One question I get asked a lot is “How early do I need to start planning my vacation?” I will dive into the answer to this question, as well as, my reasons for my stance. So, lets dive into why you should plan your vacation early.
In a world where spontaneous travel is romanticized, planning matters! Spontaneous travel can cause you to miss out on activities, pay more for your trip, and loads of stress. Take it from a former spontaneous traveler. After some bad experiences I am a early planner now.
If 2020 taught us anything about travel it’s anything can happen. So in this post, Covid era we must all become long-term planners; and there are some very good reasons to embrace it, especially when your traveling to a Disney Park. Here are some of the great benefits of planning a trip well in advance.
PLANNING AHEAD CAN SAVE YOU MONEY!
Getting the resort room upgrade you dreamed about, some extra leg room on the flight, and that tour you always dreamed about these are things that can be found more affordable if you start planning well ahead of time. These little perks can take your vacation from “meh” to magical. And the more time you have before you go, the more money you can save for those “treat yo’self” moments.
Budget traveler? I totally get it, the thrill of taking a small budget and getting the most for it can be a big rush. However, planning well in advance can help you to save a little more which can be handily if things suddenly go sideways.
When you plan a trip in advance, especially a Disney Vacation it allows you to make payments. The farther out you plan the lower your payments can be. When working with a travel agent you get free deal monitoring. With deal monitoring if a lower price becomes available through Disney, Universal, etc. the agent will automatically apply the deal and give you the lower price. Changes can always be made along the way.
GIVES YOUR AGENT MORE TIME TO CRAFT THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Paid leave is precious. If you want to squeeze every last drop out of your next adventure, I implore you to utilize the expert traveler’s secret weapon: the travel advisor. It might sound to fancy or you don’t want some one else making decisions for you, but hear me out. When time away is limited, using a professional to help create your ideal itinerary, can help you make the most of it.
You have lots to do day-to-day and googling, researching, and trying to figure out all the things available for your upcoming vacation is not something else you want to add to your to do list. Trusting a travel advisor, who is educated on destinations and knows how to compose an itinerary with all the options that will fit your family. This is especially important for destinations such as Disney and Universal that are continently changing. So, find a travel advisor who specializes in the destination you have in mind.
OH, NO! IT’S ALL BOOKED UP
So, you are swiping through Disney Instagram and discover you can have dinner in Cinderella’s Castle with Cinderella herself, who happens to be your daughter’s favorite princess. You are on your trip and walk up to the castle only to find out you need a dining reservation and that had to be book 60 days ago. Stinks right?
Planning your trip well in advance allows you to have a wide option for accommodations, (fireworks view, that’s all I’m saying) and to be able to reserve those supper popular Instagram worthy experiences that sell out fast.
The only way to harness this travel superpower is to know what you’re looking for, which means doing tons of research early on or hiring a travel advisor who’s job it is to know about these experiences and how to book them for you. It is good to have some idea of what you want in your trip so talk with your travel agent and make some suggestions and they will give you their best advices.
If you wish to figure out for yourself what might appeal to you then scour guidebooks, magazines, blogs and social media to find the events and attractions you simply can’t miss, then ask your travel advisor their opinion and he/she will be glad to make those arrangements for you. Enjoy one, human, point of contact for all your planning.
GET TO KNOW THE DESTINAION BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Your travel advisor can provide you with maps, websites, and guides on what you need to know before you arrive. Plan your vacation early and it gives you the time you need to go over the information so you look like a travel pro.
Knowing where your going and what you are doing allows you to relax and enjoy your trip without stress. Being aware of local customs, taboos, and current affairs can only make you a more engaged, respectful and responsible traveler. So get reading in the run-up to your departure!
Consider tapping into the destination’s cultural offerings – books, films, music, language – to prepare you. For example get your kids ready for Disney World by watching some of the movies that inspired the different rides in the parks. Pirates of the Caribbean, Cinderella, Toy Story, Star Wars, and Peter Pan are just a few.
HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO PREPARE WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO PACK
Packing! Love it or hate it, it’s hard to get right. But for once, you have the gift of time. Take this opportunity to craft the ultimate Disney bound wardrobe; stock up on spare chargers (Fuel Rods are the best portable charger for Disney parks) and all the other paraphernalia you usually have to panic buy at the airport; and get your digital life in order – download movies for the flight, empty your camara roll for all those great photos to come, and don’t forget the My Disney Experience App for the parks!
Need help on what to pack for a Disney Vacation? I have just the free download printable for you! My Ultimate Disney Packing List has everything you need to pack for the best Disney Parks Vacation.
ENJOY THE ANTICIPATION
Yes, last minute vacations with little preparation can be exciting and fun, but when you plan your vacation early you get to enjoy the anticipation. You can plan out all the details and create your dream vacation. When using a travel agent he/she will also help build the excitement for your trip with planning calls along the way, printables with tips, and mailed packets with a few goodies. Put up a countdown some where in your home to remind you your vacation is coming up. Practice patience, enjoy the anticipation and pickup those little extra thing that will be helpful while on your trip. Remember: There is nothing like having a vacation countdown.
Leave me a comment and tell me your vacation planning ritual to keep you excited for your upcoming trip. Do you plan early or are you a last minute trip kind a person?