As the winter chill settles in, I don’t know about you, but it makes me grumpy.
After living in Florida for ten years, the gray days, the bundling up to survive outside, the endless lost gloves, and the piles of winter coats by the door, my likely Seasonal Affective Disorder hit me incredibly hard.
I find myself longing for an escape from all of this. That’s why we opt to vacation our winter blues away. These deep winter vacations give me something to look forward to after the Christmas slump and beat out all the gray, dreary feelings. 
We schedule our vacation for the end of February so that when we return, spring is literally at the door. We also plan it with my sisters and their families, so it’s like a little reunion with all our favorite people.
This year, we’re going on a cruise where the skies are blue, and the air is salty and warm. We’ve also got other areas of the Caribbean lined up for future ideas, but heading to a tropical destination leaves me rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of winter.
Sometimes life throws you lemons, and a weeklong vacation isn’t an option (we homeschool, so school days aren’t a hurdle for us). One year, we did a long weekend at Great Wolf Lodge. The Kartrite resort is also an amazing option with a,mazing options that aren’t limited to just an indoor waterpark. These resorts don’t require going anywhere else and allow mom and dad to kick back while the kids are entertained for hours.
Perhaps you’re a winter lover (unlike myself). So many options can even be done in the cold weather that will break up the monotony of winter. Rent a cabin where you can snuggle and play games by the fireplace, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy nature. Take a ski trip weekend, or if you’re feeling adventurous, plan a trip to see the northern lights.
You could even head to NYC or Boston to check out the amazing museums, Broadway shows, and world-class dining. With endless attractions to choose from, a city getaway can most definitely chase away the winter blues and create lasting memories for your family.
Whether you’re looking to relax on a warm beach or hit the slopes and spend cozy nights by the fireside, there are many local options to help you fight the winter blues. If you’re feeling the winter rut, I highly encourage you to pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and escape the cold for a memorable winter getaway.
