Perhaps you share some of my cringe-worthy summer travel peeves...
Whenever possible I avoid big cities, towns and beaches during the summer. You could say that I'm not a big fan of crowds. I much prefer the off-season to enjoy dining in desirable spots without waiting an hour and finding decent priced accommodations in my first choice of a hotel, resort or inn. And then Mother Nature cranks up the heat which makes big city and beach visits just about intolerable -- for me.
So I spy out airfare deals for the off-season. Here are some of the best values currently up for grabs.
Escape to Key West, Fla. at one-way rates of $113.60 on trips taken now and through Nov. 2. You can go as soon as this month as an advance purchase notice is not required. This rate is permitted seven days a week, based on sale seat availability. Yet there are numerous blackout dates to avoid (most of summer!). Those are June 8-11, 14-18, 21-25; June 28-July 2; July 7-9, 13-15, 19-23, 26-30 and Aug. 2-6, 9-13, 18-20. This AirTran exclusive deal has no ticket-by date which means it could vanish at any time. Buy now to enjoy a September or October in the Keys in relative tranquility. AirTran offers one daily nonstop flight from Atlanta.
Another AirTran deal is a one-way rate of $163.56 to Cancun, Mexico. This rate is valid seven days a week on trips taken by Nov. 2. An advance purchase notice isn't required. Although this rate has no blackout dates, there are select dates when an additional $10 surcharge applies. Those dates are July 23-25; July 30-Aug. 11 and Aug. 6-8. AirTran serves Cancun from Atlanta with two daily nonstop flights. This offer has no ticket-by date. Act fast on your purchase. Delta Air Lines matches this sale rate to Cancun with round-trip travel priced at $354.49 when tickets are booked three or more days in advance. This rate is valid on trips finished on or before April 21, 2013 (no blackout dates). Delta offers 3-6 daily nonstop flights to Cancun (varies by season).
After the peak summer season ends, a number of carriers are set to reduce their flight capacity to European destinations. Fewer seats for sale lets airlines charge top dollars while ensuring they will fill every seat. The winter of 2013 is shaping up to be one of the most expensive for Europe travel in two decades. But a little relief comes from USAirways with an early sale to some popular destinations. The following sale prices will save you about $100 compared to other carrier sales.
Round-trip rates are $829.40 to London, England; $847.80 to Madrid, Spain; $905 to Brussels, Belgium; $908.40 Dublin, Ireland; $929.50 Manchester, England; $954.60 Amsterdam, Netherlands and $960.10 to Zurich, Switzerland.
These sale rates are valid on Jan. 14-March 3 departures. Travel on Fridays or Saturdays are $30 more, each way. Plan to stay at least one Saturday night and no longer than 90 days. USAirways serves these destinations with one flight connection in Charlotte, N.C. or Philadelphia. Buy tickets by July 31.
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 websites such as Expedia or Travelocity, etc.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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