Which is better: to keep track of last minute deals while sitting on suitcases or to prepare calmly by purchasing a tour a few months before the trip? Who is early booking good for? Are there any disadvantages to such a vacation organization?
When planning a future vacation, many people prefer to book tours early. This applies to both bus travel and long-distance road travel and air travel. But what is it? And is it really necessary?
What is early booking?
Travel agency websites are full of hot tours advertisements. Reduced prices, good hotels and "all inclusive". Everything for tourists. The main thing is to choose a direction and a suitable price. Yes, it's tempting! Experienced tourists, for the most part, prefer early booking of tours with trusted operators.
The meaning of this concept is rather vague if we turn to terminology. Although, to put it simply, this is an agreement concluded by tour operators, hotels, auto and air carriers. It is good because during the year, each of the parties, providing booking services, can be sure of the full use of resources, regardless of the season.
The first vouchers of such a plan begin to be ordered three or even six months before the start of the tourist season. As a rule, in summer these are trips to ski resorts, during winter vacations and holidays, and in winter - trips to hot countries to the sea during the summer vacation season.
Pros of early booking
One and, probably, the main positive aspect of a planned vacation is. Savings can range from 15 to 40%, depending on the terms of the contract. This discount includes reduced prices for airfare, hotel accommodation and the tour itself.
The second, no less significant plus can be considered. If, when choosing "last-minute" vouchers, the buyer is limited by a time frame from a week to two, then earlier booking gives an opportunity to collect and double-check documents more than once.
The third not unimportant plus is that at the agreed time a trip to the selected country will take place, there will be a place in the right hotel and all the customer's requirements will be met. Most likely, this particular item will be relevant for families with small children, perhaps for people with any specific diseases, etc.
And of course, the cost of the voucher, which does not depend on the exchange rate, high season or other factors.
Minuses
But not everything is as rosy as it seems at first glance. There are a number of nuances that should also be taken into account when choosing an early booking and rather attributed to the disadvantages.
- Payment. Each tour operator has its own time frame set for paying for such a tour: it can be either a split payment or a full payment within three days;
- The inability to change the date of the trip. When deciding on an early booking, remember, you won't be able to change the time frame;
- If one of those declared in the voucher cannot go, you can change the name of the vacationer, but only until the end of the promotion specified in the documents;
- Cancellation of the booked trip. There is a clause in the travel agency agreement that stipulates the amount of the penalty in case of cancellation of the selected tour: the prepayment amount can be reimbursed in part or in full, but only if the customer has taken out insurance during the paperwork, covering such cases. As a rule, the penalty is the amount of the first installment for the tour.
Who is it suitable for?
Early booking is good for those. Besides, it is the best way to save money. As well as.
Of course, it is impossible to plan everything. But getting ready for the holiday season is real. This is especially true for expensive popular resorts during the holidays and school holidays. After all, "last-minute" tours most often happen only during a period of recession in activity or off-season. And their cost significantly exceeds the previously booked tour.
The desire to relax well and at an affordable price is quite feasible. The main thing is to know exactly what you want. Which country would you like to see, which hotel to live in, which city to visit.
