With the mantra of “experiences over things” becoming a popular refrain, travel is HOT right now. Spontaneity is a beautiful thing, but not so much when it comes to planning vacations, particularly during busy times when practically everything sells out months in advance.
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| Curtain Bluff, Antigua |
Your spring break travel should probably have been booked last fall, but all is not lost for an escape from the arctic blast…there is still some availability in Mexico, the Caribbean and Florida for March and April.
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| Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy |
NOW is the time to plan for those summer vacations…if you are renting a beach house, people often book a year in advance. Going to Europe this summer? Now is the best time to purchase your flights.
And, it also isn’t too early to plan your holiday travel. I definitely wouldn’t wait much beyond late spring to book if you plan to travel in the last two weeks of December and want the best selection of places to choose from.
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| Crystal Symphony off Sydney, Australia |
Thinking of a cruise or small group tour? You would be amazed how early certain tour dates or stateroom categories sell out. Optimum time for booking these – nine months before travel.
Want to use miles to book your flights? There is increasingly limited availability of award seats, so be ready to book as soon as the seats are added to the airline’s inventory – usually 330 days in advance of travel.
It is hard to commit to plans so far in advance with lives that are constantly changing, but if you know your children have vacation in March or your entire family always travels for New Year’s, then why should this year be any different? Purchase a solid travel insurance plan, in case of emergency, and just mark your calendar in ink!
Won’t it be nice to have something to look forward to throughout the year?
Good morning Sandy! Well, did I tell you that we booked our hotel and flight for Carmel? YES! A simple plan for 10 days in the summer, right in the center of Carmel. SO EXCITED!
Have a great day my friend, Anita
So true. Planning ahead is important. But sometimes last minute deals are good too. I am always excited to go on vacation to far away places.
I so wish I could twitch my nose and be at the beautiful locales. I am dying to go to Bora Bora, but just so dread the thoughts of getting there…the actual travel is not what it used to be but so worth it when you arrive!! Happy Monday, Sandy!
Thank you Sandy for the reminder, you are so right…you THINK I would learned this from booking a trip 2 weeks before Christmas, lol. Planning ahead is always a smart idea as long as there is travel insurance:) Enjoy your day!
As I've learned from experience…advance planning is KEY!!!!! Luckily, we'll be visiting friends in Colorado for Spring Break but as soon as we can decide what to do for summer, we'll be calling you!!!!
xoxo Elizabeth
Such a good tip, Sandy, and you are so right! But admittedly we rarely plan very far in advance. Over the weekend we were discussing a possible international trip – next month. Somehow we muddle through, but I known we would be wise to heed your advice and make some advance plans! 🙂 XOXO
I am generally terrible at planning well in advance. Well, that's not entirely true. I usually start planning but then drag my feet on actually booking flights. I promise to get better about this!
Great post, Sandy. And for anyone who is looking for the best travel agent in the world, contact Sandy. She is simply the best!!!!
Sandy,
My spontaneous self is feeling very guilty but travel does indeed take great care and foresight to plan ahead.
What I love most about you, is that you really validate your own service and how vital you are to making memorable journeys. Now, can we talk about a trip to the grocery? You must have some clever tips for wandering close to home.
pve
Sandy,
Not sure if I ever mentioned this to you but I was lucky enough to fly the Concorde to Paris (for work) when I was pregnant with my twins. It was truly out of this world. I think travel today can be less than elegant – but planning ahead sure does create excitement and put the "quality" back in what can be stressful and exhausting.
pve
I love your posts And following your adventures Sandy. I have a streak of wanderlust that is growing but situations at home keep me close. But I love to dreM and plan and your wonderful tips and photos expand my dreams. Have. Great week friend! Xo Nancy