Here Are the Holiday Shipping Deadlines for 2023

Is it just me, or does the holiday season get earlier and earlier each year? I don't know, but what I do know is that if you're sending something via the United States Postal Service (USPS), you have to get your gifts together pretty early. That's, of course, if you care about those gifts arriving before or on Christmas. So, here are the holiday shipping deadlines for 2023. The holiday season is upon us, so keep this list handy all season.

The USPS on Tuesday (Oct. 10) announced shipping and mailing deadlines for the 2023 holiday and Christmas season. These deadlines are to help ensure that your gifts, letters and cards arrive before December 25.

Some good news is that there will be no surcharges on shipping this year, the USPS states.

"The Postal Service has announced it will not have a peak, or demand, surcharge this holiday season, offering increased predictability in pricing for customers," the USPS said in a statement. "As always, the Postal Service offers simple, upfront pricing year-round with no additional fees for residential area delivery, for Saturday delivery, no fuel surcharges and no volume minimums. The Postal Service continues to be the most affordable way to mail and ship this holiday season."

The deadlines for all states, excluding Hawaii, are here:

USPS Ground Advantage -- December 16
First-Class Mail, including greeting cards -- December 16
Priority Mail -- December 18
Priority Mail Express -- December 20

For Hawaii, the one change is priority mail shipping. Instead of December 18, packages and cards need to be sent by December 16.

For Air/Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office, or Diplomatic Post Office, the dates are below:

USPS Ground Advantage -- November 6
First-Class Mail -- December 9
Priority Mail -- December 9
Priority Mail Express Military Service -- December 15
USPS Ground Advantage is a new shipping option this year. The USPS said it is "a service that provides a simple, reliable and affordable way to ship packages with day certain delivery of 2-5 business days based on distance."

What about international mail? Those shipping deadlines are different depending on the country. Check with your local post office for the shipping deadline for your exact destination.

It's never too early to start planning an exciting winter getaway, especially since the most popular winter vacation spots get booked up quickly. The good news, though, is that most people take vacations in the summer, so traveling in the winter can be a bit more relaxing. You are also able to usually find better travel rates during the winter season, except during the holidays. If you don't have to travel during the holidays, just don't, because it's a mess. So, what are the best winter getaways in the U.S.?

I've researched some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in hopes of finding the perfect spot. The following list includes not just sunny, warm getaways, but also some areas that people who love snow can enjoy. Honestly, many people who live in a warm climate like to flock to a snowy location for a bit during the winter to get that seasonal experience, even if that seems counter intuitive. Of course, those who live in the northern parts of America love to go to a warm spot and get away from their daily lives filled with snow and ice.

I'm a Michigan girl, so I'm very familiar with the cold and ice in the winter. Not that I like it. Each year, I say I'm going to escape, even if it's just for a few days, to a warmer location. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be different. Looking at vacation rates, it's fairly easy to find some good deals, again, if it's not during the holiday travel season. Read on for some of the bets winter getaways in the U.S., based on my research. What's your favorite winter vacation spot? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know. Have a fantastic winter, and stay warm.

If you're looking for a mild getaway, Savannah, Georgia, is a great choice. It's pretty mild in the winter, so not too cold or too hot. The Historic District is a popular winter vacation spot, too.

https://visitsavannah.com/

The beautiful area of Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty of gorgeous snowfall, and it's less dangerous than many other areas with snowfall. Lately, Asheville has one up in population, but it's still a popular tourist destination. One choice spot is the French Broad River, with lots of winter activities, breweries and restaurants.

https://www.exploreasheville.com/

If you want to enjoy a winter vacation and learn about history, Philadelphia is a great vacation spot. Sure, it's won't be like sunny Florida. But, Philly has lots of great museums and historical spots to enjoy indoors, while staying toasty.

https://www.visitphilly.com/

I know what you're thinking. Why go to Michigan in the winter? Well, if you love snow, then it's worth the trip. Traverse City, Michigan, is a quaint town, but it's big enough to have lots of things to do and places to stay. It's also cold in the winter but not as cold as, say the Dakotas.

https://www.traversecity.com/

If you want to get away from the snow and ice, go to Key West, Florida. It's considered one of the finest tropical spots in the U.S. during the winter months. Soak up the sun and have a margarita, because why not?

https://keywest.com/