The Easiest Way To Gift A Getaway This Holiday Season

If you love someone who loves vacation but absolutely despises planning, there's a chance you've considered gifting them a pre-planned getaway. But, unless you have access to their Google calendar, follow their every move, and can see into the future That’s So Raven style, you inevitably run the risk of hearing the womp-womp words, "I can't make it." Well, we've discovered the perfect loophole to prevent this devastating phenomenon: the customizable Airbnb gift card. Listen, there’s no shame in the gift-card game — especially when it comes to the very particular (and personal!) present of travel. Chipping a few dollar signs off your loved one's next big trip, inspiring your favorite homebody to break out of their comfort zone, or surprising a special someone with a weekend away of their choosing has never been easier. All the gifter needs to decide is how much (whether from $50 to $500 or beyond) they want to send, how they want to send it (by text or email), and which date they want it sent on (today, tomorrow, Christmas day, or any day). It's more meaningful than a wad of cash but not as risky as a fully planned trip; as Goldilocks would say, it's just right. To help spark some travel ideas for your perfect getaway gift, we rounded up the most popular rentals from our top-performing Airbnb stories that are currently ready for booking. From snowy northeast cabins to peaceful lake-house retreats and the most whimsical treehouses, get a glimpse of all the places you and giftee can go, below.

When we think fall/winter getaway, a lake house doesn't instantly pop into our heads. However, these cottages, cabins, and houses become their very own picturesque winter wonderlands once temperatures begin to drop. So, rather than taking a chilly dip in the lake, why not roast some marshmallows over a crackling fire pit, sink into a hot tub, or just snap a few photos of the amazing views.

Location: Greentown, Pennsylvania
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $173
The Space: "The Cottage is located on 3 private acres which are mainly wooded right across the street from the lake!! There are 3 bedrooms, one of which is a loft, which sleeps 5-6 guests and 1 bathroom. There is 1 queen, 1 full, and two twin beds in the loft. The Cottage has a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The kitchen and dining room are equipped to serve up to 6 guests. There is a fireplace, a fire pit three decks, and plenty of outdoor space. The whole cottage has been updated and the cedar wood floors have been just refinished. A very unique floor to say the least, please see the pictures!! There is a gas grill and picnic table on the back porch. The two front porches have seating areas. Transient boat slips are available right across the street at Light House Mariana as well as rentals for every kind of water sport. There is a public beach a short drive north on Rt 507."

Explore more best lake-house rentals on Airbnb

Just a few scrolls through Airbnb's treehouse listings and we guarantee your inner child will start jumping for joy. These rentals are not your average childhood backyard hide-out — we found 15 whimsical Airbnb treehouses fully equipped with wifi, balconies, fire pits, kitchens, and more. They're definitely not the most earthbound stay, but totally worth booking, especially if you have a fully loaded gift card helping you make your decisions.

Location: Southern Pines, North Carolina
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $227
The Space: "This space is perfect for the romantic couple getaway or a small group exploring Southern Pines! While rustic, we are located right near downtown, just a short distance (under 1 mile) from restaurants, breweries, and cafes."

Explore more Airbnb treehouse rentals
Explore all Airbnb treehouse rentals

The poster child of winter vacation stays is the one and only log cabin. From Abe-Lincoln-ready classic set-ups to luxury modern houses with breathtaking interior design, Airbnb has you covered. Plus, they're versatile — you can find cabins across the country next to lakes, forests, villages, and even in the middle of nowhere if you so desire.

Location: Bushkill, Pennsylvania
Sleeps: 10
Price Per Night: $251
The Space: "Welcome to 'Saw Creek Escape', a very quiet forest home, nestled right between two creeks in lushly wooded settings, only minutes away from beautiful hiking trails! House is Right On The Mountain Creek! Rest, Relax in the Jacuzzi, Hike in Nature! Great home to unwind, reconnect, or relax by yourself! Great waterfront location on Saw Creek! Meditation deck above the water by the mini waterfall! Simple, low-key, back in time, cozy place in the wood settings. Wood burning fireplace, jacuzzi/whirlpool tub for two, excellent community amenities, awesome hikes, river, mountains, wildlife, nature, restaurants, shopping. 1h 40m from NYC."

Explore more best cabin rentals on Airbnb
Explore all cabin rentals on Airbnb

Quarantine was a catalyst for many new pet-human relationships. If your giftee welcomed a bright-eyed pup into their life, rescued a crazy cat, or already has a furry friend in the mix, they might need to bring them along on their next adventure. Plus, getting a whole house to yourself where your pet can roam freely instead of being cooped up in a fancy hotel room can relieve a ton of travel stress. If you've ever questioned if your pal loves you or the dog more, definitely let them know about the vast world of pet-friendly Airbnbs. 

Location: Big Bear Lake, California
Sleeps: 4 guests, 5 pets
Price Per Night: $484 $422
Pet Fee: $35
The Space: "Voted #1 Vacation Rentals in Big Bear in 2018, 2019, and 2020. We have a full-time year-round staff of over 50 people including reservationists, inspectors, maintenance workers, housekeepers, managers, spa servicers, snow plowers, and every department covered so you can enjoy your vacation. We want our guests to always remember the time they came to Big Bear, with a friend or with the family, stayed in an awesome cabin, the times they went skiing, the times Grandpa took them fishing, and so on and so forth. If we can give that to you, or be a part of it in a small way and do it at a reasonable price, that's all we want."

Explore more best dog-friendly Airbnbs