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We’ve been keeping an eye on flights out of Denver International Airport so you don’t have to. As you make your early 2018 travel plans, consider these four new routes.
Palm Springs, California
Frontier Airlines is in the midst of doubling its number of nonstop routes nationwide, and that includes adding direct service between Denver and Palm Springs. The seasonal flight—it launched November 10 and will run through May 20—runs once a day, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. We’ve spotted flights as low as $34 one-way (of course, that doesn’t include all the extras you need to pay for).
When You Get There: This desert town is much more than the gateway to Coachella music festival. Escape Colorado’s frigid months by exploring the area’s art galleries, including the Palm Springs Art Museum, golf courses, top-rated restaurants, and hiking trails (check out Indian Canyons, Coachella Valley Preserve, or Mount San Jacinto State Park).
Reno, Nevada
Frontier is also restarting its nonstop flight between the Mile High City and Reno-Tahoe International Airport (it was discontinued in 2007). Service began November 21 and will be offered three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday). Flights start at $49 one-way.
When You Get There: It’s time to stop thinking of Reno as Las Vegas’ less cool cousin. The “Biggest Little City in the World” has plenty to offer visitors, including a revamped MidTown District, guided food tours, an abundance of street art, and the chance to tackle the world’s tallest climbing wall, at Whitney Peak Hotel (pictured below). Bonus: Lake Tahoe, which straddles California and Nevada, and its myriad area ski resorts sits just 35 miles southwest of the airport.
Panama City, Panama
On December 11, Copa Airlines will begin direct flights between Denver and Panama City. The five-and-a-half hour flights will be available four days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday), though passengers will land in Panama the following morning.
When You Get There: Wander the streets of Casco Viejo, the charming old town neighborhood, which was founded around 1673. Take in the famous Panama Canal from the Miraflores Visitors Center. Plan an overnight trip to the San Blas Islands, visit some ruins, or grab a bite at the fish market—there’s no shortage of ways to occupy your time here.
On the Horizon: Zurich, Switzerland
If you’re one of those people who likes to plan the year’s vacations early, here’s a tip: Swiss airline Edelweiss Air is adding a seasonal, direct flight to and from Zurich starting in June. The twice-a-week, 10-hour flight will leave Denver on Monday and Friday, arriving in Switzerland the next day. In its first year, the route will be offered from June 4 through October 26.
