5 Different Vacation Ideas

Need some time away? Here are five different vacation ideas you may not have considered -- from taking a babymoon to scouting for a place to retire.

You know the "usual suspects" – family reunions, girls weekend getaways, milestone celebrations such as a 25th wedding anniversary.

But here are five more very good reasons to rent you might not have considered.

1. You're about to have your first baby.

Problem: It's been good-crazy, but ... crazy nonetheless. You need a special place -- away from couples showers, nursery decorating and the name-game -- to remember what just-the-two-of-you feels like.

Solution: The idea of taking a babymoon is a new tradition for prospective parents, placing it at the top of this short list of different vacation ideas. A vacation rental on the beach is a great place to bank some rest and reconnect before a third party starts stealing your attention -- and sleep.

Problem: Whether you're retiring or in the market for a lifestyle change, you need to know what it feels like to live (not vacation) in a new place.

Solution: This is one of those different vacation ideas that involves a little bit of work. Renting a vacation home helps you feel like a local, not a tourist. Settle into the neighborhood of your choice and just hang out. Chat with people from the neighborhood. Shop where the locals shop.

Does it feel like home?

3. You need some guy time.

Problem: You need a responsibility-free zone. No picking up your socks or watching your language.

Solution: Schedule kite boarding lessons, book a sport fishing charter, fill the fridge with beer and watch the big game.


4. You're burned out.

Problem: You desperately need a change of scenery, but have no energy or inclination for sightseeing.

Solution: At a vacation rental, there's no pressure to do anything but decompress.

Problem: Everywhere you look are memories. You need a peaceful place -- free from interruptions (even by a chambermaid) and the familiar things that spark a flood of painful memories.

Solution: I’ve read a number of profoundly touching entries written by guests who appreciated the privacy and quiet, natural surroundings of a particular vacation rental to heal after the death of a loved one.

Give yourself that gift.

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