It's cheaper than you think to treat yourself to a luxury hotel break

Keeping your spirits high can be difficult during the first few months of the year - especially if you live on the East Coast or in Canada. The cold and gloomy weather coupled with the warm memory of Christmas ebbing slowly away means that for many Americans, January is the ideal time to plan a vacation. But don't just settle for a short city break over a long weekend. With a little extra time and effort, you could plan a unique luxury hotel break in an exotic locale - and, if you book early, it's simpler than you think to stay within budget.

For starters, if you think a luxury hotel break is outside the means of your finances, you could be wrong. Luxury hotels may cost more per night than their two or three-star counterparts, but they also come with a whole lot more benefits. Choose to stay at a luxury hotel and it's likely you'll receive complimentary access to a state-of-the-art gym, an in-hotel spa and many more benefits - although it's best to check this before you actually book!

What's more, luxury hotels that are located near beaches often have their own private beach to which you'll be able to gain free access. This will be especially useful if you're traveling to a place where the beaches are likely to be crowded round the clock. Better still; the comforts of a luxury hotel break can be enjoyed in a number of spectacular locations across the globe.

Want to plan a luxury trip to a far-away destination? Australia's Gold Coast could be the place for you. The land down under famously enjoys its summers when the northern hemisphere is at its coldest, so if you book a vacation to Australia in the next few months or for the end of the year, you'll still get to enjoy its luscious climate when it's at its best.

Alternatively, the Maldives provides an excellent locale for a luxury hotel break. This breathtaking chain of islands is the home of some of the world's finest luxury hotels and offers vacationers a peaceful and serene tropical paradise in which to hide away. It's even home to the world's first glass-walled underwater restaurant!

Of course, if you're afraid of flying or you just want to plan a vacation closer to home, there are plenty of world-renowned luxury hotels located throughout the USA. Predictably, New York and Los Angeles are home to some the finest five-star hotels, but you'll also find enviable services from luxury hotels in the likes of Chicago, Miami and Indianapolis. So you won't even have to spend a lot of money on traveling - and you'll get to enjoy all the benefits of an exotic luxury hotel right on your doorstep.