Is There a Right Time?

Well, fellow travelers, the simplest answer to how far in advance you should plan your vacation is – the sooner you start the process, the better. Generally, trip planning should begin anywhere from 3- 24 months in advance. But, read on for a set of straightforward guidelines that will get you thinking about your next getaway…

18+ months

A trip to the Maldives, an African Safari, or a multi-country European summer? You should start planning about 18 months in advance. Consider luxury, boutique lodging with limited availability or multi-destination itineraries that may require a few proposal revisions to find the perfect trip for you.

12-18 months

Think Villas, Castles, Multi-Family Rentals.  If your trip involves rare experiences, famous guides, destination restaurants, or other non-negotiables – then you’ll want to start planning at least a year in advance.  This also includes destinations that are now limiting visitors like Machu Picchu, Antarctica, or even the Amalfi.

Milestone trips: should be planned at least a year in advance. Your reward is the best lodging, airfare, and activity options. As a bonus, this will give you enough time to learn about the destination (culture, language, customs) before you travel so you can feel fully immersed in the destination by the time of travel.   

12-15 months

Holiday Season: Prices are already high and will only rise as inventory runs out. This is especially true during the Christmas or Thanksgiving seasons, but you may be able to plan Spring Break only 6-9 months in advance.  Still one of the most popular vacation times for families or anyone looking to get away from the cold.

Cruises: With early booking incentives (shipboard credits, reduced deposits, and more!), and the best cabins snagged by in-the-know sailors, it’s best to start planning when sailings are released – about a year in advance.  This includes expedition or river cruises to ensure availability for shore excursions and pre/post activities. If you are traveling in a large group or as a family, this will give you a wider range of cabin availability.

*If traveling to the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, South America, South Africa), their seasons are opposite that of the Northern Hemisphere. So their summer is in full swing during our Christmas season, creating a double peak season if traveling during the summer and holiday season.

8-12 months

Peak Season & Summer Travel: This is prime time, particularly in the United States and Europe.

Famous destinations such as the Amalfi Coast and the Greek Islands are beautiful this time of year, but they are on a lot of bucket + revisit lists, so start planning early to secure the trip of your dreams.

1-3 months

Weekend Getaways: Short stays typically do not require as much notice as long as you remain flexible with all the components – flights, lodging, activities, dining, and spa appointments. 

So, How Far in Advance to Plan For Your Next Vacation?

Did that help give you an idea of the optimal time to start planning your next vacation? There really is a lot to think about when it comes to, what seems like, such a simple question. Destination, budget, length of your trip, number of travelers, and any non-negotiable should all be factored into your decision.

What Does This Mean For My Travel Designer/Advisor?

My preference is to book your major trip components around 12 months in advance (air, accommodations + tours), then add transportation and other extras about 6 months prior to your departure. If applicable to your trip, spa, dining, and special request confirmations will take place within the next three months. These requests will be accepted at different times by each destination. For example, we’ll book your luau in Hawaii 6 months in advance, but the Greek islands rarely accept beach club reservations more than 2 months in advance.

The goal is to have all of the pieces of your trip confirmed and outlined on your itinerary for us to review 30 days in advance. This includes local contact information in case of any unexpected needs while traveling. Of course, my clients have access to me before, during, and after their trip as well!

I know you’re insanely busy. Time-starved. And in need of an incredible vacation without the hassle and time involved with planning it yourself. It’s why you reached out to us to fulfill your trip design needs.

Allow us to make your next travel experience unforgettable. Keep the above timeline in mind to ensure we can create the experience of your dreams! Now that you know how far in advance to plan your next vacation, would you like to start the process? Schedule your complimentary consultation HERE.