Deal of the Week: Escape To Munich (2/01/2002)

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Diana: You're listening to the Savvy Traveler, I'm Diana Nyad, and it's time for our Deal of the Week, which means, of course, Rudy Maxa, our travel expert in residence, is back with us. Hi Rudy.

Rudy: Hi Diana

Diana: So, where to this week?

Rudy: Why not surprise your Valentine with a trip in March to one of Germany's most fun cities, Munich?

Diana: You know me -- anything that gets me to Europe is just fine with me.

Rudy: Well, that's a good point. You can fly into Munich and from there go almost anywhere else on the Continent.

Diana: But Rudy, Munich in March? Isn't it cold? I mean, let's go south -- like the Caribbean, what we were talking about earlier.

Rudy: Well, yeah, it is warmer down south, but March is a great time for Germany because that's when Lufthansa begins new nonstop service between Munich and New York's JFK airport. And, you know, when an airline inaugurates a new route, it extends special offers in order to get attention -- and business. So, on the first day of March, Lufthansa's new JFK-Munich flight takes to the air -- and right now you can buy a ticket at a special fare of only $280 roundtrip.

Diana: Whoa. You're starting to make a pretty good case for "Springtime in Germany." Too bad it's not Oktoberfest though.

Rudy: Well, by then, I'd expect the fare to be closer to $500 or more, round trip. But Munich is a beautiful launching point for seeing some of Germany's best sites. And even if the beer festival of October isn't on, it's a fun city. And as I said, if you want to go from there to Amsterdam or Paris, or most anywhere else in Europe, there are plenty of connections.

Diana: OK, what's the fine print?

Rudy: That $280 fare is for weekday, coach travel for almost all of March -- until the 27th. But here's the most important detail: You must buy your tickets for March travel by Feb. 18th.

Diana: So today would be a good time to reserve?

Rudy: Anytime you find a fare this inexpensive, it's always best to move early to lock it in.

Diana: Thanks, Rudy. See you next week for another Deal?

Rudy: No question -- thanks, Diana.