From Why Now Is the Best Time to Book Holiday Travel (Wanderlust Wednesday)

Have you ever looked up a dream vacation only to find out it’s sold out or twice the price you expected? It turns out that waiting to plan your holiday getaway could be the most expensive mistake of the season.In this Wanderlust Wednesday episode, Nick and Wil pull back the curtain on holiday travel planning.

Tune in and discover how to turn your next holiday into the most memorable experience of your life—before it books up without you.

Key Takeaways:

• Booking holiday travel 6–7 months in advance is essential to avoid limited availability and inflated prices.
• Thanksgiving is one of the most affordable times for international travel because most Americans stay home.
• All-inclusive resorts in places like Mexico and the Dominican Republic often offer deep discounts around Thanksgiving.
• European Christmas markets provide a magical, bucket-list travel experience that must be booked nearly a year in advance.
• Replacing traditional gifts with a family vacation is becoming a popular way to create lasting memories.
• Destinations in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia or New Zealand, offer summer weather during the U.S. winter.
• Transatlantic cruises are ideal for retirees and offer unique seasonal repositioning experiences.
• Working with a travel agent saves time and gives access to insider knowledge and better deals.
• Travel agents typically do not charge fees and can help you creatively match destinations to your budget.
• Booking last-minute rarely results in savings anymore due to high demand and limited supply.
• Guaranteed room categories on cruises often lead to poor locations.
• Paying in installments is often an option when you book early through a travel agent.
• Holiday cruises and resort stays sell out quickly, especially family-friendly sailings and suites.
• Travel agents help plan detailed, multi-country itineraries that would take hours to book online.
• Experiences create more lasting value than material gifts.
• Travel opens your mind and becomes a memory no one can take away.