When you’re looking for a getaway of a different sort this winter, setting sail can be both an exciting and relaxing adventure.   There are more options than ever for gay cruises—we’re not just limited to the Rosie boat any longer.

Cruises are great ways to meet people—instead of being insolated in a beach resort, you’re all thrown together like an Agatha Christie novel where no one escapes for five to seven days.  In the same vein, being on a boat is a great test of relationship, if you can survive seven days in a cabin the size of a walk-in closet with your partner then you know you can make it through anything.

If all that sounds too intense, some of the most exciting offers include tie ins to local gay pride festivals so that you can exercise those sea legs on dry land with the locals.

Check out Travelocity’s current deals on cruises here and get ready for that “all aboard.”

Let’s face it, seeing the family for the holidays is nice, but whether you can really call it a vacation certainly depends on whom you ask.  If you can cash in some saved vacation days, taking another trip post mistletoe and eggnog can be the best strategy for actually getting some R&R—and on the cheap.  Prices generally drop back down after the bottleneck of holiday travel and deals are to be had everywhere.

If your family doesn’t already reside in the tropics, you probably can’t count on much sun so a trip to Mexico could be in order. Away from the tourist spots like Cancun, you can find amazing deals like $120 per night in an all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen.  Plus, stay five nights or more and Travelocity will shave $150 off your bill.  Family’s great but there’s really no replacement for frozen margaritas and parading beach bodies!

Everyone knows sand isn’t necessarily conducive to romance.  Sure there’s nothing like escaping the winter tundra to sunbathe on a warm tropical beach, sipping Mai Tais and downing tequila shots (actually that sounds divine right now), but when it comes to love, that’s a heady drink better served on the rocks.

If you’re spoken for, there is really nothing better than a ski trip where you can warm up in front of a crackling chalet fireplace after a day on the slopes.  Despite its stuffy reputation, Aspen is actually a very gay friendly destination with its own “Gay and Lesbian Ski Week” that annually draws about 5,000 visitors to its mountaintops.   This year’s event is taking place from January 17-24 and don’t worry if you haven’t gained your ski legs—there are also boutique nights, pool parties and boys in abundance.