We’ve all heard the old adage; there’s no place like home for the holidays – or is there? While we’re all for holiday traditions and gathering together, we’re firm believers that getting away for the holidays might just make for the most memory-filled holiday season ever. Instead of giving away another itchy sweater that may or may not be worn, or opting for a book that might sit in the shelf for months to come, why not give yourself the gift of a getaway?

Villa vacations offer the ultimate in travel experiences for the holidays. On top of locations in some of the most stunning corners of the world (we’re talking villas in Greece, Italy, the Caribbean, and beyond), they offer amenities that simply can’t be beaten. Here are four reasons why we think indulging in a home-away-from-home for the holidays might make for the best holiday ever.

It Means More Together Time

Too often, the holiday season simply adds stress, rather than joy to people’s lives. And why is that? Simply put, we’re overburdening ourselves with preparations. From meal-planning to hosting, cleanup to balancing wants and wishes, there’s a lot on our proverbial plates during the holidays. With a villa vacation, we remove the hassle and make way for the fun. If your villa has a personal chef, consider having them cook a traditional family meal to bring those memories alive in paradise. Pro tip – that means less prep and less cleanup for you.

Experiences Make the Best Gifts

Gifts, while memorable in the moment, are often easily forgotten over time. Experiences, however, make memories, which last forever. Instead of another sweater, or a cookbook for dad, villa vacations let you indulge in real-life experiences together. If your villa is located in the tropics, perhaps a catamaran tour would be perfect for you. Or, if you’re really looking to up the ante, consider a more adventurous excursion as a group. It’s something you’ll all remember forever.

Trade Your Season for Something New

Perhaps you live somewhere warm, and the holidays just don’t feel right without a nip in the air. Or, maybe you live somewhere cold, and you’re longing to bury your toes in the sand. The beauty of a holiday getaway is that our villas are located around the world. Pick your season, pick your pleasure. If skiing on Christmas is your cup of tea, we’ve got some of the greatest snow and skiing on Earth. If you’d prefer to return with a healthy tan, we’ve got some of the best beaches in the world, too.

Less Stress Means More Joy

This is the bottom line of just about everything. The holidays should be about joy. Put aside the stress of balancing everyone’s schedules, baking cookies, sending out gifts, and navigating traffic-laden streets. Trade the stressors in for the simpler things this season – like a beachside barbecue, or a tour of a world-famous vineyard. Instead of sipping libations to manage the stress, take a load off in paradise with your dream destination’s beverage of choice.

Best of all, many holiday villa vacations offer great specials. From free nights to drivers, added amenities, and more, the options are nearly endless. There’s no better time to start new traditions and make new memories than now. Explore our incredible villas, and get ready to get away this holiday season.