6 Kinds of Vacations That Require Super-Early Planning

Where would you like to be a year from now? Perhaps gliding along the Danube, where castles rise against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and storybook towns. Or on a jeep safari traversing the Serengeti, surrounded by zebras, giraffes and lions as they move with the rhythm of the land. Or hiking, spellbound, beneath the canopy of Yosemite’s giant sequoias. If travel adventures like these are on your horizon, begin planning today; most remarkable vacations don’t happen without plenty of preparation.

“It has become more important than ever to book your travel early,” says AAA Travel Advisor Ashley Knebelsberger of Dayton, Ohio, who notes that travel demand often outpaces supply. Last-minute deals are becoming rare for certain vacations, she adds, and booking early allows you to lock in your preferred flights, accommodations and activities.

Here are the trips that she and other AAA Travel Advisors recommend booking at least one year in advance.

1. River cruises and small ship cruises

While it’s smart to book ocean voyages aboard large cruise ships early to secure your preferred stateroom category and shore excursions, Knebelsberger says it’s even more critical with options that offer less cabin capacity, such as smaller luxury ocean vessels and river cruises. Cruises on popular European rivers such as the Danube, Rhine and Douro fill up early. “I am already booking those for 2026 and unable to book certain categories on some ships for preferred dates because they are sold out,” she notes.

2. National park vacations

If you dream of exploring North America’s renowned natural playgrounds—such as Yosemite and Yellowstone in the US or Banff and Jasper in Canada—be prepared for a race to secure accommodations. From luxury hotels to cabins to campsites, the best options are claimed the moment they’re released, sometimes more than a year in advance. AAA Travel Advisor Dawn Baeszler of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, notes that trips through the Canadian Rockies via the Rocky Mountaineer, a luxury train that offers scenic glass-dome journeys, also sell out quickly.

3. African safaris

An African safari is the ultimate bucket-list adventure. To make the most of it, give yourself and your travel advisor enough time to craft an itinerary that suits your style and budget. Some safaris are best experienced during specific times of the year. Popular lodges and camps, especially in iconic locations such as Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Masai Mara, have limited capacity and thus require early booking.

4. European guided tours

Guided tours of Europe’s most iconic destinations—such as Italy, Spain, France and Ireland—offer comfort, convenience and curated experiences you may not be
able to replicate on your own, and you’ll need to book early for peak summer travel to get coveted spots on bus tours, Knebelsberger says.

5. Alaska journeys

Alaska’s traditional travel season is short—May to September—and it’s a destination in high demand. AAA Travel Advisor Joanna Kuo of Fairfax, Virginia, explains that many Alaskan cruises are one-way (with a flight home), so the most sought-after staterooms are those with private balconies facing the land. “Having this private viewing area lets you see more of the glaciers, wildlife, beautiful scenery and towns along the way,” she says.

6. Global festivals and celebrations

If your trip coincides with a major local celebration—think Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Scotland’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe or Oktoberfest in Germany—don’t delay in making plans to join the party. “Booking early helps you not only to get a better rate for your hotel,” says AAA Travel Advisor Tara Anderson of Lexington, Kentucky, “but also a better location closer to the event.”

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No matter where you want to go, AAA Travel Advisors urge you to plan accordingly. Procrastinating could leave you with fewer choices, higher prices—or worse, the unhappy prospect of missing out entirely.