Inexpensive vacation for Christmas week

[Kathi OD]

DH and I have no vacation plans for the coming year. We are not visiting WDW because we want to save our DVC points for the following year and take our 3 grown children, their spouses, and our grandchildren.

We've also decided to forgo our traditional summer vacation in order to save money to put towards the 2014 family WDW trip.

But it is important to get away, right?? Sooo.... I am thinking about doing a 4-dayish vacation next year during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Say leave on the 26 and come home either the 30th or 31st.

I'd prefer to drive, rather than fly; maybe 5 - 7 hours. Considering the time of year and possible weather conditions, I think going south rather than north or west (we live in the NJ suburbs of Philadelphia), might be the way to go (although I'm open to other ideas). Neither DH or I are necessarily interested in a beachy or golf type destination. And....of course, I'm looking to keep the cost on the lower side.

So I'm hoping that some of you can throw ideas out there for me...a destination and a couple of ideas for activities.

 

[McKelly]

I think Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens have "Xmas" stuff going on that time of year. Lots of hotels and condos around, you should be able to find something reasonable. We found a condo on Ebay for $500.00 for the week, but that was summer.

 

[MAJPLO]

Check to see if VRBO.com is available in your area (vacation rentals by owner website). Also, www.sniqueaway.com for vacation deals.

 

[RMAMom]

I have to second Williamsburg, it's a quick drive with several hotels in different price ranges in the area, along with reasonable restaurants.

 

[2disneyboys]

Also Virginia beach, It's about 45 minute drive from Williamsburg va and between these two cities nd the surrounding cities lots of Christmas activities. And being winter makes the
Beach " off season"

 

[pigletto]

I am also going to say Williamsburg. I have never been but we've researched it extensively because we plan to go. It just looks like it would be lovely at Christmas time and 4 days would be a nice amount of time to spend there.

 

[Suz D]

Lancaster PA area. It won't be warm, and I know you said you didn't want to go west, but it's so neat to see all of the Amish farms, crafts, and enjoy all the Amish food!

 

[shoney]

Washington DC can be done on a budget since most of the museums are free.

I would also look into Williamsburg as well.

 

[HeatherC]

If you might consider going north, I would highly suggest Newport, Rhode Island. It is so beautiful at Christmas. Whole town in white lights, mansions all decorated, ocean is beautiful and wild.

Can also spend a day at Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods. Even if you don't really gamble, there are lots of shops and restaurants and you could do a day spa pass and hang out at their beautiful glassed in pool areas.

Even with bad weather, New England clears the roads even before the snow stops falling.

There are also timeshares in Newport that you could rent cheap since it is off season.