Renew Yourself in the New Year with Quick Family Winter Getaways

Now that the holidays are behind us, and we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief, it’s time to refresh and renew and maybe just relax a little. Winter season is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway or three-day holiday to rest your body and soul. Here are some ways to pull together a quick winter holiday at the last minute:

1. Use a vacation rental site:

Many vacation homes go empty in winter, and this is the perfect time to snap up some great deals on owner vacation rentals from sites like VRBO, HomeAway, and AirBnB. If you are booking at the last minute, you can negotiate everything from the nightly rate to pet fees. Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount--the savings can be tremendous, and you can have a full home or condo at your disposal, instead of just squeezing into a small hotel room.

2. Last-minute packing

While you are still cleaning up from the holidays, the last thing you need to fret about is pulling together TSA-compliant toiletries for you, your partner, and kids. No worries. Convenience Kits International offers pre-packed, TSA-compliant toiletry kits for men, women, children, and evenbabies. Convenience Kits even offers custom toiletry kits. Stock up, toss the kits into the carry-on, and you are good to go. No long waits at the baggage carousel or passing through security. Now that’s relaxing.

3. Pick a New Winter Sport

Winter often gets a bad rap vs. summer for outdoor activities. But there are a whole host of winter sports to try out, from sledding to ice skating to cross country and downhill skiing to snowboarding, and more. This is the perfect time to hit the road and head for the nearest mountain or lake for the night, and try something new as a family.

4. Look for Bargain Packages

Many hotel rates drop dramatically in winter, especially away from the standard winter resort areas, Head online and search out packages on Groupon and other bargain-hunters travel sites. In this case time, or the lack of it, is on your side, with rates dropping as the travel dates near and rooms need filling. If you can be flexible in your travel schedule, you can find incredible deals and packages that include rooms, airfare, food, and activities for the whole family. And for last minute packing, be sure to have travel kits ready for everyone.

5. Try a Small Resort

Smaller winter resorts are often more family-friendly and have the pricing that goes along with their size. Download one of the many available ski apps and you can check snowfalls, packages, and more, including booking online the day of your trip. A little research can go a long way, as smaller mountains don’t have the advertising budgets of big ski areas, but often can be real family winter holiday gems.

6. Have a Go Bag Packed

If you know you want to go, but are still figuring out where and when, pack your bags first. If you’re not even sure of the season, have a winter and warm destination bag prepared to hit the road at a moment’s notice. Again, the more flexible you can be, the more deals you can find. Ready-to-go toiletry bags for men and children make pre-packing for the whole family a cinch.

7. Consider the Shoulder Season

While winter is high season for points south and north, consider the middle of the country, where you will still find temperate weather that allows you to enjoy the outdoors. Deals can be found in the Carolinas and other states where it’s neither bundle-up nor bikini weather, but still nice enough to enjoy golf, biking, hiking, and more.