I wish I had a crystal ball.
Then I would know when to book everyone’s all-inclusive vacation. As Travel Agents we see trends year after year,
we monitor the sales and deals, and we can give you a pretty good idea when to
book.
It’s the third week in January, if you are not
already booked to go away this winter, you will most likely not get a deal or,
save money.
I understand that some
people don’t have a choice. They have to
book last minute. They can’t get the
time off work, the kids don’t have their hockey schedule, the in-laws are sick
and can’t watch the dog. We all have
busy, complicated lives. I get it.
However, if you can plan ahead, here is a little advice. Book early.
I mean as early as August, but certainly before the end of
November. Last year I booked my vacation
in November. We watched the price,
looked at highs and lows for the resort we wanted and then booked when the
price hit its lowest. The next week, our
resort sold out. If we had waited for last minute we would not have got what we wanted.
That’s the service your travel agent should provide. If they are not, get a new Agent. Using a Travel Agent does not mean you are
week, or that you don’t understand the internet, or that you are not a world class
traveler. It means that you are secure
enough in yourself to ask for help.
I give this advice now because we are dealing with a lot of disappointed people. The phones are ringing off the hook with people
wanting to go to Cuba for $800. The taxes
and fees alone are $400. They expect a seat on a plane, a roof over their heads, a bed to sleep in, and all the food they can eat and drink for $400. The resorts
are at 90 – 100% capacity and they don’t need to sell off anything.
When the resorts are full, they have to put people every
room. Even the ones that need repair. Last week, we had a customer that didn’t have
a toilet seat in the bathroom. The
resort was filling every room they had to keep up with the demand.
Don’t get me wrong, I think you should travel this time of
year, it is the greatest feeling to be warm when the rest of your world is
freezing. Just be realistic. If the budget will allow, upgrade the star
rating of your resort. Upgrade your room category
If your room category is “Super Saver" or “Daily Deal” you’re
not getting a room, you’re getting a broom closet. What is “Super Saver”? That’s not a room category. Don’t get caught with the “last minute”
people with rooms that overlook the parking lot.
My advice to you: Whenever possible in life, Upgrade, You’ll never regret it.
