The query came in by e-mail: Where can I find a last-minute, warm-weather deal? When thaw turned to ice again last week, I knew other people would wonder the same thing.
The past few months have been rough on travelers. Economic concerns as chilling as the weather compel some to stay home, but unrelenting winter finds them dreaming of the beach -- and maybe finding a way to get there.
"We hear it every day: 'We have to get away,'" said Wendy Weigel, vice president of travel at AAA Minneapolis.
The good news is that booking late can nab you deals, and there are plenty of websites and travel agents to help you find them.
These tips can point you in the right direction.
Anyone seeking a last-minute getaway should think about places with plenty of flights, which will tend to have more seats available: Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, for instance, said Bonnie Lee, owner of TravelQuest in Albertville, Minn. Being flexible with travel dates and destinations or booking a charter trip can also help land a good price.
Disney is a relative bargain, said Weigel, whose agency garners special rates as a preferred partner with the theme parks. While cruises are cheaper than ever, getting to the port city on a scheduled airline at the last minute probably won't be, she warns.
To find a deal, savvy travelers shop around by talking to a travel agent and surfing the Web.