Sherman's Travel

Get an early start on your winter vacation plans with airberlin‘s rock-bottom rates on flights to Europe. Ski in the Alps or spend the holidays in Berlin with round-trip airfare to Austria, Switzerland, and Germany for as low as $627 from the U.S.

Sample round-trip fares from New York City include:

• Dusseldorf: $597
• Berlin: $627
• Zurich: $636
• Hamburg: $679
• Dresden: $679
• Vienna: $721
• Munich: $727
• Salzburg: $782

Low fares are also available to the same cities from Miami (from $687), Fort Meyers (from $712), and Los Angeles (from $796).

Travel is valid on select dates from November 1, 2012 through February 28, 2013, though we found the lowest rates from mid-January through late February. Visit airberlin.com and enter your cities and dates using the booking engine on the left-hand side. This sale ends August 31, so lock in your flights while these low rates last.

For more trip-planning information, see our Europe destination guide.

Retreat to an elegant mountain resort in the Austrian Alps this summer. Stay at the 4-star Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort, a renowned Design Hotels property, for only $153 per night for three nights. You’ll save over 30% on seasonal rates, plus receive daily breakfast and all applicable taxes.

The designer behind Hotel Kitzhof combines traditional alpine materials with contemporary lines to create a ruggedly upscale space. Enjoy views of the snow-capped Alps from the lobby’s panoramic windows, local specialties in four hotel restaurants, and unique cocktails at the Kitz Lounge. The property also features an indoor swimming pool, a spa, fitness facilities, and a garden. All rooms include complimentary high-speed Internet, leather armchairs, flat-screen TVs, and desks made from antique wood.

Hotel Kitzhof is just a five-minute walk from Kitzbuhel, a medieval town renowned for its picturesque cobblestone streets, incredible vistas, and world-class outdoor sports, including mountain biking, hiking, tennis, and golf.

To book, visit the Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort website and enter your travel dates. Rates for the Design Hotels 3FOR2 Promotion will appear; pricing is listed in Euros. Or, call 800-337-4685 and mention the same promotion.

See our Austria destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our TravelSearch price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights.

Take the family to picturesque Switzerland and save on travel throughout the country with the Switzerland Family Rail Sale from Rail Europe Inc. and Switzerland Tourism. Travelers can choose the Swiss Pass, which allows two traveling adults and their children (16 and under) to enjoy eight days of consecutive travel for $610 in first class or $408 in second class. Or, those seeking more leniency, can choose the Swiss Saver Flexi Pass, which allows two adults and their children to travel any three days, consecutive or non-consecutive, within one month for $408 in first class or $270 in second class! Also included in this offer is the Swiss family card, which allows children 15 years of age and under to ride for free on trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland. Additionally travelers get one free adult ticket and 50 percent off the second for the Mt. Titlis Peak cable-car ride (a $57 value per ticket, kids under 16 ride free) and a Swiss Museum Pass, offering free access to over 400 museums throughout the country! Travel must take place within six months of purchase.

THE VALUE: The passes save each adult 50 percent on rail travel!

THE CATCH: Book by May 5, 2011.

THE DETAILS: To book, visit, www.raileurope.com or www.MySwitzerland.com/rail.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find low rates on flights to Switzerland.

Visit our Switzerland Travel Guide and discover all that awaits you!

Lufthansa is giving travelers the opportunity to combine that coveted ski vacation with travel to Europe. Carve your way through Europe’s spectacular mountains by day and stroll its historic cities at night for as little as $266 each way! Take off to Milan, Munich, Oslo, Zurich, Vienna, Geneva, and more, and ski at iconic destinations throughout the Alps and Scandinavia! Flights leave from cities nationwide for travel between December 24 and March 31, 2011. Tickets must be purchased by January 6, 2011.

Sample One-Way Fares to Europe (Excluding Taxes):
•    New York?Milan, Italy: $266
•    Philadelphia?Basel, Switzerland: $276
•    Washington, D.C. –Oslo, Norway: $296
•    Miami?Vienna, Austria: $337
•    And more!

THE VALUE: These rates can save you up to $300!

THE CATCH: Taxes and fees apply. The Blackout period is between January 1 and January 5, 2011.

THE DETAILS: To book your flight, visit www.lufthansa.com.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the perfect accommodations during your trip.

Check out our European section on the 20 Sweet Spots for Winter Value!