Is It Too Soon To Start Booking Your 2026 Vacations? Experts Weigh In
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Sarah Li Cain
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Amen Oyiboke
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Booking a vacation six months to a year in advance may feel like planning way too far ahead, but travel has changed.
Those who plan early are more likely to nab deals and lock in availability before increased demand and fewer options to choose from. In fact, many experts agree that it’s a smart time to begin planning your 2026 travel now.
Why It Makes Sense To Start Booking Now
“Now is absolutely the right time to plan 2026 travel,” said Tracy Jepson, co-founder of scuba diving excursion agency Flying Fish Swim and Scuba. “Many of the trips people will go could be booked as far back as 2023 or 2024 at lower prices and with more flexibility. “
Other experts agree that options like tours, flights and accommodation for peak days are filling up. If you wait too long, it could mean you’re navigating sold-out options, paying more, or having to rethink where you go.
“Booking early gives you lower prices and gives you the flexibility to rebook your trip if airfares or other rates drop, especially if you choose refundable reservations,” said Lee Huffman, travel expert at BaldThoughts.com.
Huffman said award travel availability using airline miles or hotel points is usually booked well in advance, and options become extremely limited closer to the departure date.
Susy May, host of the Wander Worldschool and Slow Family Travel Podcast, emphasized that families often feel pressured to book during peak times, such as school holidays.
While it requires some planning, doing so is usually worth it to ensure you get the trip you want — and stay within your budget.
How Far Ahead To Book Your Vacation
While it’s important to plan ahead, booking too early can sometimes work against you. According to May, the sweet spot for non-peak international travel is about three to six months in advance.
For peak travel periods, May said planning six to 10 months ahead is key.
“These are times when many people are traveling, like major holidays or summer break in different countries,” she said. “Booking ahead for these times will help you get better airfares before prices rise or flights sell out.”
When it comes to domestic travel, you can usually wait a bit longer to book, though availability will depend on the time of year and how popular your destination or route is.
Smart Strategies for Booking Your Next Vacation
All three experts agree that planning ahead and using smart strategies is the best way to book a vacation. For example, May recommends setting up alerts on Google Flights for your desired routes to track the best times to book or find lower fares.
Some services, like Going or Roame, can help you find flash deals or make the most of your credit card reward points.
If you want to stay on budget, Huffman suggests being open to flying from a different airport or choosing an alternative destination.
“You can find ‘dupe’ destinations that offer much of the same charm as popular cities, but without the high price tag,” he said.
Jepson adds that flexibility with timing can also help.
“Staying flexible and being open to alternate dates or nearby destinations might help you discover a new favorite spot and save a lot of money in the process,” she said.
Booking ahead also gives you the chance to choose accommodations that fit your budget. Huffman suggests looking for hotels that include free breakfast, evening receptions or in-room kitchens to offset meal costs during longer stays.
Because even the best-laid plans can change, making refundable bookings can be a smart move. That way, booking early doesn’t lock you into paying for something if you need to change plans.
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