London or Paris in the Dead of Winter

No copywriter on Madison Avenue would ever write a headline like this.

Just remember that "dead" in this case refers to "slow season for tourism." It's sounding better now, isn't it?

At this time of year, some of the best deals come on trips to Europe. Your best chance at a good fare is to consider entering Europe in London, Dublin, Amsterdam or Frankfurt. These are large airports with good connections to budget airlines

Winter in U.S. National Parks

In summer, U.S. National Parks can be bumper-to-bumper. Convenient and relatively low-cost lodges are often booked many months in advance. In winter, it's a much different story.

Death Valley is dangerously hot in summer and much more safely explored in winter. Furnace Creek Resort (which is only open during the fall, winter and early spring) and Stove Pipe Wells both offer smaller crowds and a wide variety of activities.

Among the winter deals at Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins and Mammoth Springs Hotel provide the only wintertime accommodations within the park (through early March). Winter rates for single or double occupancy, plus tax and utility fee, for individual room nights at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel start at $90 for a room with a shared bathroom or $129 for a standard hotel room with a private bathroom. Rates at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge are $249 for a lodge room, $169 for a Western Cabin or $104 for a Frontier Cabin, all with private bathrooms.

Kasbah.com, is a good starting point for finding trips and fares related to winter sports.

Rail pass deals from Rail Europe can make getting around expensive places easier on your budget. For example, one offer includes 20 percent off BritRail passes through Feb. 28. You must book by Feb. 15. Check the site for discounts based on age and destination.

Beware: traveling in the off-season can save money but also has its drawbacks. Some museums close sections for refurbishing. Smaller restaurants and hotels shut down completely. Research anything you want to see, making certain you'll be able to see it.

Back to Winter Travel Deals Main Menu