Escaping from Holiday Frenzy to Kick Back and Relax: 4 Seasonal Vacation Destinations

December 19, 2012 | Filed under: Travel | Posted by: Harper

For as fun and relaxing as the holidays are often portrayed to be, they can be pretty exhausting and stressful. That’s particularly true for anyone hosting holiday festivities at home. In addition to gifts and decorating, there are beds to prepare, meals to plan and lots of cleaning to be done.

So it’s no surprise that many families are eager for an alternative way of celebrating the holidays. If you want to minimize your own personal workload while taking advantage of your time off, you might want to think about going on a vacation. Destinations abound that will let you escape the frenetic holiday environment for tranquil settings. Not only will you have fewer demands on your time, but you’ll also be able to focus on enjoying the holidays just as they’re meant to be celebrated.

Here are four locations worth considering as a holiday getaway.

Scottsdale, Ariz.

If you’re going to leave the holiday stress behind, why not ditch the cold weather with it? Scottsdale is a popular tourist destination for plenty of reasons, and the year-round sun ranks near the top. But any avid golfer will be thrilled at the prospect of spending the holiday season out on the links at one of Scottsdale’s many fabulous golf courses. To make it fun for the whole family, check out one of Scottsdale’s resorts that offers an attached golf course, such as the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.

This quaint island getaway has been attracting vacationers for decades, and it hasn’t lost its appeal—especially around the holiday season. Families can choose among oceanfront condos and cottages to serve as their home base, and a number of B&Bs and other rental properties on Martha’s Vineyard are well-known for their top-shelf service. While on the island, be sure to sample some of the New England clam chowder found in the island’s delectable restaurants.

Antigua

Just a short flight from the American coast, Antigua offers a range of all-inclusive resorts featuring a variety of excursions to satisfy anyone in your family. You’ll be able to get your tan on and explore this tiny Caribbean nation while enjoying your fill of your resort’s fine accommodations. If you plan your trip early, you might be able to secure a great rate on the flight and hotel, making it an affordable but exhilarating getaway.

New York City, N.Y.

True, you’re not exactly escaping the chaos of the winter season. But New York City is a great place to spend the holidays amid falling snow and iconic holiday locations, such as the Christmas tree and lights display at Rockefeller Plaza. And if you’re willing to extend your stay, New York City’s Times Square is arguably the best place in the world to ring in the new year.

Family gatherings and visiting home are a valued part of the holiday tradition, but there’s nothing wrong with wanting to change things up once in a while. If you’re tired of the same stressful routine during the holiday season, strike out anew with a getaway offering a rejuvenating experience. After all, what’s the holiday season without a little R&R?

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Posted by Harper on December 19, 2012. Filed under Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry