WHEN TO BOOK TRIPS
– By Marianne Vogel
S pring brings thoughts of new beginnings and new life
– and the same goes for us all: We need to get rid of those
winter doldrums and think about positive things!
The most positive thing I can think of is travelling, and
that sometimes – well most of the time – takes planning:
Planning for time off from your daily activities; whether it is
work, family obligations or events that sometimes cloud up
our whole lives or take them over. Even if it is a day trip, plan
to do something fun and entertaining, outdoors if possible
and with a bunch of other like-minded people.
When planning for summer vacations you have to plan
early, especially if it is an Alaska Cruise for instance; plan
for that a year ahead because cruise lines are not only looking
at you for a sale but the whole world! Cruise lines have ‘wave
season’ which covers about 2 months (January and February)
when they have all kinds of specials on, from free gratuities
(which can really add up on a cruise, and they are mandatory
to all passengers) and up to $500 dollars or more for in-board
credits, free beverage packages, and the list goes on. These
specials may be offered at other times of the year, but these
are the times when they put their push on.
October and November are also good months to book
European cruises, and cruises for the following winter –
such as for exotic places like Africa. Plan at least a year in
advance if you are especially thinking of fall cruising; book
by July 2018 for September 2019, seriously! Availability is
scarce, and if you want to go then book early. For example,
Oberammergau (see photos, below) is now booking for
2020 – and yes, right now there is capacity to me to book
that for you, but even that won’t last!
When it comes to vacation packages, start looking for
winter trips in July and August, but make sure you book by
September 30th because that is when the best pricing is on,
and with the most discounts offered for the best properties.
At least look at booking by no later than October 30th when
they “delist” all the specials, like options that allow you to
cancel or change your dates up to 7 days in advance without
penalties, or when they offer free cancellation insurance on
your package.
Best vacation package pricing is about 6-8 weeks before your
trip; if you miss that deadline don’t expect any spectacular
discounts.
Right: Village of
Oberammergau.
Insets: Painted
buildings
and streets in
Oberammergau.
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