Traveling to Europe in January or February to Enjoy a Real Bargain on Transportation

Airfares across the Atlantic begin to drop in mid-October, and then they plummet during the months of January and February, when the cost of reaching western Europe is truly low. Some indication of that is found in this week's special bargain from Gate 1 Travel (tel. 800/682-3333; www.gate1travel.com ), whereby it will fly you from New York to Paris for a three-night hotel stay (including daily breakfast), then fly you from Paris to London for another three-night hotel stay (including daily breakfast), and then fly you back to New York, for a total of $899, including fuel surcharge. But that price requires that you depart on January 4, 11, 18 or 25, or on February 1, 15 or 22, making your booking prior to September 26 (by mentioning discount code DLPARL100).

Departures are available from other U.S. cities for slightly more. Here's an example of how scheduling your European trip for January or February can bring you a truly affordable winter vacation. And January and February are the height of the cultural season in both Paris and London.