Typically budget travelers are well aware that the very best time to visit Europe is during the winter season — or when prices are at their lowest and the crowds have vanished.

But these same price-wise travelers may be in for a bit of a shock when we look ahead to the winter '08/'09 season. In a way it's a bit of deja vu as prices have rolled back to the 1980's when round-trip tickets to Europe were hovering around $1,000.

For instance, travel in early September, or the start of the 'shoulder' season (autumn or spring), on Delta Air Lines to Paris and expect to pay $1,079. The mid-winter rate, for example departing and returning during mid-January, and the picture isn't any prettier with rates of $1,048.

But today some relief comes from British Airways. In fact, the airline's two-day sale is maybe one of the few opportunities this year to save some substantial dollars for trips to Europe.

The carrier puts a price tag of $292 to reach several cities across the continent. But factor in taxes, fees and hefty fuel surcharges and the inclusive rate is $825 - give or take a few dollars depending on your destination (variations to airport/country taxes).

What's more is that this rate is good on trips started on or after September 4 through March 22 — even during the peak holiday season of Dec. 18-23! (Because the BA.com Web site does not include the holiday season at the low rate, those lucky enough to buy tickets immediately could secure this rate before BA discovers the possible error.)

To qualify, travel each way on Mondays-Wednesdays. Other days are $30 more each way. The minimum stay is a Saturday night; maximum stay is one year.

An important FYI: British Airways utilizes two airports in London. U.S. arriving passengers enter into London's Gatwick Airport. Travelers heading to European destinations depart and return to Heathrow Airport.

This means that you have to travel between airports at your own expense should you want to travel through to your destination.

Most flight connections allow for the ground trip, but it is advised that you take the free London stopover should the connection be tight and resume travel the following day or even a few days later. BA does permit one free stopover with additional stops at $50.

Here's a list of the qualifying destinations:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Athens, Greece
• Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Spain
• Basel, Geneva, Zurich, Switzerland
• Brussels, Belgium
• Budapest, Hungary
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Germany
• London, England
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Oslo, Norway
• Paris, Lyon, France
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Rome, Milan, Venice, Italy
• Stockholm, Sweden
• Vienna, Austria

Buy tickets through July 17.

http://www.britishairways.com/travel/offerus128/public/en_us?openads=US_JUL08_Sale