A sunny summer vacation is a great way to take time for self care or even enjoy a family trip. But planning a summer vacation can be a tricky thing, since there are so many moving pieces. Especially since a summer vacation should be a restorative time with the least amount of stress possible.
The time to plan trips has seemingly gotten earlier and earlier over the years. This is especially due to the increasing number of tourists. Bookings are getting filled up quicker, so planning early is wise. Early planning (and booking) for travel is a great way to ensure availability of top notch experiences and even better deals.
Whether travelers want to have a quick domestic summer vacation or an extended international trip, there are certain times to plan. Traveling during the summer is internationally popular, so the amount of people trying to book the same things can be overwhelming. Since the summer is generally considered the universal high travel season it is wise for travelers to think ahead. To enjoy some of the best weather, affordable prices and top experiences travelers should plan summer vacations at certain times of the year. Check out the best times to plan summer vacations and what to consider.
When To Plan Summer Vacations
If travelers are planning to have an extended stay in very popular places, the earlier they plan the better. The winter before their potential trip is a great time to start planning and looking at availability. Since summer is a popular time to travel, travelers may notice inflated prices going to some destinations during the popular season. Getting ahead of the spike in prices is a must for summer vacation.
Early April is another great time to plan out a summer vacation trip. Mid spring, at the latest, is the ideal time to secure vacation plans for the summer. This time period will generally be a bit before the summer booking prices take effect. Although, it may be advisable to start planning up to a year in advance, usually about three months before a trip is okay for shorter trips with flexible dates.
The Best Summer Prices
The sooner travelers buy their flight tickets the better. This is especially true for international travel. Procrastinating travel plans can cost travelers hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Travelers can set up price alerts for flights, so that they can snag their ticket at the most ideal time. Checking price trends for particular airlines may be helpful as well. Whether a traveler is loyal to their favorite airline or they prefer to price hop, having the most up to date information will be helpful to plan a summer vacation. Confirming the cheapest month or week to visit a chosen destination for summer will also help planning.
Airfare is generally cheaper in April (compared to months like May and June), so travelers may catch deals if they book their flight then. But for flights, travelers should be monitoring prices a few months ahead of their trip. By around one to two months before the planned vacation date, travelers should book their ticket. So, for summer travelers that are mindful about budget, this means between March and May are ideal at the latest.
For accommodations, the ideal time to plan really depends on the destination and a traveler’s budget. Travelers should book hotels well ahead of time, so there is not a significant upcharge. But in general, it is wise to book a hotel about one to three months in advance. This early booking will give travelers a chance to have their pick of the best central accommodations.
Foodies and adventure seekers may want to plan other things ahead of time as well. Booking reservations for top rated restaurants and exciting excursions may be a top priority for some travelers. One way to check in on availability is to call into a particular restaurant (or touring company) and ask when they typically are booked up. Reading reviews or reaching out for direct communication may help travelers gauge when they should schedule activities for their trip.