WINTER ESCAPES

SEVEN GLOBAL DESTINATIONS THAT MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHTER

- STORY BY RAMSEY QUBEIN ILLUSTRATIONS BY ADAM NICKEL

THE WINTER SEASON is a busy time for hotels and airlines, and the increased demand can also inflate prices.

When business travel wanes and seasonal travel patterns change, airlines often reposition some planes to leisure destinations. More ski destinations, warm-weather islands and Southern Hemisphere spots (where summer is in full bloom) give them a better chance at maximizing profits.

But how can the frequent flyer benefit? If you know which flights to look for and when, you are likely to score a good deal.

While hotels cannot change their geographic location, they can adjust their prices (in cash or loyalty points) and offerings by the season. Many properties experience high demand in the winter months but offer discounted rates during certain weeks to fill the gaps between school holiday periods.

Some travel sites, such as Kayak, have even started to use artificial intelligence to help you plan your trip. You can ask its AI tool a few questions, like where you want to go, when, and how you can save the most cash. For example, you can ask for the best five-star hotel near Rockefeller Center in New York for Christmas Eve.

Whether you use AI or your own smarts, these seven trip ideas for the winter season can provide some inspiration. They also coincide with new flight routes, hotel openings, property upgrades and other worthy perks that can add cheer to your trip and a little extra jingle in your pocket.

COLORADO SKI COUNTRY