Why Planning Your Winter Vacation Early Makes All the Difference

Who doesn’t look forward to a winter vacation? Whether you’re jetting off for a Caribbean beach getaway or heading to the snowcapped mountains for an alpine ski adventure, booking your winter trip early certainly has its perks.

After all, early reservations can often help you secure the best rates, allowing you to indulge yourself and your family and friends without breaking the budget. That’s why we’ve created a shortlist of all the best travel hacks as to why you should book your winter vacation early this year.

Lock In the Best Deals on Flights, Trains, and Car Rentals

Everyone knows train and flight prices always skyrocket the nearer your departure date you book. Given that travel costs account for one of the biggest vacation budget expenses, this winter, make the most of the early-bird deals to make a saving before prices soar.

In fact, booking just a few weeks earlier could save you and your family hundreds of dollars on seasonal flights and train journeys. Not only that, but by securing your tickets early, you’ll also have a better chance of sitting together or picking out an aisle or window seat if you’re traveling solo.

Alternatively, if you’re planning a winter road trip or looking to hire a car when you arrive at your destination, prebooking a vehicle from car rental companies also has its benefits. Not only can this reduce the cost of the car rental, but by getting there first, you’ll also have a far better selection of vehicles to choose from.

Added Flexibility and More Cash for the Fun Stuff

Aside from saving money on travel, booking in advance also gives you a better chance to select your optimal travel dates. This can include picking the perfect departure day to suit you, while also choosing to fly out at a more reasonable time during the day.

Preplanning can also be a godsend if you’re the person in charge of managing the winter vacation budget. By forecasting your outgoings ahead of time, you can free up more money to actually enjoy your trip, like dining out, shopping, and any other exciting activities that catch your eye once you arrive.

Secure the Best Winter Experiences Before They Sell Out

Another top travel tip for reasons to book your winter vacation early is to ensure you don’t miss out on all the best excursions and winter experiences while you’re away. That’s because festive bucket-list attractions can sell out fast – particularly during the holiday season – so planning and booking your daily outings ahead of time means you won’t miss out.

No matter where your winter vacation takes you, if you’re keen to enjoy a ski lesson, a unique wine tour, or a sunset cruise, early reservations can guarantee you get access to the best instructors and your first-choice tours. Additionally, because some seasonal events only have limited tickets available, by opting to buy your tickets before everyone else does, you can also capitalize on any advance saver ticket prices too.

Unlock Hotel Upgrades, Exclusive Extras, and Free Night Stays

Perhaps one of the best perks of booking your vacation early has to be picking your preferred hotel at your destination. Whether you desire beachfront views, sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains, or you just want to be closer to the downtown attractions, securing your first choice of hotel room ultimately adds a layer of luxury and exclusivity to your winter getaway.

Using Best Western Rewards®, you can choose to Pay with Points, enjoy exclusive BWR® member rates, and even earn free night stays worldwide. By doing so, you not only gain the benefits of a great night’s sleep every night, but with over 4,000 hotels and resorts across the globe, you can take the family away for less.

With better deals and greater savings, planning your winter getaway early this year will transform your seasonal escapes from now on. Regardless of whether you’re a solo traveler or planning a trip for your friends and family, be sure to start booking now to make your dream winter vacation come true.