A strong Canadian dollar also makes departing from a U.S. airport appealing. (Shutterstock)

Q: When it comes to cheap airfare, I have heard it's a good idea to depart from Niagara Falls, N.Y. I'm planning a quick weekend getaway to Florida and thought of giving this a try. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. -- K. YATES, TORONTO

By all accounts, American border airports are seeing an increase in Canadian licence plates at their parking lots. The discount carrier business in the United States is big while Canadian airports charge huge direct and indirect fees, taxes and security charges, which make Canadian airfares much more expensive.

A strong Canadian dollar also makes departing from a U.S. airport appealing but this option is not everyone's cup of tea. There is a convenience factor. Toronto's Pearson International Airport is closer to those flying from the GTA.

There is the cost of gas, border crossings and possibly an overnight stay near the airport of departure to consider.

If you are still game, Vision Airlines is offering a non-stop one-way fare to Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) from Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) for $79 US (plus fees and taxes).

A company spokesperson says the cheap fare is not a special. It's the standard low-rate fare this season. Vision Airlines operates two flights per week (Fridays and Sundays) using a Boeing 737 aircraft. See visionairlines.com. The airline also has flights from Niagara Falls N.Y., to Miami.

On Jan. 28, another small carrier, Spirit Airlines, will also start flying from Niagara Falls to Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Beach three times a week through May 3. See spirit.com.

VPS is located in Destin, Fort Walton Beach. Also known as Florida's Emerald Coast, the area is blessed with 39 km of sugar-white sand beaches bordering emerald green waters.

With cooler winters than south Florida, December through March is "value season," with many deals on accommodation such as 40% off or a fourth night free when you pay for three.

For more, contact the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at emeraldcoastfl.com, 1-800-322-3319 or 850)-651-7131.

ilona@mycompass.ca

Twitter@mycompasstv