Cheers to booking your vacation with the right lead time ! (Image: Anthony Delanoix on Unsplash)

VACATION BOOKING TIMELINE

One of the most popular questions I receive is “when should I book my vacation?” It’s a simple question, and I’ll provide you with a long drawn out answer. Many factors determine the best time to reserve your getaway. Are your dates flexible? Do you want a specific room category or location? Are you traveling with more than two people? Your answer to these questions will determine your best time to book. Is there an exception to every case? Yes. You will know someone who didn’t come close to this timeline and had everything they wanted and more. This is not the norm. Here’s my recommended timeline of when to book.

TEN TO TWELVE MONTHS IN ADVANCE

• Traveling over a holiday or Spring Break
• Alaska Cruise (TWELVE MONTHS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
• Unique itineraries that are only offered once or twice a year
• Early booking savings
• Destination Wedding
• Europe Land or Cruise Vacation
• River Cruises (TWELVE MONTHS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
• You want a specific room location or category

SIX TO NINE MONTHS IN ADVANCE

• Traveling with 3 or more people in your room
• Travel dates are not flexible
• Early booking savings
• Honeymoon
• Hawaii Land or Cruise Vacation

THREE TO FIVE MONTHS IN ADVANCE

• Traveling to the Caribbean between the end of August and the second week in October
• Two people traveling
• Travel dates are flexible

ONE TO TWO MONTHS IN ADVANCE (THE GAMBLER)

• Room category and location are not important.
• The destination is not important. Open to almost anything.
• Travel dates are open (may leave and return any date)

Hope this little vacation booking  “cheat sheet” helps. If in doubt, you can always contact me for a personal consultation about your next vacation plans .

Feature image courtesy of  Stil on Unsplash.