There is never a bad time to book a vacation, but there is certainly a preferred time, and that is as soon as possible. You might think it is unnecessary or inconvenient to start planning far in advance, but we are here to tell you that is not the case.
The travel industry is filled with options, and because we like to maximize yours, we start selling our independent and escorted vacations around the globe about a year in advance. Each package is well designed with 20 years of travel expertise, top-rated hotels, expertly curated routes and unforgettable experiences. While we aren't saying you have to get quite the jumpstart we do, here are five reasons to book your dream vacation in Europe as early as possible.
1. Choose From the Best Selection of Departure Dates
By booking your European vacation early, you get the first pick of options. Your perfect vacation is yours to behold, with open travel dates and vast availability on preferred departures. For example, you might want to ride the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps right before Christmas as a perfect festive accompaniment to the season. Alternatively, you might like to see the Scottish Highlands during peak fall foliage season, when the purple heathered mountains take on the fiery tones of autumn. Our prime tulip-viewing trips to Amsterdam in Spring, when fields are bursting with life, always fill quickly. Once the dates are sold out, they are gone for the year, so making your selection early puts you in control of your vacation window.
2. Enjoy the Option to Treat Yourself With Upgrades
In addition to more options with your travel dates, booking in advance gives you more control over the features within your itinerary. All of our packages are built with standard inclusions that give our travelers the most value for their money while also providing an incredible travel experience. But luckily for you, these are not always carved in stone, and the earlier you book, the more chances you have to treat yourself.
Upgrades are available on many tours; however, they sell out quickly. Enjoy the freedom to instead sit in First Class on select trains or upgrade your hotel room category when available. Select tours have a range of optional hotels of varying luxury, while others have the choice of private transfers or touring. If you are setting out on a European river cruise vacation, there are numerous cabin and deck options on each ship, including Deluxe Suites on the Upper Deck, which are an upgrade. There is a maximum number of these upgrades on each departure, regardless of your vacation type, so the faster you act, the better.
3. Book With Exclusive Offers
Travel is an investment into yourself, and while it is always worth it, who doesn't love a discount? Vacations By Rail strives to create packages that feature the best elements of each destination at a reasonable price. Even so, everyone knows the rush that comes with getting a truly spectacular deal, so before you book your trip, make sure to check our current promotions.
A variety of discounts are available throughout the year; however, the best savings you will find each year come with our Early Booking Offers. These promotions offer significant per-person discounts on vacations in specific regions or around the globe, including on our most popular tours in Europe. By putting your travel plans in motion early, you can take advantage of these savings and apply them to upgrades, extend your vacation with overnights in the departure or final cities, or simply pocket the money and use it for a new vacation wardrobe - travel math.
4. Take Your Time to Plan - and Pay
The only thing required to secure your reservation is a deposit at the time of booking. When you receive your confirmation, you will also receive your final payment date, which is 90 days before you travel. The earlier you book, the more time you have to plan for the final payment or to pay in installments as you please by using our convenient online payment portal or by calling into the office.
With your payment plans in place, all that's left to do is look for flights to and from your destination and prepare for your adventure. Flight prices fluctuate frequently, but with all the extra time you have, you can monitor trends and airlines for the best prices to keep the savings rolling rather than settling for the high costs accompanying last-minute flights.
You can also spend this preparation period researching the stops along your route. Focus on the elements that excite you the most. If you are heading to Italy, you might like to look for top-rated restaurants, or if you are sailing along the Rhine River, you could research where the best castles lie along the banks or what wines to try in the Rhine Gorge. Find local attractions that pique your interest to fill any free days in your itinerary or use this time to figure out if you would like to speak to a Rail Specialist about adding a trip extension. Your vacation is your oyster when you book early.
5. Live Your Life Without Decision Fatigue
With the peace of mind that comes with having your trip all set and ready to go, you can go about life without constantly worrying about booking. Having the where, when and how looming over your head can most certainly add an extra level of stress, and it is unnecessary when we make it easy to book your vacation to Europe early. Your plans are in place - and in the hands of the industry's travel experts, to boot. And truly, isn't life better with a vacation countdown?
Peruse our selection of independent and escorted itineraries online, or contact us for help finding the European vacation that makes your travel dreams come true. But remember, the earlier you book, the better, so start your search now to see where we can take you next year.
