(WXYZ) — This winter has been quite a messy mix of snow, freezing rain, and brutal wind and I know we are all ready to ditch our winter boots for flip flops.
We found seven warm weather getaways that will help you thaw out and take you to the beach on a budget.
Bitterly cold February and brutal temperatures and we’re all looking for a cure for cabin fever. So we set out to find the best tropical trips to help you relax —thaw out and get your toes in the sand.
After the temperature hit 6 degrees last week, Jeremy Powers booked a flight to Tampa.
“I’m going to enjoy some drinks on the beach,” said Powers.
If you are like Jeremy and ready for a trip but you aren’t sure where to go, we may have the answers. We went to the travel experts to see what’s out there.
“People are tired of the cold weather,” said David Fishman, the President of Cadillac Travel in Southfield.
He says if you want to go get out of the cold soon, it’s not too late to plan.
“The phone is ringing, people want to get away and there’s still some great last-minute deals out there,” said Fishman.
Ready to sit on the beach and drink a Pina Colada, a trip to Jamaica may be just what you need.
Fishman found 3-4- and 7-nights all-inclusive package including air fare starting at $899 per person at the Royalton Blue Waters.
“That is so cheap-that’s crazy,” adds Fishman.
If you like to see more than one sight ---than a cruise is the way to go, Norwegian cruise lines is offering an incredible -5 day Caribbean cruise for two --leaving from New Orleans--- for a total $1100 bucks.
“Ready for this, unlimited open bar, specialty dining, free shore excursions, free Wi-Fi, if you have a third or fourth, free guests in your room and reduced airfare,” said Fishman.
How about an all-inclusive- five star resort- in Punta Cana for 7 nights for about $1200 person.
Are you feeling lucky? Gabe Saglie at Travelzoo says Vegas is their number one searched domestic destination.
Travelzoo tells us about a great deal at M Resort Spa and Casino.
“Rates there during mid-week $89 from Friday- Saturday nights $99 and you get a daily $25 resort credit with that as well,” said Saglie.
The Royal Palm South Beach Resort in Miami is in the middle of the action—and it includes a lot of extras.
“A couple of great pools on spot, they do a lot of activities…cooking classes, aqua sports on site but the beach is right across the street” Saglie adds.
Travelzoo says Cancun is a hot spot for deals because tourism is down in Mexico and there is a lot of competition fighting for your dollar.
Finally, Punta Mita, where the rich and famous like Gwyneth Paltrow, billionaire Bill Gates and the Kardashian’s head to relax. Its 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta International Airport and they are offering $799 for a 3-night stay for two with some great spa deals.
Fishman also points out if you’re not particular and your goal is just to hit a beach and pay a reasonable price.
“Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility,” said Fishman.
When booking a trip, keep in mind--bundling brings value, whether you go through a travel agency or a travel web site.
Do your research, deals are out there.
Winter Getaways links:
Featured offers from Travelzoo
Cadillac Travel featured offers
Beach vacations on a budget
Trip Advisor’s best places to stay in the Bahamas
