It is only the start of winter but many of us are already looking forward to sunny days and beach parties. If you are one of those people who are ‘solar powered’, you will be happy to know that it is perfectly acceptable to start planning for your summer vacation now. In fact, there are several benefits to planning your summer trip in the winter instead of just daydreaming about the beach. Read on and be convinced!
You have a choice of flights
Flight prices get more expensive as the summer approaches, especially if you are looking to fly on a peak travel day. Furthermore, prices increase as more and more seats are sold. Therefore, if you want to find the best possible prices for a domestic or international flight, you should book your ticket as early as four to six months ahead. In addition, most airlines have limited special deals that are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so you want to be one of the first few people to snap them up. Booking early also means that you get your choice of flights instead of having to settle for whatever is available because you left it too late.
Clothes are cheaper and cuter
It is much cheaper to buy your summer clothes in the winter than in the spring or summer because retailers often discount their off-season items to make room for their new stock. You can get great bargains on swimwear, sandals, and other summer essentials at a fraction of their original price. Winter in the Northern Hemisphere is also summer in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. This means that you can buy some of the latest styles such as a one shoulder dress or a cute pinafore online from these countries and stay ahead of the trend when summer rolls up in the US.
There is plenty of accommodation
Whether you are going glamping or staying in a luxury hotel, you will probably struggle to find accommodation if you are waiting till spring to book your summer trip. Popular hotels and resorts can fill up weeks in advance, leaving you to choose from places that are less than ideal. Even if there are rooms left in your preferred hotel, they may be listed at astronomical rates due to high demand and limited availability. Not getting the accommodation of your choice is not that bad when you are traveling solo, but if you need certain amenities such as a kid’s club or wheelchair accessibility, it is best not to chance it.
There is time to build a budget
You may have to pay for your flights in advance but most hotel booking platforms allow guests to pay a nominal deposit or wait until a week or two before the trip to settle the bill. This gives you time to save up the money you need to cover the hotel and holiday costs without having to deal with the stress of trying to find a cheap place at the last minute. You will also be able to research and mark down all the activities and attractions that you want to visit and create a realistic goal to start saving for. The sooner you get started, the more money you will be able to put aside for your trip and the more enjoyable it will be.
Everyone can come along
The world is increasingly getting smaller and many of us have loved ones that live overseas. Going on a group trip together is a wonderful way to catch up but everyone typically has conflicting schedules. By planning your trip several months ahead, you can make sure all the people that you want to invite are free at the same time. Do not underestimate the time and effort it takes to get a bunch of people and their travel plans synchronized. So, if you want to have a group getaway with some friends or relatives, make sure you start planning early so everyone has enough time to book time off work and organize their finances.
You can sculpt your beach bod
We tend to put on a few extra pounds during the winter, so what better way to keep on track with your fitness goals than by having something to look forward to? Whether you are trying to lose some weight or tone up your muscles, an upcoming trip is a great way to stay motivated. Instead of crash dieting or worrying about your appearance a few weeks before your holiday, you will have months to set realistic fitness goals and work toward achieving them in a healthy way. You can sign up for a winter fitness program or a gym membership and spend those cold winter nights becoming more confident in your skin.
A girl can dream!
Finally, the best reason why you should start planning your summer vacation in the winter is that anticipation is fun! Having something to daydream about during the cold winter months can help you to stay positive and focused instead of becoming lethargic and depressed. Thoughts of having a piña colada on a warm tropical beach can put sunshine in your soul and light up the gray winter days. Start planning for summer now and you will be there before you know it!