Christmas and the summer holidays are rolling around soon. And those of us in the know understand that the early-bird catches the worm. Or the cruise. Or the tour. Or a great hotel.

Every day we hear of people missing out on great savings, bonus discounts and inclusions because they are hoping for a better deal. Yes, shopping around helps – and you need to do your homework, however when you are offered a great deal, we say grab it while you can.

The longer you wait the more likely someone else is going to get there first, and we want YOU to beat the Christmas rush and be first in.

Here are our top reasons for you to book early:

1 More Choice

The most popular destinations, resort room types and cruise cabins will book out fast. Everyone wants them. By booking early you have the added flexibility of choosing your preferred type of accommodation on your preferred dates in your preferred destination – perfect!

Heads up too if you are flying. The number of flights and seats decrease the closer you are to departure date. Direct flights and those with fewer layovers sell out first. The cheaper categories too. That leaves less popular flights and more expensive seats for any slow pokes.

2 Great Value & Savings

We all know that hotels, cruises and tours offer great value and savings when booking early. With the addition of bonus inclusions, discounts, onboard credit, included flights, upgrades, stopovers and more, you can save a bundle when booking ahead of time.

3 Budgeting

Use your holiday as a savings plan! When you book, pay the initial deposit and then pay of the balance. This avoids one lump sum payment just before departure. It also gives you time to save up additional spending money that will make your trip the best it can be.

4 The Build Up!

Half the fun of taking a holiday is the build-up of excitement. Researching your destination, planning for excursions, picturing yourself there, and each day brings your dream closer and closer. By booking early you have more time to plan the perfect trip.

5 Stress Less Holidays

The Build Up goes hand in hand with prior preparation & planning. Together it means a lot less stress. Planning ahead gives you have more time to decide what you’ll do when you get there, organising work so you don’t come home to a million emails (WARNING: this may still happen!), advising family & friends, getting your passport up to date, your travel insurance organised. Because you booked early, you have extra time that can be devoted to your holiday preparation.

6 Peak Time

Finding exactly what you want in a holiday when traveling during peak times can be a matter of compromise unless you book early. Christmas, New Year, School Holidays, long weekends, event and expo dates and more can all see you locked out of your favorite destinations.  Essentially, the earlier you book the better.

(DID YOU KNOW: Some people book a year or more ahead! If everyone else wants to travel when you do, then it’s best to get in first and lock it in!)

7 Traveling with Kids

Family travel is ideal to relax and have fun together. However, spaces in kids’ clubs are limited and they usually go fast to the early-bird bookers. This applies when onboard cruises, in hotels & resorts and there are usually very limited placements for kids on a tour that does not specialise in family travel. You are competing for placements with all the other families who want to travel. It’s first in best dressed as they say!

8 Weddings, Events, Anything!

By booking early there will be greater availability and more options open for your wedding, family reunion, conference or event. There will be people, transport, venues, rooms and more to organise. So, the faster everything is locked in, the sooner you can start sending invitations and telling people. Make sure to add extra time into your booking window to allow for any special or specific holiday need. And the earlier the better.

With a little bit of research, a good chat to one of our Travel Specialists you could be one of the first to take advantage of the many early booking offers available. Simply call our Vacation Rewards® Travel Specialists to book your next cruise.

It’s time to make your new motto LOCK IT IN BEFORE IT’S GONE!