Ready to travel but not sure when to book? Timing is everything when it comes to getting the most out of your trip, from price to room choice to your overall experience. Let’s dive in to see how you can save!
Why Booking Timing Matters
- Price Hikes: Booking early helps to avoid potential price hikes as your trip gets closer, especially if you’re looking to travel during peak seasons. Often, as rooms or cabins for cruises fill up, companies will implement a price increase due to the high demand and lessening of availability. Plane fares are a known example of this jump in pricing that can usually be avoided by planning ahead.
- Room Selection: Suites, VIP, oceanview, and balcony cabins on cruises, luxury, and other highly desired rooms are often the first to be taken. Booking early gives you a step ahead on securing the room you’re most comfortable in.
- Special Deals: Early-bird specials, early-booker discounts, and group perks are just a few of the deals you could score when you plan ahead!
- Peace of Mind & Planning: As your trip approaches, having a plan in place lets you relax and enjoy, rather than rushing. Plus, you may find that you’re able to add more excursions or adventures!
Different Types of Trips
Cruises
Cruises are a standout type of trip when it comes to booking. Aim to book 6–12 months in advance for most sailings. This timeframe often offers lower base fares, a wider range of cabin availability, and onboard promotional perks. Cabin availability is a large factor when it comes to cruise booking, as most passengers prefer to have an exterior, oceanview room, often with a balcony, rather than the interior rooms. If you’re interested in premium or specialty suites, consider booking 12–18 months ahead.
Seasonal Cruises often fill up more quickly, and booking is recommended 8-12 months in advance. Alaskan and European cruises’ peak-season is in the summer.
An additional side-note that can become risky: If you’re flexible with dates, departure ports, and cabin selection, last-minute deals within 90-days of sailing may offer savings. However, this risk is best suited for experienced travelers, those who do not want or need specific cabins, and those who do not have a strict schedule.
Flights
Booking early with flights is usually a huge money-saver. The general consensus is to book domestic flights 2-4 months in advance and international flights 5-8 months in advance.
Setting alerts with travel tools like Google Flights, Hopper, or other airline apps that keep up with fluctuating flights can potentially help you to find the best price.
Hotels & Land Tours
Booking for hotels and land tours usually depends primarily on where you’re traveling. Destinations to major cities, especially if you’re going during peak season, are best to book 6-12 months ahead. For smaller towns and off-peak season, 3-6 months is generally fine.
Keep in mind that the earlier you book, the more likely you are to avoid price hikes and lack of availability, but instead, have better rooming choices and possible free cancellation options.
Book Your Trip Sooner Rather Than Later!
Planning ahead usually means better value, better selection, and better peace of mind. Giving yourself a six-month (or longer) window will help turn your dream vacation into a reality, plus help you find some potential savings, with less stress and with the best bang for your travel budget!
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This article reminds me of the movie, “Sleepless in Seattle”. When the children were scheming to get the boy a flight to NYC, he asked his friend (whose mom was a travel agent) how much it will cost and the friend replied, ” no one knows, it changes all the time”. This is how I feel every time I need to book a flight. I too have become that person that says, one never knows how much the flight costs until you book it. I have 2 trips coming up this year and thank goodness my kids always get me a generous airline gift card for Christmas. Glad to read this article which gives some good pointers.