Off Season Take Offs

By Mark Kahler

Blame a lack of frequent flier miles.

The year we wanted to go to Europe, two free tickets in summer required 100,000 miles. In March, that total was just 70,000. For many of us, that gap takes a long time to close. Call it March Madness: We spent 14 days in Italy and France.

How attractive is Paris in March? How cold is the wind off the water in Venice? A shortage of miles aside, why go?

The answer can be found in your pocketbook.

Astounding Airfares

Airlines sometimes cut the number of Trans-Atlantic routes they offer during the off-season, since there are fewer vacationers. But they still have seats to fill, and generally the way to populate those seats is to discount them.

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