Trips that are worth planning ahead for
Sian Pages – Travel Planner
There are so many reasons to plan your holidays in advance. From the joy you get, knowing you’ve got that date to look forward to, to maximising dates such as bank holidays.
The most important one though is simply availability. The most picturesque places, and unique experiences are the first to go.
Autumn in New England
New England really comes into its own in Autumn. The foliage in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Rhode Island transforms the entire region into a vibrant tapestry of scarlet, gold, crimson, orange, ochre, and vermilion.
When to book
The best accommodations in the region are charming B&Bs located in traditional New England villages. These small properties sell out quickly during peak autumn season (late September to mid-October). If you plan to visit New England in autumn 2024, start planning your trip now to secure the best rooms and inns.
Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
Cherry blossoms are an icon of Japan, symbolising the fleeting nature of life and sparking a nationwide celebration each year. Cherry trees adorned with rose-hued or dusky pink petals captivate no matter where you see them.
For those looking to avoid crowds, the Tohoku region in the north sees fewer visitors, with cherry blossoms blooming as late as mid-April. Hirosaki Castle, with its striking black-and-white architecture, is particularly breathtaking amid the sea of pastel pink blossoms.
When to book
Due to the immense popularity of cherry blossom season among both national and international visitors, you should plan at least a year in advance. Many of the best accommodations in places like Kyoto and the highly sought after Ryokan style lodgings fill up quickly.
The Great Migration in the Masai Mara
If you’re a lover of wildlife, you would have surely considered witnessing this. The annual Great Migration sees herds of wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra move between Tanzania’s Serengeti plains and Kenya’s Masai Mara grasslands. They follow the rains in search of pasture and to give birth to their young, attracting predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
One of the most spectacular events of the migration is the river crossings in the Masai Mara, occurring in August or September. During this time, herds reluctantly plunge into the rushing Mara River in a mass stampede.
When to book
To secure a safari in the Masai Mara during the Great Migration, you need to plan at least 12 months in advance. Any later and availability in the camps and lodges becomes limited.
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Hiking this world famous 26 mile trek, allows you to follow in the footsteps of Inca messengers. Walking the very path they used to reach the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, nestled between two peaks high in the Peruvian Andes.
You’ll traverse stunning landscapes: dense cloud forests, towering summits, and the ruins of abandoned Inca outposts unseen by non-trekkers. The ultimate reward? Your first glimpse of Machu Picchu and its surrounding vistas from the Sun Gate as the site emerges from the dawn mist.
When to book
Hiking the Inca Trail requires a permit, and they sell out quickly. The best weather for the trek is between April and October.
Walt Disney World Resort Orlando
The most magical place on Earth is a trip that takes months, if not years of planning! For accommodation, there are different options.
You could opt for an all-out Disney stay, in one of the on-site hotels such as: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or Disney’s All Star Sports. Or if you’re wanting to retreat somewhere a little quieter, choose your very own villa with private pool, or fully equipped resort with family friendly condos.
When to book
A trip like this needs careful planning. One of the main issues tends to be variable pricing. Waiting too long can increase overall price by 25%, making it a costly mistake. Booking early, ensures you get the room you want, the tickets you need and the dream you’ve been waiting for.
Get in touch
If you’d like to discuss future travel plans you have in mind, get in contact with our in-house travel consultant, Sian Pages, on sian.pages@notjusttravel.com.
Sian will be more than happy to spend time talking you through your options; remembering her service is delivered at no cost to clients and professional connections of Longhurst.
Happy Adventures!
