Even when I'm not traveling, I'm always thinking about my next trip. Even though travel is paused for now, this statement is still totally true - I'm just thinking a bit further ahead when I think about my next trip. In fact, now is the perfect time to book your vacation for next year, and here's why!
First of all, this year has definitely been rough, and I know that I'm definitely in need of something to think about that doesn't involve the current situation with coronavirus. Having a trip booked, even if it's still many months or a year out, gives me something to plan for and to look forward to. It's amazing how much difference having something fun on the horizon can make, so give yourself something to look forward to!
Another advantage of booking your trip early is that you can pay as you go. Most of the destinations we work with only require a small deposit in order to hold your trip, and then you can make payments over time towards your trip. This is a budget-friendly way to split up the cost of the trip over several months. For instance, if you book a trip for next summer, you'll have about a year to save up and make payments.
If you had a trip scheduled this year that got cancelled and have some flight credits from the cancellation, booking for 2021 is a great time to make use of those credits. Keep in mind that flight credits typically expire (the date depends on the airline's policy), so it's best to make the most of any credits you have and use them before they expire.
If you're traveling out of the country, booking your trip for next year will also give you time to prepare any essential documents you'll need, especially passports. If you don't have your passport, or if you need to renew, the process is currently taking much longer than it would under normal circumstances. Passport processing closed down for several months and is only just starting to reopen to new applications, and they're still working through a backlog of applications from the closure. Planning your trip for next year gives you plenty of time to start on this process if you need to apply for your passports.
Last but certainly not least, if you're concerned about booking travel even as far out as 2021, be sure to work with a trusted travel agent. It's our job to guide you through all of the policies and changes that the travel industry is currently going through, and we're here to help if you need to make changes or reschedule. Plus, booking your future trip with a travel agent now is a great way to help support a small business during this uncertain time, and we're so appreciative of our clients that continue to trust us with their plans.
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