of year, but prices can be as low as $129/night per person, for an exterior window room. That’s cheaper than most hotel rooms. Norwegian Cruise Line is offering up to $1000 off their cruises, including open bars, free shore excursions, kids sail free and specialty dining. It really doesn’t get any cheaper than that. Each cruise line usually has their own island, which makes it totally worth the expense. Royal Caribbean’s Coco Cay is a fantastic island for kids, even adults can have the time of their life, at this private paradise.

Disney is Doable

Okay, I know you would rather spend time at Disney during the holidays, when the decor is probably more magical than the rides, but, I am only going to tell you this once. Disney is cheaper in the months of January and February, if you want to actually enjoy yourself at the parks and not spend a fortune, then go to Disney now. With hotels in Disneyland under $500/night and starting at $250/night for the more premier hotels in Disney World, you can’t go wrong. Plus with almost no one at the parks, because everyone is still reeling from the holidays, you will get to go on every ride at least 3 times (if you can take it).

Coastal Calm

Do you know why snowbirds flock to the warmer climates in winter? Because they know, that sun and sand bring peace and joy, just what you were looking for all season, right? Well, any coast in the US will bring you that peace and joy. From California, to Florida to Texas, this time of year, you will be able to enjoy the sweet dance of the waves on the sand. The temps are not scorching, but are definitely warmer than the biting twenty degrees, that is nipping at my nose. California is typically in the high 60’s this time of year and Florida is hot, with temps in the high 70’s to 80’s. Texas is cooler, but still in the 60’s, even in their coastal cities, like Galveston. Hotels are cheap this time of year and you are bound to find that quiet calm, that you are looking for.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time for a few resolutions and a new outlook on the new year, take some time to start the year off right and travel, everyone will feel much better after some needed R&R.