When it comes to planning your dream vacation, timing is everything. While some trips can be organized at the last minute, certain destinations require a longer lead time.
Below are 7 experiences where booking 9-12 months in advance is essential for a truly unforgettable experience.
1. Alaskan Cruises
An Alaskan cruise offers breathtaking views of glaciers, wildlife, and rugged landscapes that are unmatched anywhere else. With a short cruising season from May to September, these cruises are in high demand, especially for itineraries that include Glacier Bay or visits to remote towns like Skagway and Ketchikan.
I am already seeing limited availability on many sailings in 2025, so reach out soon if you’re hoping to cruise to our 49th state.
2. Eclipse Cruises
Booking an eclipse viewing cruise a year in advance gives you the opportunity to secure a spot on a ship positioned for an optimal view of this rare event. These cruises tend to fill up quickly, so early planning ensures you’ll have a place onboard.
By booking ahead, you can fully prepare for this unique experience, making sure you’re ready to witness the eclipse in a setting designed for this special occasion.
Cruises for the August 2026 eclipse are available now!
3. Expedition Cruises to the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. As a protected area with strict visitor limits, availability on Galapagos expedition cruises is highly competitive.
Booking a year in advance is essential to ensure you get a spot on your desired itinerary, whether you’re hoping to snorkel with sea lions, hike to see giant tortoises, or explore the unique landscapes of these volcanic islands.
4. European River Cruises
European river cruises, such as those along the Danube, Moselle, or Douro rivers, provide a serene and immersive way to explore Europe’s history, culture, and scenic beauty. These cruises are extremely popular, especially during the summer and fall, when the weather is ideal for cruising.
Due to limited cabin availability and the popularity of these routes, planning and booking a year in advance ensures you get the itinerary, cabin, and travel dates that work best for you.
5. Holiday Cruises
Booking a holiday cruise a year in advance is a smart move, especially if you're planning to travel with a group.
By booking early, you may lock in your rooms at a low group rate and secure your cabins near one another.
By knowing your plans in advance, you can book your flights when they open for reservations, when flight prices are usually lowest for peak travel times. This applies to Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break cruises.
Plan ahead to enjoy a festive, stress-free holiday cruise with family and friends!
6. Inaugural Season Cruises
Booking an inaugural season cruise a year in advance is the best way to hop onboard and experience a new vessel. New ships generate a lot of excitement, and cabins tend to sell out quickly.
By reserving early, you ensure your place on board so you to be among the first to experience the ship's new features, entertainment, and dining options. From the upcoming Disney Destiny to Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas and Windstar’s Star Seeker, there are many new vessels coming into service in 2025.
Reach out for more information!
7. African Safaris
An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether you’re planning to visit the Serengeti in Tanzania, the Maasai Mara in Kenya, or Kruger National Park in South Africa, early booking is essential.
A year gives you the time needed to reserve spots in exclusive lodges, secure guided tours, and plan your trip around the best wildlife viewing times.
Booking your vacation a year in advance might seem like a long lead time, but for these destinations, it’s the key to maximizing your experience.
If you’re ready to start planning, I’m here to help.
Reach out to schedule a call, and together we’ll turn your “someday” into “remember when”.
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