Find Your Elsewhere – April 2024
I HATE TO SAY IT, BUT the era of last-minute travel deals as a cost-effective option is pretty much over. In today’s travel landscape, booking in advance is a smarter strategy to grab better deals and ensure you get the vacation you really want.
Whether planning a cruise, booking a hotel, or securing flights, getting in early can offer a variety of benefits. When it comes to cruises, the most popular routes and cabins tend to fill up quickly, especially for peak travel seasons or special events. By booking a year or even two in advance, you can ensure you get the exact dates, destinations, and accommodations you desire.
When planning a cruise, hotel reservation, or flight, early booking can offer several benefits. Popular cruise routes and cabins often fill up quickly, especially during peak travel periods or holidays. Securing your spot one or even two years beforehand ensures you get your preferred ship, dates, destinations, and cabin category. Travel agencies (like Elsewhere Travel) often have access to special group rates for certain sailings when booked well in advance, some with added perks such as On-Board Credits, pricing discounts, and packages that include alcoholic beverages, specialty drinks, and free Wi-Fi.
Hotels and resorts can get booked up fast, especially in sought-after destinations or during the busiest times of the year. By reserving your room up to a year ahead, you not only secure your preferred room type but can often benefit from early booking discounts and promotions. Plus, having your accommodation sorted well in advance can take a lot of stress out of trip planning, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your vacation.
Booking flights early can significantly enhance your travel experience. Airlines typically release flight schedules 330 days in advance, so reserving your seats in advance can result in better prices, preferred seating, and more convenient flight times. When using airline or credit card miles, my advice is to book as soon as the flights are open for booking. If you’re paying with cash, opinions differ, but I suggest booking at least 6 months in advance to secure availability and potentially better pricing.
A helpful tip: Flying Monday through Wednesday might also help you save some money.
So, next time you’re planning a getaway, embrace the trend and book early!