By Rick Seaney | Contributor
Looking for something a little different this year?
Take a look at these cities and regions. All offer the irresistible combination of year-round fun and excellent airfare value.
Cities Near Mountains
Boston, Massachusetts
This perennially cheap destination is conveniently located near New England ski resorts and summer fun at Cape Cod. And of course, Boston itself is a town steeped in history, and be sure to try some of those great restaurants.
Denver, Colorado
Another great value thanks to loads of airline competition. You know about the world-class skiing, but Denver also has outdoor adventures for every season. The Mile High City is no slouch when it comes to fun nightlife either.
The South
Charleston, South Carolina
JetBlue has been offering some great deals to this charming coastal city in recent months. Stroll the Battery, enjoy the graceful architecture and don’t forget to try the seafood.
Savannah, Georgia
One of the most beautiful cities in the South often has deals from discounter JetBlue from New York. Walk the historic squares, catch a music festival or dine at an elegant restaurant.
National Parks
Channel Islands National Park
You have to hop a boat to get to these islands, but once you do, you’ll revel in gorgeous views and enjoy the antics of the playful sea lions. You might even spy a whale or two. Just 70 miles north of Hollywood, CA.
Yosemite National Park
If you’re up for a fly-and-drive, head to San Francisco, Oakland or Sacramento and in just a few hours by car you’ll be visiting one of the nation’s most iconic parks. “Breathtaking” doesn’t begin to cover it.
Pacific Northwest
Portland, Oregon
There’s a reason Portland is called the “City of Roses”, but it’s so much more; visitors say this eclectic community is like nowhere else. Even better, we’ve been seeing some good airfare deals to Portland in recent months.
Seattle, Washington
Good flight deals are a great excuse to visit this indoor-outdoor wonderland with excellent hiking trails and scenery as well as some of the best coffee houses anywhere.
Europe
Ireland
I’ve heard it said that a single glimpse is all it takes to fall in love with Ireland. You’ll fall in love with the airfare deals to Dublin, too; it’s usually the best value of Europe.
Scandinavia
We’ve been seeing good fares to Denmark, Norway and Sweden in the past year or so. Not as economical as Ireland, but if you’ve ever had a yen to visit vibrant Copenhagen, Oslo or Stockholm, now might be the time.
Rick Seaney is co-founder of FareCompare, an airfare search site devoted to helping shoppers find the cheapest flights possible. FareCompare also offers easy-to-use, practical information to help travelers save on every step of their journey.