Travel Planning: Myth vs. Reality

As a travel advisor, I always recommend booking flights, hotels, and tours strategically. But here’s the truth: I don’t always follow my own advice. Sometimes, I get so excited about booking a trip that I book everything in advance- just to make sure the hotel I want, or the flight I prefer, is available. It’s a rush, right? But sometimes that excitement backfires.

Take my recent trip to Boston to visit my daughter, for example. I booked the hotel early, and two weeks before I was to arrive, the price dropped significantly. And of course it was outside of the cancellation window, so I couldn’t cancel and rebook. I was a little bummed- until I arrived and was upgraded to a better room and charged less than my original booking! Turns out, there are sometimes unexpected perks when you book early, and even more so if you’re working with a travel advisor who can help navigate these changes.

That said, booking early doesn't always work out like this, and it’s important to understand the best timing for booking flights, hotels, and tours to avoid unnecessary stress and higher prices.

Let’s dive into some common travel planning myths and the reality behind them.

Myth: You Should Book Flights as Early as Possible | Reality: Book Flights 2–8 Months in Advance

It’s a common myth: the earlier you book your flights, the better the deal. But that’s not always the case.

• For domestic flights, the sweet spot is usually 1.5 to 5 months before departure.

• For international flights, aim for 2 to 8 months in advance.

Booking too early (9–12 months in advance) can actually lead to paying more, especially as airlines adjust prices based on demand. Plus, booking too early means you might miss out on discounts that become available closer to your travel dates.

Pro Tip: Use flight tracking tools like Google Flights, Roame, and Hopper to monitor flight price trends.

Myth: You Can Book Hotels Last-Minute and Still Get the Best Deal | Reality: Book Hotels 3–6 Months in Advance for Popular Destinations

While it’s true that last-minute hotel deals can sometimes pop up; for popular destinations (like Paris, Rome, or New York City), booking 3–6 months in advance is usually the best way to get a good deal.

• Booking last-minute can leave you with limited options and higher prices.

• For peak seasons or holidays, early booking ensures you secure the room or hotel you want.

Pro Tip: Always book refundable rates. Sure, you’ll save a few dollars with a non-refundable rate. But what happens if you can’t travel? You’re out ALL of the money not just the dollars you saved. And if you book a refundable rate, and the rate goes down, you can cancel and rebook at the better price.

Myth: You Can Book Tours and Activities Once You Arrive | Reality: Book Popular Tours 2–3 Months Before Travel

You might think, “I can always book tours once I’m there,” but when it comes to high-demand tours (like Eiffel Tower tickets or Vatican tours), it’s better to book 2–3 months before your trip.

Popular tours often sell out, and booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on key experiences during your trip.

For lesser-known activities, booking a few days to a week in advance is often fine, but if you’ve got a “bucket list” tour, don’t wait.

Pro Tip: Many tour companies offer flexible cancellation policies, so don’t hesitate to book ahead to secure your spot.

Myth: You Should Book Everything at Once | Reality: It’s Smarter to Prioritize

I know how tempting it is to book everything at once (flights, hotels, and tours) but a more strategic approach is often best.

• Step 1: Book flights first, as they tend to fluctuate the most in price and availability.

• Step 2: Book hotels once your flights are confirmed.

• Step 3: Book tours and activities once you have your schedule locked in.

Pro Tip: When you work with me, I create a customized itinerary so you don’t have to worry about how much you can (or can’t) do in a day, help find hotels close to what you want to do, and organize your activities geographically to maximize your fun and relaxation.

When you book with the right timing, you’ll save money, avoid stress, and set yourself up for a smooth trip. And, if you work with a travel advisor, you might even get an upgrade or a special perk, just like I did on my trip to Boston.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an international adventure, smart travel planning is key. If you’d like expert advice on your next trip, feel free to reach out; I’m here to help!