The Cheapest Warm Vacations When You Just Can’t Wait for Summer

Summer is here – almost. Warmish breezes and a few sunny days may have tricked the daffodils into bursting through the dirt, but my toes are not convinced. My lovely summer sandals wait in my shoe rack for heat, impatiently.

Luckily, there are several warm vacation spots that have awfully cheap price tags attached.

Are you anxiously awaiting for things to heat up in your town? Here are seven hot spots to hit up when you just can’t wait for summer.

Bahamas

Several vacation packages are begging my pasty white skin to take the plunge, including a 4-night stay at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort for $459 per person. The resort boasts three pools, waterfalls, and a swim-up bar. Plus, it rests on one of the nicest beaches in Nassau.

The resort is known as an upscale place to stay but with a lower price tag than rivals. This deal, through CheapCaribbean.com, includes airfare from Ft. Lauderdale and is based on double occupancy.

The trip has to be booked by April 17, 2013 and travel dates must be between April 15 and June 19, 2013.

Aruba

For a bit more, you can stay five nights at the Holiday Inn Resort in Aruba. The $649 package includes airfare, free in-room WiFi, departures from Miami, or more from other airports.

The beachfront resort is on the white sand Palm Beach. It has a day spa, a 24-hour casino, and offers babysitting. Kids under 17 are free. Book by April 15, 2013 and travel now through May 31, 2013.

Puerto Rico

Jet to Puerto Rico for three nights for $399 and stay at the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza. The resort is on a small beach, but close to Old San Juan, the airport, and the Bacardi rum factory.

There’s a casino and babysitting and for swimming, there’s a regular pool, a saltwater pool, and a lap pool, plus two jacuzzis. Take a turn on the waterslide, or watch the youngins splash from the swim-up bar.

If you manage to get nostalgic for home, there’s an in-house Starbucks.

Florida

Head to Fort Lauderdale for 23 glorious miles of beaches to suit every sunbather, snorkeler and sandcastle-builder.

“Right now, travelers can save up to 60 percent off at hotels and resorts in this area with deals featured on Travelzoo,” said Gabe Saglie, a senior editor at the travel deal site.

One particular deal that caught my eye is at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, a 4-star waterfront hotel that is $99 per night. That’s a 60% discount off normal rates! Travel valid between June 1 and Dec. 30, 2013. Book by April 19, 2013.

Note: You’ll need to register at Travelzoo to access details and book this deal.

Mexico

Snag 50% off savings at “tourist-friendly beach areas such as Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta,” Travelzoo’s Saglie said. One hot deal is at the Villa del Palmar Cancun Luxury Beach Resort and Spa in Cancun.

For $799, stay five nights in this all-inclusive resort and get a $300 credit towards golf or spa services. Travel now through August 31, 2013. Book by April 16, 2013. Flights depart from Ft. Lauderdale.

Dominican Republic

If 80-degree temperatures are what you’re looking for, hop on over to the Dominican Republic. With 800 miles of coastline, it’s nothing short of paradise.

Plus, you will be hard-pressed to find savings this big anywhere elsewhere in the Caribbean, Saglie said.

Stay at the all-inclusive Grand Bahia Principe La Romana for four nights for $499. That includes airfare from Ft. Lauderdale. Travel May 1- June 30, and book by April 15, 2013.

Your local day spa

They always crank up the thermostat at spas, so if you stay long enough, summer’s presence will reveal herself. Grab a trashy mag and work up a glisten on a chaise lounge? Don’t mind if I do.

Many spas have a low entry fee that includes a plush robe, locker room privileges, and access to the pool, sauna, and jacuzzi. Cucumber-laced water and fruit are typically included, so you can still enjoy the relaxing atmosphere without  shelling out for a treatmdon’t have to shell out for a treatment to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.

To find a suitable resting spot, Google “day spa + your zip code.” Once you find a reputable day spa, look for a tab labeled deals or specials to find discounted packages.

If you can, inquire if there are lower rates for weekdays or mornings. You may also be eligible for a discount if you are a student, teacher, senior citizen, a local, or in the military.

Julia Scott founded the money and coupon blog, BargainBabe.com.