Getting away without going away...

Are you wanting to getaway during the holidays, but don’t have much vacation time left? Well you’re in luck with Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Years falling on the weekend there are plenty of long weekends you can use (during the holidays) to go on a mini getaway. Many of the top travel sites like Expedia, Travelocity, Hotwire, and Priceline are pushing travel deals with mid December expiry dates, to get us to travel during the low seasons of mid Jan to Apr (with the exception of spring breaks). Many people are heading down to the Caribbean where an all inclusive that usually goes for $800 to $1200 during low season, is now running from $1500 to $2500+. I mean who doesn’t love the Caribbean, but with holiday gifts to purchase and New Years parties to enjoy - budgets can get quite tight during this time. So instead of sharing grand vacation destinations that will cost you thousands, I thought I would share tips on almost local destinations that will allow you to getaway without necessarily putting a number on your bank account.

Top local destinations that will allow you to getaway without necessarily going away...too far!

Blue Mountain/Collingwood

Hotel Suggestion: Blue Mountain Resort

Hot deal: This weekend the resort is giving away 99 rooms for $99

Activities: Skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, toboggan tours, outdoor skating, explore georgian trail

Drive from GTA: approx. 1.5-2 hrs

 

Niagara Falls

Hotel Suggestion: Fallsview Casino Hotel

Hot deal: December weekend getaways from $149/night

Activities: Casino, nightlife, concert events, Lundys Lane, watch the falls, plenty of dining options

Drive from GTA: approx. 2-2.5 hours

Niagara on the lake

Hotel Suggestion: Vintage Hotesl (Pillar and Post, Queens Landing, Moffat Inn, Princess of Wales)

Deals: Packages including dinner, and breakfast - starting from $99 pp

Activities: Wine tasting, Holiday culinary events, December festivals, Historial museums, Fort George, spas, upscale dining

Drive from GTA: approx. 2.5

 

Algonquin Provincial Park

Hotel Suggestion: Algonquin Lakeside Inn http://www.algonquininn.com/

Night avg: Low season rates range from $79per night for a regular room, and $199 per night for a suite by the water (rates based on occupancy of two)

Activities: downhill/cross-country skiing, dogsled tours, snowmobile, snowshoe trails

Drive from GTA: approx. 3.5 hours

 

Muskoka

Hotel Suggestion: Deerhurst Resort, Taboo Resort

Night avg: Taboo Resort Gold and Spa - Has a Spa package starting from $338 per couple (which includes a $200 voucher towards a spa treatment of your choice)

Deerhurst Resort - Currently has a "Muskoka your way" package from $219 per night that includes a $100 credit towards dining/entertainment

Activities: Spa, upscale dining and lounges, Santa’s Village, Muskoka Wildlife Centre, Bethune National Historic Site, snowmobile, horsedrawn sleigh carriage rides, skiing, dogsleds, snowtubing, and more

Drive from GTA: approx. 2-2.5 hours

TABOO

 

DEERHURST

Toronto - I know you are thinking why would I stay in Toronto if I am from the GTA. If you live in a suburb and not directly in the city, it may be an opportunity to explore a city you take for granted.

Hotel Suggestion: Metropolitan Hotel

Night avg: There current unbeatable special is $139 per night.

Activities: Xmas shopping on Queen West/Eaton Centre, exploring the distllery district, catch a show in Toronto's Theatre District (on King), Spa (Stillwater/Elmwood), bargain shopping in kensington market, gift shopping in the st.lawrence market, dining at some of TOs top restarurants (Brasaii, Spice Route, Buca, Sputini, Sassafraz, La Marquette, Canoe, Marben, Ciao Wine bar, Terroni, Jump, and so many more). Visit http://www.toronto.com/ to find out how you can explore your own big city in a new way!

Drive from GTA: