Some people love winter: the beauty of a fresh snowfall, the holiday get-togethers, the sledding with the kids. But even the heartiest souls find that there comes a time during the winter when all that magic begins to wear off. The downy soft snow turns to brown slush. The holiday tree becomes a fire hazard. The kids begin to go stir-crazy. And the cure is a little getaway to get you through to spring.

In selecting a destination there are all sorts of things to consider. What's your budget? How much time do you have? Where are you located geographically? The answers to these and other questions will help you zone in on where you really want to go.

If you want a warm climate you can easily stay stateside. In fact, February — because it's after the rush of the holidays but before the college kids invade for spring break — is the best time of the year to visit Florida. Even the most continually overrun town, like Orlando, is relatively deserted this time of year. The only other time you'll find it similarly vacant is summer, but by then the weather is unbearably hot and humid.

Some of the best warm weather locations, of course, lie further afield. Hawaii is a can't-miss proposition any time of year, and you can find no end of activities for families or couples, from exploring volcano to visiting nightclubs and (obviously) some of the best beaches in the world. But as one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world year-round, it might be too crowded for everyone's tastes. As an alternative, Bahia, Brazil is an underrated resort town, and you'll find that your dollar goes a long way. For something more adventurous and hands-on, try Belize, which is gorgeous in February. The jungles, beaches, and Mayan ruins of this underappreciated spot will make it a trip to remember.

Some people love cruises, others hate them. But you really don't know until you try. One thing is for sure: Plan ahead enough, look long enough, and you're bound to find a pretty good deal for a cruise going somewhere pretty great. The Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Hawaiian islands: if there's an ocean or sea, a cruise ship goes there.

Of course, the nice thing about the cruise ship is that it doesn't even have to be about the destination. Today's megaships are virtual floating cities, capable of carting thousands of people around, and with such eye-popping amenities as theme parks, water parks, arcades, Olympic swimming pools, nightclubs, and just about any other amusement or attraction you find in dry land.

Cheaper Alternatives for the Adventurous—As a rule, travel is expensive. But there are a few things you can do to find great deals.