Recession doesn’t mean that one cannot travel. Traveling is never as expensive as thought out to be. Here are some places for you, where you can plan your winter holidays.
Note to avoid Myrtle Beach around the month of March. Very popular destination for students and tourists during the North American "Spring Break" . . . . very crowded.
Chicago has a plethora of "free" opportunities throughout the year.
I frequently attended free Monday night summer concerts in Millenium Park. They begin Memorial Day, and feature a variety of styles & artists.