When To Start Planning Your Next Vacation
If we had a nickel for every time we heard the age-old question, “When do I need to start planning?” we would be enjoying an early retirement from the comfort of our poolside lounge chair. When it comes to planning a vacation, many travelers are not only unsure of where to start but also when to start. The truth is, there is no easy answer.
We’ll spare you the full lecture about how the early bird gets the worm, but one thing is for sure: planning ahead has its perks. From avoiding sky-high, last-minute rates to having your pick of seats on the flight to securing the room you want at the in-demand hotel, getting an early start always pays off.
Our best advice? Work with your fairy godmother travel advisor to create a long-term travel plan and bippity-boppity-boo, you’ve got a five-year plan of trips that fit like a glass slipper.
For those of us mere mortals who don’t have a crystal ball to see our next vacation, we’ve put together a few general rules of thumb to use as a guide.
The Holidays
10+ months in advance
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas or a cozy cabin getaway, start planning at least ten months in advance. Festive travel tends to book up fast. Think of it like trying to snag tickets to Taylor Swift – but with snow.
Summer
8+ months in advance
Summer is peak travel season. We’d rather be safe than sorry, so a good rule of thumb is to plan at least eight months ahead. And if your summer plans include visiting a European hotspot – looking at you, St. Tropez – plan at least a year in advance. This gives you plenty of time to choose the best dates and secure the villa you’ve been eyeing.
Spring Break
8+ months in advance
Ahh, Spring Break. Or, as we like to call it, the great migration. For a few weeks each spring, hundreds of thousands of travelers flock to their nearest airport to enjoy a week away. No matter where your spring break takes you, start planning eight months in advance to avoid being stuck with a middle seat.
Europe
10+ months in advance
Europe is a year-round charmer, but for the best weather and crowds, aim for ten to twelve months in advance. Plus, you’ll have time to brush up on your French. Encore du champagne, s’il vous plaît!
Bucket List Adventure
15+ months in advance
The bigger the trip, the bigger the lead time. For long-haul trips to places like Australia or South Africa, allow plenty of time to work through the details.
Timing is everything. You may dream of hitting Bondi Beach in July, but your travel advisor is likely to swoop in and remind you that July falls smack dab in the middle of Australia’s winter.
The wildlife you encounter on your game drives is beautifully uninhibited, but the safari planning process is anything but. Careful planning is required months, even a year, in advance. We promise it’s worth the wait!
Caribbean
6+ months in advance
Crystal clear waters and bottomless Piña Coladas await! It may be 5 o’clock somewhere, but when planning a visit to the Caribbean, the countdown should begin six months before you plan to arrive, especially if you’re traveling during hurricane season.
Luxury Cruise
10+ months in advance
All aboard! To secure the best cabins, dates, and activities, start planning your next cruise at least ten months in advance. Or, better yet, book your next cruise before departing from your last with onboard booking.
