It has been just over two years since the major airlines have brought about a sale to Canada or the Caribbean Islands. With the absence of any reduction in airfare rates, prices have steadily climbed to levels never before seen.
For instance, the lowest round-trip rates into popular northern Canadian cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City are hovering around $750.
The same steep rates are common to destinations in the Caribbean. A few sample rates include the Turks and Caicos Islands at $817; $848 to Barbados; $700 to St. Lucia and just over $900 to St. Maarten.
But there is one sweet offer of $448.90 to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (no passport required for U.S. citizens) that remains consistenly affordable when the sun and the beach beckon.
To qualify for this round-trip rate, give a one-week or more advance purchase notice. A minimum stay of any three nights is required on Sunday-Thursday departures. The rate is valid seven days a week, based on sale seat availability. There are no blackout dates. Bookings are now excepted at this rate for trips finished on or before Feb. 12, 2013.
Delta Air Lines offers two daily nonstop flight service to St. Thomas through Aug. 13. Service through the summer is reduced to one daily flight on Mondays, Thursdays-Sundays.
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.
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