The Early Bird Gets The Worm

Love Nest Suite-picture courtesy of Sandals resorts

I have always been a long term travel planner even before I became a travel consultant. Working around everyone's schedule and counting those travel dollars, getting a head start allows you to save money for the trip, but also book the accommodations that you dream about. We were Disney Vacation Club owners and went in knowing we needed to be booking no later than 7 months ahead of time and for certain accommodations I would be booking at 11 months out. So there I would be calling the school district looking for next year's schedule!

This is something I try to educate my clients about, that by putting a deposit down on a resort or cruise especially if it is a special trip like a honeymoon or a big family celebration is a sort of insurance, because you don't want to settle for whatever is available at a later date on a special trip.
Deposits are usually refundable, it's really a no brainer for your peace of mind to go ahead and reserve.

Popular honeymoon resorts and certain room categories do book up early. Especially those sexy rooms with swim out access or their own pools. Honeymoon reservations in my opinion should be booked as soon as you've found your church and reception location.

Anytime you need a room that sleeps more than 4 or a stateroom that sleeps more then 2. These family type accommodations book up fast, especially at popular times when kids are out of school. Plus when resorts or cruise lines run a kids sail or stay free sale, take advantage of it. If you don't someone else will and when you get around to booking all those maybe already booked.

Luxury cruise lines with unique itineraries or programs, Azamara Club Cruises has a sailing that is centered around the British Open and offers a program that includes golf outings at some of the great  courses in the UK & Ireland. Guess when 2015's golf program was sold out? June 2014. Since these ships are smaller and maybe only offer an itinerary once or twice during a season, it makes sense to reserve early and get your choice of cabins.

Hottest trend in travel? River cruises and even though new ships are introduced every year the demand keeps growing. Playing the waiting strategy may get you a good value on an ocean cruise, but on the river it is going to get you as far as your sofa at your house, since they do book up early. Depending on the line I have seen ships sell out over a year before sailing.

As a travel professional, my job is to make sure you get the vacation that you want not the one you have to settle for. So when you are thinking about that Christmas trip or planning a honeymoon later this year think of that deposit as pre trip insurance. Take the risk of not getting what you desire out of the equation.


  

July: A Traveler's To Do List

       I have been reading about, and reporting in this blog, the projected surge in global personnel travel for the remainder of 2014 and all of 2015.  From projected increases in air travel by the airlines, to massive increases in global hotel demand from companies such as Marriott and Starwood, to cruise lines increasing capacity by double digits to meet projected increase in demand for year round cruises in Europe and Asia; companies in the travel industries project global travel to be above pre-recession levels.  With U.S. personnel travel levels already back, and the European economies starting to recover enough for strong increases in foreign travel projections; and state travel agencies from Australia to Hawaii projecting 10 to 20% annual growth in tourism from Asia over the next 5 years; you can understand where this travel growth will come from.   So I found an interesting article in the July 2014 issue of Conde Nast Traveler, " The Five Things Smart Travelers Should Be Doing This Month", which I thought I would share with you.  If you believe the travel experts, then the old saying of "the early bird and the worm", may just work for you.

Plan Spring Break 2015.  School calendars are out and you should be planning on a destination.  In high demand locations like the Caribbean, experts suggests making reservations asap at the hotel you want.

Consider Japan.  International tourism to Japan is at record levels.  If the cherry blossoms are on your to do list, experts recommend booking 9 months ahead before the hotels and inns become full.

Book your fall weekend getaway.  If your planning a weekend getaway to a small inn or B&B during leaf season, demand is up significantly this year in popular regions such as New England.

Buy your South Pacific airfare now.  If you are thinking of a trip to some South Pacific paradise over the next year, buying your airfare in July historically offers the lowest rates.

Get a jump start on next summer's big trip.  If your planning a major vacation takes time. The sooner you start researching, the more options you will have.  If the the vacation you want includes and event or location with limited capacity, such as that dream safari you always wanted to do, then the global personnel travel surge may make space a premium in 2015.