With Christmas and New Year’s Day falling midweek, travelers have extra flexibility for extended trips this holiday season — but soaring airfare and convenience are top of mind.

"People are gravitating toward what I call ‘comfort travel," says Linh Trieu, of Truescapes. "With global events and the government shutdown on their minds, many Long Islanders are choosing destinations that feel closer or more accessible, like long festive weekends in New York City."

Nicole Brown, of Wonderland and Beyond Travel in Islip, says, "Even if there’s a great sale, airfare is high, so families are weighing travel costs and timing. Many are staying closer or opting for shorter trips."

New York City and nearby

For those looking to embrace the season without boarding a plane, the greater New York regio

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