For a limited time, USAirways is cutting prices on nearby tropical places, just in time for the drop in the mercury. The sale is going on now through November 15 for travel through December 12 for most destinations. Departures are for off-peak travel with either a Saturday stay or three-day minimum required.
Sample roundtrip economy base fares, that's before additional taxes and fees, start from:
- Boston to Barbados $314
- Chicago to Belize $375
- Cleveland to Santo Domingo $333
- Des Moines to Bermuda $418
- Indianapolis to Grand Cayman $329
- Kansas City to San Juan $372
- Minneapolis to Providenciales $427
- NYC to Belize $370
- St. Louis to St. Thomas $387
Prices do reflect additional taxes and fees of around $110, and the rules vary per destination. For specific rules go to the fare sale page at www.usair.com/promotions/specials/carib_on_sale.htm and click on the "requirements" link near the bottom.
As with most major airfare sales, competitors jump on the price bandwagon. You can check out Air Jamaica (www.airjamaica.com), American (www.aa.com), British West Indies (www.bwia.com), Continental (www.continental.com), Northwest (www.nwa.com) and Taca Airlines (www.grupotaca.com) to compare fares.