The Top 5 Off-Season Beach Trips for 2010

When I start getting cabin fever in the winter I usually Google popular beach web cams to help fantasize about being somewhere sunny and fun. It usually leads to a last-minute road-trip to ease my pain of living in Atlanta in the winter.

But with limited funds I need a money-saving trip that is also stress-free to rejuvenate my internal spirit. So I start planning a Winter Beach Vacation based on my past experiences and current trip deals.

Here is what I came up with this year.

Key West, Florida

Being originally from Florida my number one destination is always the Florida Keys.

Key West and the Florida Keys in general are always a paradise of casual living year around. Key West in particular has lots to offer such as tours, entertainment and beautiful views. Sit on a bench at Mallory's Dock and watch the sun melt into the sea while feeling the stress seep from your body.

The Parrot Key Hotel and Resort is a waterfront resort that has rooms from $159 starting January 3, 2010 and last till February 11, 2010. These rooms usually go from $300 almost a 50% reduction in price.

The Parrot Key is a perfect place for a winter romantic getaway. They have all the amenities of home such as broadband wireless connections, flat screen televisions and the all-important King bed.

Round-trip plane tickets from Atlanta, Georgia for as little as $217 on Air Tran.

Playalinda Beach, Florida

Playalinda Beach is part of the Canaveral National Seashore and one of my personal favorites. It is a non-commercial beach that is much like what Ponce DeLeon encountered when he came to the New World. Only exception is the Kennedy Space Center is also located on part of this federal land and the beach is frequently closed to visitors when the Space Shuttle is on the pad until after lift-off. Call the Chamber of Commerce in Titusville, Fl. for information as to the availability of its use.

A great place to stay to visit Playalinda Beach is The Three Oaks Motel, which is less then .2 miles away for a budget minded $55.

Lots to do in this area like visiting the Space Center, Cocoa Beach or eating a wonderful seafood dinner at Dixie Crossroads Restaurant on Garden Street in Titusville. Garden Street is the same road that takes you to and from Playalinda Beach. Dixie Crossroads specializes in shrimp. Pink shrimp, white shrimp, rock shrimp, well you get the picture.

Take your rod and reel and with you because you can dig sand crabs to use for bait and surf fish. I have caught everything from blue fish, pompano, whiting and the occasional shark. Also to really relieve that stress try the nude beach on the far north end of Playalinda but only if the temperatures get above 65 degrees.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Only an hour north of Playalinda Beach is the worlds most famous beach; Daytona Beach. It's the only beach in Florida you can still drive on and it has 23 miles of beach to cruise.

The Inn on the Beach is a great accommodation at an amazing $79 per night. Also lots of great restaurants and local motorcycle pubs for equally great food. I like the characters in these pubs, as they are a great source of local information for good food and fun for those on a budget.

Daytona sports lots of cheap golf and some great places to shop for gifts or keepsakes. If you are a NASCAR fan take the tour of the Daytona 500 Speedway on US 1. If you are lucky they will be testing the cars on the track for the upcoming Daytona 500 race in February.

If nightlife is your bag hop on I-4 and you are only an hour away from Orlando and all it has to offer.

Amelia Island, Florida

32 miles north of Jacksonville, Fl. is Florida's northernmost barrier island; Amelia Island. Amelia Island dates back to the Civil War and is divided into 5 distinct districts with Fernandina Beach being the most well-known and popular Amelia Island destination.

On Amelia Island dozens of the towns historic and charming Victorian homes have been turned into Bed & Breakfast locations. Call the Amelia Island Bed & Breakfast Association at 1-888-277-0218 to get the best deal on a very quiet and cozy accommodation.

If you like to camp then Fort Clinch State Park is a great budget minded option for those that like to rough it. Fort Clinch is a historical fort located on Amelia Island.

For food with a view of the boats coming in and go out to Brett's Waterway Café. Good seafood at a reasonable price, while being able to sip your favorite beverage and take in the beautiful sunset.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Halfway between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida lies the sleepy barrier island known as Jekyll Island.

Home to island ponies and sea turtles this historical area is full of fun and seclusion for those looking to de-stress during this holiday season. Everything from golf, history, culture, nature and wildlife is available. You will be amused, educated and entertained. If you need seclusion and quiet Jekyll Island has lots of that and is home to numerous artist and writers for that very reason.

The Days Inn & Suites on Jekyll Island is a great accommodation and is located on Beach view Dr. For last minute hot deals call 1-888-635-3003.

The Rah Bar is a great place for food and the marsh sunset. Casual and relaxing for that ultimate de-stressing experience.

Well there you have my Top 5 Off-Season Beach Trips for 2010. Hope I see you there!