2027 may feel a long way off, but smart travellers are already planning and have even booked their next trip. There are plenty of benefits to booking a guided holiday early rather than waiting until closer to departure, such as
- Locking in a great-value holiday deal
- Taking care of travel requirements
- Preparing and pack without the stress
Planning ahead gives you plenty of time to get everything organised, reduces last-minute stress, and helps ensure you’re fully prepared before you travel.
Advantages of early holiday booking
Secure the destination that's right for you
Our popular tours and well loved holiday destinations, such as Italy and Spain, tend to fill up quickly. We also have certain guided holidays that have fixed departure dates and limited availability, so booking early gives you a better chance of securing your preferred travel dates and itinerary.
Benefit from better value when booking ahead
Prices for flights and accommodation can increase as departure dates get closer and availability reduces. Booking early often means better value, while also giving you more time to plan and spread the cost in a way that suits you.
More choice of hotels and room types
Planning ahead gives you a wider choice of hotels and room types, making it easier to secure your preferred hotel, room category, and board basis. Features such as sea views, balconies, or scenic locations are often in high demand, so booking early increases your chances of getting exactly what you want.
Plan your free time with ease
On certain holidays, particularly in our sun destinations, we include days at leisure with no planned excursions. This gives you the chance to relax at your own pace, while also allowing time to research options that suit your interests and decide how you would like to spend your free time. If you’re still unsure while on holiday, our local guides are always on hand and happy to point you in the right direction and offer recommendations.
Take care of special requirements in advance
Letting us know about any dietary needs or special assistance early on means we can make the necessary arrangements ahead of time. This helps ensure everything runs smoothly and you can travel with greater peace of mind.
More time to check travel documents
Some destinations require advance visa applications, and it’s important to ensure you have the correct travel insurance in place. You should also check that your passport is valid for the duration of your trip, and in some cases that it remains in date for at least six months beyond your return, depending on your destination’s entry requirements.
Manage health requirements ahead of time
Planning ahead also gives you more time to consider activity levels and ensure the holiday is suitable for you. You may also need to check any recommended vaccinations for your trip, particularly for some of our long-haul destinations. It’s important to review any medication you plan to take with you, as some countries have restrictions on certain medicines, so you may need to confirm in advance that everything is permitted and appropriately documented.
Pack and organise without last-minute stress
Booking early gives you more time to prepare at a relaxed pace. It also means you can sort out home arrangements such as pet care or house sitting, and pick up anything you might need before you go, so everything is ready when you are.
More time to enjoy the holiday anticipation
Some scientific studies suggest that booking a holiday in advance can help boost happiness levels! It builds excitement in the lead-up to departure, giving you something enjoyable to look forward to as you count down to a well-earned break. Having everything arranged early also provides reassurance that your place is secured, helping to remove any uncertainty.
Plan and book your Travel Department holiday early
Booking early with a trusted travel company offers added peace of mind. Travel Department has been operating guided group holidays around the world for over 30 years. With hundreds of destinations to choose from, every holiday includes flights, accommodation, transfers, and tours led by an experienced local guide. Start planning your next holiday and browse our website now for inspiration.
