Happy Summer Everyone!
So many of you who follow me on Facebook may have heard this once or twice in the past weeks... PLAN IN ADVANCE. It is the way the best deals are reserved, while you the traveler and consumer still get choices!
You (and I) have heard over the past years; "Oh, wait until just before you want to go~ you'll pay so much less!" That may have been true from 2008 - 2010 during the worst part of our "Great Recession". But it's just not true anymore! And has never been true regarding the airlines!
The cruise lines are the worst offenders, and to a degree still perpetuate this bad advice! So I will say this; if you have nothing else going on in your life, and can leave for a week at the drop of a hat- then for you this bad advice may apply. Every once in a great and rare occasion a ship, on a particular date, may not be filling up as they need it to be. Only then will they offer some lower rates to generate last minute interest. But today as our economy begins to strengthen, people are feeling more comfortable again going on vacations. So there is no longer a 'need' for these last minute tactics. The ships are full, so they don't need to give them away!
Next area where I still see this "last minute theory" thrown at you~ the internet of course! For the travel industry in particular, those huge "do it yourself" booking engines. They have people so incredibly convinced, I almost do not know where to start! Specifically with regards to advance bookings vs. last minute, again if you are able to leave this Friday, they sometimes do get some insane deals! But who of us really has that level of freedom? If not because of the money, the kids, the house, or the pets? The other huge thing about these very large websites, they have been "called out" by those of us in the industry many times! I myself have found pricing for "garden view" hotel rooms, next to pictures and descriptions for oceanfront "club level" rooms! When this was brought to the attention of my hotel partners- well they almost had a heart attack! Within one hour, that very large and well known site was forced to remove that information completely! So I just ask that people be aware. Do some research and get ideas of what you want... then call an expert!
Another topic that is near and dear to this Travel Professional's heart... Disney! Disneyland and Walt Disney World are more popular than ever! Even Disneyland is a "must have a reservation- destination"! Many times I have heard this comment; "Oh, it's only Disneyland, I'll just do it myself!" But it's so much more today than it was in years past! It costs you no more~ and by using a Disney Travel Professional, you get so much more!
Then there is Walt Disney World in Florida! If you have been there before, and recently, then you understand. But for those whose only experience is Disneyland or you have not been to "the World" in some time, you have a BIG surprise coming! Walt Disney World is 42 square miles big! There are four theme parks; Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. You will also have access to two amazing water parks and four golf courses! Not to mention the lakes and all the water craft available for you! Then of course there is the excitement and shopping and dining and nightlife that is DownTown Disney! Walt Disney World has also become a dining destination... did you know that? The restaurants and specialty dining is so poplar that reservations are made starting six months- 180 days- in advance! Many of the most popular are literally sold out- minutes after the clock ticks on that six month mark! So again what I am trying to say... let an expert, someone who spends time there for a living help you!
In closing; there are some of you saying, "but if I book in advance- I'm going to miss out on the sales that are coming!" My first reaction is always- you do not know for sure, none of us do, if there is even going to be a sale! But here's the guarantee; all the vacations I plan are in fact "guaranteed". If the rates go down- you still get that rate! Making a deposit on a vacation six, nine, twelve months from now does not "lock you in"- you can still change it! So you are taking zero monetary risk, because in many cases your deposit is also completely refundable! So what are you waiting for?
I hope you will consider these points, and I strongly encourage your questions and comments. Sharing my expertise, working hard on your behalf, looking out for you and your family... it's why I am here!
Just my thoughts and opinions... from this Travel Professional!
