Airfare Expert: Finding cheap flights to beautiful views

— -- As this travel story in USA TODAY indicates, hotel rooms with a great view are one of frequent travelers' most coveted perks. But since some of these rooms can run as much as $5,000 a night (Le Meurice in Paris), I'll just help you find the cheapest flights to these views. You're on your own for room and board.

So where are the world's best views?

Great views can be found in every corner of the world, but here are three that would intrigue any traveler:

Mountains: Jackson Hole, Wyo.

Iconic landmarks:New York City

Water:Lake Como, Italy

What airports do I fly into?

Jackson Hole

As with other somewhat remote destinations, you might want to consider a larger airport for cheaper airfare; however in this case, the closest airport of size is Salt Lake which is about a five hour drive to Jackson.

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC): This small but beautiful airport is served by American, Delta, Frontier, Skywest and United, although some flights are seasonal only. Plenty of taxis to get you into town or try one of the reasonably-priced shuttle buses (from $30 to $47 round-trip). Best of all, you don't have to go anywhere to enjoy the view; the entire airport is located within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park.

New York

For flights to the Big Apple, pick one of the big three airports; all feature rental cars, taxis, car service and a variety of public transit options including bargain-priced airport express bus service (round-trip from Manhattan to your airport for less than $30):

LaGuardia Airport (LGA): The smallest of New York City's airports is also closest to Manhattan; it is served by most U.S. domestic and Canadian airlines, including discount carriers such as AirTran, Frontier, JetBlue and Southwest.

John F. Kennedy International (JFK): This is the busiest international passenger gateway to the U.S. and features just about every big international airline you've ever heard of; it's also served by low-cost carrier Virgin America and is home base for JetBlue.

Newark Liberty International (EWR): Though situated in New Jersey, this facility is only 15 miles from midtown-Manhattan; it too is served by most U.S. airlines and scores of international carriers plus discounters like Frontier, JetBlue and Southwest.

Lake Como

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): Milan's airport is less than 30 miles from Lake Como and features many international carriers, including American and Delta. Shuttle buses depart Terminal 1 every 20 minutes for the Milan's central train station where you can catch a train to Como San Giovanni; or, get off at the Saronno station and connect to a Como train that lets you off at Como Lago station. You can also rent a car and drive the A8 motorway to the lake area.

What prices can I expect on flights to these cities?

Jackson: You'll be hard pressed to find airline tickets for under $500 round-trip to Jackson unless you're lucky enough to live in Salt Lake, Denver or Minneapolis, where prices tend to be $75 to $150 cheaper.