Before you throw on another layer and stuff an umbrella into your purse, you should ask yourself: Do I really have to trudge through this winter, or is there a way for me to escape? When the temperatures dip in the North, the equatorial Caribbean islands remain the same as they do all year long: perfect. You can also venture south to Mexico, Hawaii or even Tahiti and rest assured your getaway will be filled with countless hours in the sun.

Still not convinced? Here's a month-to-month guide to where you should stay this holiday season:

Hawaii in November
Take advantage of last-minute flight deals and head over to Hawaii this November. Rather than staying on the capital island of Oahu, which is rather busy throughout the year, take a short connecting flight to Kauai or the Big Island and stay at spectacular luxury rentals. Many of these fantastic accommodations are located just a stone's throw away from the beach, so after a morning of opening presents this holiday season, you can spend the rest of the day celebrating the gift of Mother Nature.

Caribbean in December
Now is the perfect time for you to book a stay at one of the many Caribbean villas, whether you want to go to Barbados, St. Lucia or anywhere in between. Islands like St. Barts are surprisingly quiet in December, and you'll be amazed at the ample amount of space on the white-sand beaches.

Once you have a decent base tan, you can rehydrate yourself with ice-cold water and perhaps even a tropical cocktail at Do Brazil, a restaurant popular among locals and visitors alike. Situated on the top of the rocks above Shell Beach, this establishment has a casual atmosphere, like most other restaurants on St. Barts, and features menu items like ceviche and rich stews.

Mexico in January
With so many villas in Mexico to choose from, it's no wonder that so many travelers return to the shores of Acapulco year after year to escape from the wintry blues. In recent years, Acapulco has welcomed a small cultural revival of sorts, welcoming young and youthfully minded travelers by opening new restaurants and bars that cater to this demographic.

Of course, if you're looking for a more laid-back vacation, you can spend most of your time on the outskirts of the city at an idyllic rental, where you can relax and escape from the stresses of everyday life. Be sure to set aside some time for a hike in the surrounding mountains, or if you're more of an adrenaline junkie, you can book a water skiing adventure in the gorgeous turquoise waters.

Are you interested in luxury vacation rentals?  Contact Villas of Distinction today at 800.289.0900 where a qualified villa expert will help you explore which luxury villa best suits your lifestyle.