Part of you wants to be mature and take a little trip to an amazing getaway and savior the experience for yourself. However, there is another part of you that wants to make your friends jealous with your tales of a fabulous weekend retreat and how much fun you had while they were taking the kids to soccer practice and watching the latest episode of whatever reality show is in season.
For the purpose of this article, let’s go with option number two. Get ready to make your friends jealous with these vacation destinations this year.
1. Day Spas
The Spa At CopperWynd Resort, Fountain Hills (Scottsdale, Arizona), Heavenly Spa By Westin (Hilton Head, South Carolina) and Montage Resort Spa (Laguna Beach, CA) are considered some of the best day spas in the United States. Fortunately, the great thing about day spas is that they can be found just about anywhere these days. Do a little research and find one close to you. Make an appointment for a day of pampering.
You don’t need a lot of pre-planning to make the arrangements to visit a day spa. It’s a relatively inexpensive destination spot with many amenities that will surely make your friends jealous.
2. Disney Cruise
Got some vacation days saved up? Why not plan a Disney cruise? Believe it or not, some packages are very reasonable. You should book a cruise at least 3-4 months in advance to get a good rate. The amenities are first rate. Depending on the particular ship you choose, you could find yourself with a front row seat to some top-notch entertainment from magic shows to well-known entertainers from around the world. This is from the Disney people, so you know the service will be great.
If you want something a little less family oriented, skip the Disney cruise and book a more adult-oriented getaway on any of the major cruise lines operating in and around the United States.
3. Wine Tasting Tour
What a way to spend your day off. Wine tours are becoming an increasingly popular weekend destination in many cities in towns. Doing a search of major wineries will take you to just about any area of the country you want to go. Take a day long tour of California’s famed Napa Valley or tour the rich and diverse Texas Wine Country, yes Texas has a wine country.
You are sure to meet others with similar interests and have plenty to talk about with your friends when you get back. If you are feeling generous, bring a bottle back for a special night with your friends. Make sure you dazzle them with your new found knowledge of all things wine related.
4. Las Vegas
Feeling lucky? Why not head to Vegas? Las Vegas is not just the gambling capital of the U.S. anymore. You will find plenty of entertainment from veteran stars such as Wayne Newton to more contemporary stars such as Elton John and Celine Dion.
Check out the latest Cirque du Soleil show or be dazzled by the magic of David Copperfield. Again, this is a destination that is not as expensive as you might think. Plenty of Vegas deals can be found online or through a travel agent.
5. Hawaii
Go in the off season and you will find plenty of deals and more than enough stories to share with your friends to make them green with envy. Honestly, is there really an off season in Hawaii? Even if you go in the middle of winter, you are likely to find sun, surf, sand and mild temperatures.
All the usual tourist things can be found. Consider mixing it up with a tour of local villages and famous island volcanoes. Don’t forget to sample of the many classic Hawaiian dishes and enjoy some of the ancient island customs.
6. New Orleans
Can’t get away for Valentine’s Day in 2012? How about some fun for Mardi Gras instead? New Orleans is back better than ever. All the rich customs and traditions are alive and well from iconic foods to some of the best jazz you will ever hear.
With all the rowdy celebrations and many one-of-a-kind clubs, you are sure to have a lot of juicy tidbits to share with your friends. Bring them back some beads! Add to the experience by arranging a tour of historic New Orleans mansions and homes. You can also impress your friends with your newly-acquired knowledge of local history.
7. Cape Cod
With a little planning, a Cape Code getaway can be packed into one weekend. Some of the most picturesque towns in Massachusetts are found here. Aside from classic New England charm, you will find plenty of award-winning restaurants and unique little shops along the way.
It can get a little nippy in winter, but generally the weather is pleasant. Get around by bus, train, car or boat. You are sure to have plenty of experiences here to make your friends a little green with envy — and that’s just from the food alone.
8. Beach Retreat
You do not have to wait until summer to enjoy the beach. Pull up a Google map and find the nearest beach. Give yourself at least 2-3 days to fully enjoy this little destination. You want to have at least one full day when you are not worrying about either getting there or coming back. If you do a little research before you go, you can get enjoy some local activities while you are at the beach.
Many beach communities plan events such as festivals and fairs throughout the year to attract visitors. You are likely to find plenty of local charm and some unique souvenirs to bring back with you.
9. Ski Getaway
While it is still winter, plan a ski vacation. This is another one of those trips that can be planned for a weekend. Again, give yourself at least 2-3 days to get the most out of the experience. Even if it’s not snowing, many ski resorts crank out all the extra powder you need to hit the slopes.
Never skied before? Not a problem. Many resorts offer lessons. When you’re not shushing down the hill, spend some time in the ski lodge. You are likely to find a spa and maybe even massage service. Too cold to go skiing? Why not save it for the warmer seasons? Many ski resorts offer a wide selection of off-season activities such as camping, hiking, biking and festivals.
10. Bed and Breakfast
According to BedandBreakfast.com, some of the best B&Bs in the U.S. include Woolverton Inn (Stockton, New Jersey), Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast (Galveston, Texas) and Notchland Inn (Harts Location, New Hampshire). As you can see, B&Bs are found just about everywhere. Soak up some local flavor and spend a day shopping, sight-seeing, meeting new people, riding your bike through town, tasting local cuisine or simply watching the sunset.
A bed and breakfast getaway can be romantic (a great weekend destination for Valentine’s Day) or just a place to go when you want to enjoy a little R&R.
About the Author:
Sol Hudson the author of “The top destinations that will make your friends Jealous” is a frequent contributor to a variety of publications including US Business Week, a news and informational publication that publishes news and how-to information on a variety of topics.