Beat the Winter Blues: Expert Early-Bird Booking Tips for Warm Escapes
The Farmers' Almanac's 2017 winter outlook has stirred familiar concerns in our Chicago office—and likely among members in cold climates. It paints a chilling picture of the season ahead.
This forecast has our North American Deal Experts eagerly scouting early-bird warm-weather deals for members (and ourselves). Positive note for East Coast skiers: the Almanac predicts favorable snow conditions.
According to the Almanac editors: "The book, which bases its long-range forecasts on an almost 200-year-old formula, forewarns of a colder-than-normal winter for two-thirds of the nation. Exceptionally cold conditions will prevail over the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, Midwest, Ohio Valley, Middle Atlantic, Northeast, and New England states. The West is spared extremes, with milder-than-normal conditions forecast for many states."
Pro Tips to Score Early-Bird Warm-Weather Deals
- February is predicted as the coldest month—avoid Valentine's Day or Presidents' Day weekends for peak savings.
- Strike when prices look good: Book immediately! Regretting missed sun in San Juan or Hawaii hops would sour the winter more.
- Target all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. Packagers partner early to fill winter rooms, reserving blocks for deals.
- Start the year strong: Use vacation days mid-week for the lowest hotel rates.
- Book cruises now—it's never too early. Fixed itineraries and fierce competition make deals abundant.
- Leverage Travelzoo's hotel search: Enter your dates and destination for top hotels and offers.
- This fall, monitor Today's Best Fares for market-leading airfares up to 90 days ahead.
