Winter Vacation for Broke Yuppies

It's tough to say whether or not the economy is getting better. Right now, the market is at a high we haven't seen in years. Spending in October has been in the positive. Yet the percentage of Americans saving is very low. With the holiday season approaching, single yuppies and young couples are mulling over whether or not to take advantage of vacation time. "Are we really going to spend our Christmas bonus on a trip to the Caribbean this year?" and "Do we have any money left after holiday shopping to even get away for a weekend?" are questions that will be asked frequently this year.



The term staycation is not a newly-coined term. However, it has been spat out and taken advantage more than usual lately. Here are some alternative ideas of how to give yourself a break this holiday season without breaking into the piggy bank:

1. Treat yourself to a day or two at a day spa. The hassle of traveling can be stressful alone. Instead of spending thousands on a week away to a vacation spot, spend two days at a local spa getting massages. If you're near NYC, try visiting Spa Castle in Queens. It's the Six Flags of day spas. It includes a massive heated pool with a swim-up bar plus more square footage of rub-down areas than anywhere you've ever seen.

2. Take advantage of promotions offered by timeshare companies. Yes, there is a catch. No, you don't have to buy into it. Now, more than ever timeshare companies are desperate for your business. Especially if you're a early to mid-twenties young professional, you've most likely received a sales call, e-mail, or promotional letter/package in the mail offering a free weekend stay for your and a guest to a world-renown resort. The bonus is IT'S FREE! The catch? Timeshare companies offer you a luxurious stay a five-star resort in exchange for 2-3 hours of your life by boring you with a presentation in hopes you will buy a timeshare that you are locked into for life. This may be a very cheap alternative to spending mucho dinero on a vacation through a travel agency. WARNING: By any means, do NOT buy into sales representatives' cheap sales talk. You do not want to buy a timeshare if you're trying to save money.

3. Block out humanity. Yes, you have to endure crazy Uncle Steve's talks about his political views and tolerate your family's company for Thanksgiving and Christmas/Hanukah. But once the circus is wrapped up, treat yourself to yourself. Spend the next couple of weeks going to the gym or simply locking yourself in your apartment to relax. Do things for yourself that don't require you to spend time or attention on other people. That is considered by some the greatest type of vacation of all to some people.