Sit in airport. Queue for rental car. Stuff your face. Lounge by pool. We're not knocking traditional vacations, but here's a way to break the cycle: West Coast company Common Circle's bike tours of Hawaii (or Oregon, but we like the tropics). On the pre-planned group trips for cyclists of any level, you'll visit volcanoes, swim in pristine waters, and immerse yourself in cutting edge farms and intentional communities. There's some roughing it involved (think vegan meals and outdoor camping) but it's not entirely hard-core: The trips also include touristy diversions like lazing on black sand beaches where humpbacks and dolphins cruise along the surf.

Hawaii tours run Dec. 27 - Jan. 3 and Jan. 4 - Jan. 11; go to commoncircle.com to book.