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 didn't get in on planuary and you’re feeling the itch for something exciting on the calendar, there's always February. This newsletter will walk you through key questions to ask before choosing a destination and the ideal timelines for booking your 2025 trips.

 

The top takeaway? Booking in advance is the best way to ensure that you're snagging the best rooms, hard-to-get experiences, and most desirable details for your next vacation 💫 Bonus points for ‘batch’ booking your trips at the beginning of the year (scroll to the bottom to see how we can help with that).

 

What’s on your calendar this year? I’d love for you to hit reply and share!

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 the right destination for you:

 

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 will feel overwhelming. Defining the pace, energy, and vibe that you want helps ensure the destination fits your desires.

 

The good news? This is where a travel advisor truly shines—matching your dreams with the perfect destination ✨

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 yesterday! Fall is the best time (before you're wrapped up in the festive season). This peak family travel season fills up fast. If you do happen to start now, just have the expectation that the planning process might feel somewhat chaotic and urgent.

 

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. Fall is ideal, winter typically is OK. Spring is stressful, so don't delay much longer if you're not booked yet.

 

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 if you want great availability and minimal hassle.

 

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 for everyone involved…especially for those unique experiences like small, rare cruises (stay tuned…we've got an email coming up in February on this one!).

P.S. If planning the where, how, and when feels overwhelming but you love a life full of travel, our Curated Travel Portfolio could be a great fit. Each year, we work with a small number of clients to map out and plan an entire year of travel for a flat fee. 

 

Curious? Just hit reply or click the link below to learn more.