Need to get away? Beautiful Vacation homes and hotels...

I am going on vacation to the Outer Banks on Sunday, and I couldn't be more excited.  It's been two years since I've had a vacation and the beaches of North Carolina are my favorite.  Though, I wouldn't mind staying at any of these gorgeous destinations either...

This might be heaven

2 above, Ratua Private Island, Vanuatu Archipelago, South Pacific

Casa Talia, Modica, Sicily, Italy

2 above, Mesagne, Puglia, Italy

This might also be heaven

2 above Uxua Casa Hotelin Trancoso, Bahia, Brazil

Kenoa Beach Spa and Resort in Barra de Sao Miguel, Alagoas, Brazil

White Villa in Pyrgos Kallistis, Santorini, Greece

Oia Villa I in Santorini, Greece All of these destinations and many more are from Welcome Beyond luxury vacation rentals.

Need to get away?

I need a vacation in the worst way....unfortunately I don't see one in my immediate future. The one I'm imagining is on the beach in the Outer Banks, far from crowds, with a book and my dogs, just sitting on the sand everyday, doing.....nothing. ahhhhhhh. Okay, back to reality. Whether or not a vacation is in your immediate future - these photos are sure to give you the travel bug.

Next time you do decide to travel, maybe instead of a generic hotel, try checking out apartments for rent in the area where you're going.  When my boyfriend and I went to Paris and Switzerland we stayed in apartments instead of hotels and we really, really enjoyed it.  I get tired of eating out, and it's nice to go to local markets and bring them back to the apartment and do a little of your own cooking.

Below are some examples of what you're missing when you stay in a hotel:

How about a little time in North Italy?

Or a  Paris pied-à-terre

Or this view out of your Barbados bedroom...yes please!!!

A swanky Detroit studio

or, some authentic New Mexico digs....

What do you think?  Ready for a vacation?

Interested in renting one of these properties?  I got all of these image properties from Inhabit Vacations  - your "Travel Curators"