This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Groupon Getaways for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Planning a vacation is often very exciting, but it can also be stressful.  The last thing that you want is to get stressed over planning a vacation.  Luckily, Groupon has made it easier than ever to plan a vacation and find the best vacation deals through Groupon Getaways.  They make the entire process a cinch from choosing a destination to a hotel to booking everything.  If you're looking to find the best vacation deals, then you won't need to look any further.  I can't wait for #mygroupongetaway!

How to Find the Best Vacation Deals

If you're not familiar with Groupon then I'm going to give you a quick crash course.  It is the ultimate site for entertainment.  They have deals from everything from restaurants to rounds of golf at amazing prices.  We routinely use Groupon for Date Night Ideas.  I recently was introduced to Groupon Getaways and all that they offer.  Simply go to www.groupon.com/getaways.  Once you're there, you'll need to choose a destination.  You can choose your own destination or from the list of the most popular getaways along the left hand side.  Once you choose a destination the deals that are running will pop up with a brief overview of what they consist of.

Once you find a deal that you're excited about, you need to pay attention to the three red circles that you see below.  The type of room that you desire will need to be selected.  You'll also need to pay attention to the dates.  Since the deals are so popular, there is a limit placed on the number that can be sold.  Popular dates go fast.  The last thing you'll need to pay attention to is when the deal expires.  If you fall in love with a deal be sure to not drag your feet.  Otherwise, you're likely to miss the expiration time.

We booked our trips to Times Square in NYC and Omni Resort in Carlsbad, CA.  You can read all about why we chose these two here.  Once the booking is taken of care then it's all about focusing on what you'll be doing while you're on your fabulous vacation.  We're taking the girls with us to NYC so we plan on spoiling them.  We actually found a great deal on Groupon for Sesame Street Live at Madison Square Garden.  I think Avery will love it!

We also plan on making a stop at Dylan's Candy Bar.  I've heard from friends that it is a must see.  We'll need to plan on letting Riley know ahead of time that she can't walk out of the store with every single thing that she sees.  I bet it will be so worth it to see her smile while she explores the three floors of candy love.

Our itinerary is definitely a bit more laid back for Carlsbad, CA.  It'll just be Joe and I so we plan on relaxing and enjoying some amazing food.  We will of course hit the links at least once.  Joe will probably get out a couple times on his own as well while I take advantage of the spa at the resort.

I also plan on sitting on my butt by the pool and just relaxing.  I might even take a nap!  Gasp!  Out of everything that these amazing trips offer, I am most looking forward to warm weather.  I am so over the snow and plan on enjoying every last second in the bright California sunshine!