December deals on MacArthur Airport flights, Amtrak travel

Still looking for an escape this winter and holiday season? Travelers flying from Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma or hopping on Amtrak from Penn Station can still find last-minute deals for December.

Unlike elevated holiday airfare nationwide, several nonstop warm-weather routes from Ronkonkoma remain under $100 on select dates, thanks to low-cost carriers Breeze, Frontier, Southwest and JetBlue. Rail routes continue to be another smart option for budget-minded travelers heading to East Coast cities with holiday charm, with Amtrak fares often undercutting airline prices and skipping holiday airport crowds altogether.

Below are the destinations showing the strongest value now through the New Year, including when to go for the best fares, festive things to do when you land and the winter temperatures to expect.

Florida favorites

Fort Lauderdale

Warm weather, beaches and a quick hop to Miami

Fort Lauderdale has become one of the most reliable winter bargains out of Ronkonkoma, with holiday boat parades, waterfront dining and a lively New Year’s Eve celebration along Las Olas Boulevard. Travelers headed to Miami can save significantly by flying here instead, as both car rentals and Brightline train service make the connection easy.

Southwest and JetBlue offer nonstop flights with midweek fares starting between $106 to $159 in December. Prices typically peak Dec. 20-Jan. 2.

Typical highs land in the mid-70s, a far cry from Long Island’s freeze.

If you go:

• Flight time: 3 hours 
• Best days to fly: Dec. 10-16
• Lowest fare: $109, Southwest
• Weather: High 75 degrees 

Tip: Flying into FLL and renting a car can shave hundreds off a Miami vacation.

Tampa

A Gulf Coast favorite with theme parks and Cuban food

Breeze and Frontier continue to keep Florida’s west coast affordable, particularly on departures in the middle of the month. Select round-trip fares between Dec. 11 and 18 start at $122 from Breeze and $133 from Frontier, especially when leaving on a Sunday, Monday or Wednesday.

Holiday visitors can stroll the Tampa Riverwalk decked out in lights, or take the short drive to Busch Gardens for seasonal shows. Daily highs often reach the low 70s, which makes beach days and alfresco dining still very much in play.

Frontier’s ultra-low-cost model comes with fees for bags, so factoring those in early can help keep the deal intact. Breeze also offers a "No Flex Fare," which does not allow you to cancel or change your flight but offers the lowest fare.

If you go:

• Flight time: 3 hours
• Best days to fly: Dec. 11-18
• Lowest fare: $122 round-trip, Breeze
• Weather: High 72 degrees 

Orlando

A gift to remember

Theme-park season hits peak crowds over Christmas, but savings appear Dec. 9 to 22. Breeze offers fares as low as $70 on select Sundays and Mondays or fly JetBlue for as low as $99 on Dec. 14 through Dec. 18.

Still gift shopping? Tickets to major parks can hike expenses, so Islip-based travel agent Nicole Brown of Wonderland and Beyond Travel recommends turning the trip into a holiday surprise.

"I’ve had many families who surprise their kids with a trip to Disney for Christmas and leave on Christmas Day. It’s one of my personal favorites to book and plan," she said.

Expect temperatures in the low to mid-70s, meaning sweater weather at night but sunny park days.

If you go:

• Flight time: 3 hours
• Best days to fly: Dec. 9-22
• Lowest fare: $70, Breeze
• Weather: Highs 72-75 degrees 

West Palm Beach

Warmer beaches and good midweek value

A highly popular destination for Long Islanders, mid-December fares can still be found for as low as $99 from JetBlue between Dec. 9 and 19, then rise closer to $350 and even $750 during the core holiday period.

West Palm Beach’s waterfront markets and upscale shopping draw holiday crowds, while beaches and the iconic Worth Avenue remain prime stroll spots under mid-70s sunshine.

If you go:

• Flight time: 3 hours
• Best days to fly: Dec. 9-19
• Lowest December fare: $99, JetBlue
• Weather: High 76 degrees 

Southern escapes

Charleston

Waterfront views and holiday horse-carriage decor

Charleston pairs cobblestones with coastal scenery and December adds garlands, lanterns and horse-drawn carriage rides framed by historic homes. While JetBlue's pricing hovers around $400-$500, Breeze offers flights as low as $49 on Dec. 10 and 17. Dates between those remain affordable, ranging from $69-$89, making the round-trip total less than $200.

Expect highs in the low 60s and lots of opportunities for oyster roasts, boutique browsing and harbor-front sunsets.

If you go:

• Flight time: 2 hours
• Cheapest days to fly: Dec. 10-17
• Lowest December fare: $49, Breeze
• Weather: High 62 degrees 

Nashville

A honky-tonk holiday

Leave for Nashville on Christmas Day and return before the New Year to enjoy rates from Southwest as low as $204. While other carriers like JetBlue have rates for the same dates as high as $550 and Frontier is unavailable, Southwest is the pick if you're looking for a cowboy Christmas.

Daily highs hover near 50 degrees, but the energy in the honky-tonk bars and a Predators hockey game at Bridgestone Arena help keep things warm inside.

If you go:

• Flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes 
• Best days to fly: Dec. 25, 31
• Lowest December fare: $204, Southwest
• Weather: High 50 degrees 

Prefer trains? Amtrak can undercut airfare and stress

With airports at their busiest and bag fees climbing, rail remains a budget-conscious pick for regional trips. 

"It's easy to make the train a part of your vacation," said Lindsay Margolis, a Long Island-based travel agent with ET Travel. "Families can experience a less stressful way to get to their destination that adds an element of adventure."

Amtrak brings riders downtown directly, eliminating transfers required when flying to Baltimore/Washington International Airport.

"Amtrak offers a comfortable, convenient alternative to congested highways and crowded airports all year round — especially during the busy holiday season," said Amtrak executive vice president and chief commercial officer Eliot Hamlisch.

• Washington, D.C., currently ranges $45 to $79 each way in December, with rates lower between Dec. 10 and 18. Smithsonian museums, holiday markets and the National Christmas Tree are easily walkable or Metro-accessible from the station.

• Philadelphia is showing fares as low as $10-$15 each way during early-morning hours and averages $34-$68 just before Christmas, offering a quick trip for holiday shopping at the famed LOVE Park Christmas Village.

Rail travelers also avoid security lines and baggage fees, a welcome reprieve during peak crowds.