We all have things going on in our lives, I am no exception! The fact that my first blog post is only now appearing is proof of that! But my #1 most important piece advice and tip to you... plan in advance! The further in advance the better!
We used to say that a full year was the best choice. I think that in today's market for most times of the year that six to eight months is fine. However if you are traveling during any high seasons, or holidays then you absolutely should be thinking a year in advance! The number one time of year that this rule is applicable is of course the Christmas/New Year holiday. This starts around mid December, and runs through around the 10th of January. The other times of year this applies; Thanksgiving, Spring Break (Easter; two weeks before, and two weeks after), and of course summer. Those traditional months from June through the end of August do still apply in most parts of the country!
Once your time frame is chosen, the dates are of course very important! But whenever possible you need to be flexible. Many people have the idea that a specific "day of the week" is always going to be less money. Wrong! It's all about "availability" my friends! As some people know; airline scheduling and routes, are released by the airlines 331 days in advance. It used to be, that was when they offered their very lowest fares! Unfortunately that is not always the case today. This is one of those really important reasons to work with a Travel Expert... because we know if the fare currently offered is a good one, or if it is still a bit high!
Then there is of course the endless debate over "packages" vs. booking each component separately. This is a topic I am very passionate about! It is now, and always has been~ packages! But I believe in this because your vacation experience should be all about, and so much more than... the total! When you work with a vacation planning expert, it is our job to make the entire time feel stress-free, easy, and seamless for you! "Life happens, when you try and make plans!" It's always been one of my favorite sayings! If you work with an expert; and the morning of your departure someone becomes ill, and unable to travel. All you do is make one call, or send one text, and all the details are taken care of for you! If you have done this yourself, and booked airline, car, hotel, and activities separately? Think about it!
So now the "basics" have been planned. Maybe you have been to this destination before, and maybe you have not! This topic is another of my "hot buttons"! You simply can not research, and ask the internet for information you do not know anything about! This is my favorite part of vacation planning for my guests, or as I say; "This is when my services and expertise really kick-in!" I am able to recommend and advise all of my guests on all there is to see and do. I help with the "logistics"; how to get from point A to point B, and how long it takes to get there! I am able to share personal experiences, because I have been there, and done that myself! If I have not visited your vacation destination recently, I have associates and other Travel Professionals in my network that have! We all share our knowledge, so our guests get the very best always!
In the end... the only thing that really matters, the only thing that you will remember, is the "experience" after you got there! The memories (hopefully great ones), and the fun! The cost will no longer (big or small) be what you are thinking about. It will be about the amazing things you did, and saw while on that vacation! We believe sincerely; that no amount of money saved will have been worth it, if you do not have a great time!
The next time you are thinking about a vacation, please contact a Travel Expert! Because we know that the fun and excitement should begin from that first contact!
Very insightful and timely advice, my dear friend!
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