You call it January, First name / friend, but in the travel industry, we call it Planuary—the busiest booking season of the year!

 

If you’re feeling the itch for something exciting on the calendar, this will walk you through key questions to ask before choosing a destination, and the ideal timelines for booking your 2025 trips.

 

Pointing blindly at a map might sound quirky and fun, but your travel investment deserves a bit more thought than a pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey moment 🐴

 

Here are a few key questions to help you narrow down your perfect destination:

 

🧐 How long can you be away?: Consider work commitments, family schedules, and how much travel time you’re comfortable with. If your heart says “I'm dreaming of the Maldives!” but your calendar can only spare five nights, a closer destination with white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters might be a better fit.  

🧐 What’s your total investment?: A vacation budget includes more than just flights and hotels—think transportation, tours, meals, tips, and taxes. Clarifying your overall comfort level with both upfront costs and in-destination expenses will help shape a stress-free experience.

🧐 What kind of experience are you craving?: Do you need total stillness and a recharge, or a lively cultural deep dive? If you’re seeking adventure, a secluded boutique hotel may fall flat. If rest is your priority, city-hopping across Europe might feel overwhelming. Defining the pace, energy, and vibe that you want helps ensure the destination fits your desires.

Travel demand has surged over the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. Timing matters when it comes to securing the best rates, accommodations, and experiences. Here's when to start planning different types of getaways:

 

📆 Spring Break: Book RIGHT now! This peak family travel season fills up fast, so securing your plans ASAP ensures better availability and options.

 

📆 Summer Travel: With endless destinations to explore, it’s easy to delay planning—but starting early avoids last-minute stress and secures the best experiences.  Again, time to plan, now. 

 

📆 Holiday Travel: Still recovering from the last holiday season? Plan ahead for 2025! Holiday getaways book up quickly, so aim to plan at least 9 months in advance.

 

📆 Bucket List, Complex Itineraries & Group Travel: The more intricate the trip—whether it's a multi-stop itinerary, a bucket list experience, or coordinating multiple travelers—the more planning time you'll need. Starting up to a year in advance ensures premium availability and a smoother experience.   Talking to you, my Safari Friends! 

P.S. Did this spark your interest or raised questions? Hit the email button below! I’d love to chat about your travel plans and explore how I can help.