The Azores, a cluster of nine volcanic islands off the coast of Portugal, is one of the most popular new destinations to emerge in travelers’ collective consciousness. You may even know it as the next Iceland.Appealing for its lush greenery, ancient hot springs, proximity to the United States (just a five-hour flight) and increased connectivity, the Azores have never been more attractive for US-based travelers. And it’s never been more affordable, either.Families traveling with young children can soon — as of Aug. 20 — score deep discounts on flights to the Portuguese archipelago with Azores Airlines. For a limited time, the airline is giving children between the ages of 2 and 11 a 50% discount on the lowest-published fare, not including surcharges or airport taxes.Photo by Florent Gluck on UnsplashAccording to a spokesperson for the airline, Jayme Simōes, the airline’s commercial director, Gavin Eccles, is hoping to “encourage families looking for [a destination] that is safe, close and great for families” to consider the Azores.“Parents, like me, want to show kids a new place that inspires and amazes,” Simōes told TPG. “But [a destination] that is not too far, safe, affordable [and] family-friendly.” As Simōes pointed out, Portugal was ranked one of the top five safest countries in the world this year. And the cuisine is delightfully inexpensive.View of the town of Horta on Faial Island in the Azores, Portugal. (Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)Outdoorsy families, in particular, will find a number of fun diversions during a trip to the Azores, including whale watching, hiking, snorkeling and laid-back beach days.Sign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.To take advantage of this deal, parents must book travel between Aug. 20 and Sept. 9 for trips from Boston (BOS) to the Azorean island of São Miguel (PDL). Travel dates are valid between either Nov. 1 and Dec. 18, or between Jan. 10 and April 30, 2019. And yes, that does mean serious savings on winter and spring vacations for the family. You must book directly with Azores Airlines’ website or by phone (800-762-9995). Because the promotion hasn’t yet started, if you’re hoping to take advantage, you’ll want to wait until Aug. 20 to get the discount.Photo by Mikita Karasiou via UnsplashFlying with a little one younger than two? Parents for even tinier tots will get the standard discount of 90% to 95% off the standard fare (before surcharges and airport taxes).At this time, Azores Airlines operates nine weekly flights from BOS to PDL (on shiny new Airbus A321neos).
