8 Money-Saving Tips for Finding Your Place in the Sun This Winter

After the bustle of the holiday season, many of us experience winter doldrums. The cold days. The early nightfall. Less time spent outdoors in the sun. Radical self-care is more important than ever. So, if your soul is seeking rest, renewal and recreation, don’t wait until you’re running on empty to refuel with some time off and a refreshing change of scenery. The time to plan a break is before we’re feeling burnout.

Often, we get stuck in a rut carved out by our focus on what we don’t want or can’t have. I don’t want to get sick. I can’t take time off from work. I don’t have money to treat myself or my loved ones to a trip. The way out is to reconnect with our dreams and desires.

Mental health experts know that simply planning a trip has mood-boosting benefits, thanks to the feelings of anticipation and novelty we experience. Where might your travels take you this winter? How about a warm place where you can trade in dry, stale indoor air for fresh sea breezes, and ditch the hot cocoa for a piña colada?

Whether you’re longing to escape the cold, in the mood for a girls’ trip or just need to chill out after the holiday rush, allow yourself to envision it, then explore the possibilities. You’ll find tools, guides and special offers that can help put your relaxation goals within reach at aarp.org/travel. Once plans take shape and we commit ourselves to action, we often find practical steps to deal with the don’ts or can’ts in ways that minimize risks and maximize pleasure.

So, while you’re busy unpacking your wishes and wanderlust, consider these budget savvy tips:

Get travel industry intel. Insiders know how to get more trip for less money. For instance, did you know that hotels that cater to weekday business travelers often have lower weekend rates than nearby accommodations popular with tourists? AARP members have access to podcasts, special reports and articles on avoiding fees and uncovering hidden bargains.

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