The New Year kicks off with a very special airfare sale to destinations in Scandinavia. This sale marks the first time in several months in which base round-trip rates have fallen below the $200 mark.

SAS, Scandinavian Airlines inaugurated the new sale with round-trip base rates of $192 to Stockholm, Sweden; $195 to Oslo, Norway and $225 to Copenhagen, Denmark. Other airlines matching the sale rates include partners United/Air Canada/Continental/Lufthansa.

To qualify, SAS permits trips to start on or after Feb. 1.  Finish travel on or before March 28.  Other participating carriers permit departures through March 28 and stays of up to one month (finish trips on or before April 28).

Travel on weekends is $25 more each way. Stay at least one Saturday night.

Traveling to Scandinavia on United comes with one benefit. Travel can start as soon a week from today (a 7-day advance purchase required).

Taxes and fees on the above mentioned airfares are additional. Inclusive round-trip rates to Oslo are $756; $783.16 to Stockholm and $845.70 to Copenhagen.

Buy tickets through Jan. 17.

Sale airfares are always subject to change. Every seat on every flight is not offered at the lowest rate. Since only a limited supply of seats is available, act quickly to make your purchase.

I recommend starting the search for available seats at Kayak.com vs. calling an airline directly. You can also search for the sale at travel Web sites such as Expedia or Travelocity, etc.

Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.