Planning a vacation can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming, but that’s where we come in to help! Once you’ve decided on your dream destination, there’s still one crucial decision you must make: when to book your guided tour. While some travelers prefer the spontaneity of last-minute bookings, there are plenty of compelling reasons to reserve well in advance. Let’s delve into the advantages of early booking and why it’s the smart choice for a memorable travel experience.
1. Secure early deals and discounts
Take advantage of our exclusive Book Early Sale, where you can unlock massive savings of up to $500 per person on guided tour packages for 2024. Booking now ensures you’ll get the best deal on top-rated experiences. From seeking out the “Big 5” on our South Africa Highlights & Safari tour to savoring local wines on our Treasures of Portugal trip, or embarking on a dual-country adventure to Vietnam & Cambodia. Don’t miss out and pay more later – reserve your spot today to seize these extraordinary deals!
2. Ensure your dream destination is available
Don’t risk missing out on your preferred destination or first choice of dates. Booking now ensures you not only avoid full-price stress but also guarantee a spot on the most sought-after tours during peak seasons. Imagine witnessing the blossoming tulips on our Timeless Tulips River Cruise with Amsterdam or seeing the coveted cherry blossoms as you Discover Japan. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of experiencing a Kenya Wildlife Safari during the Great Wildebeest Migration, the largest animal migration in the world which happens between June and October. Waiting to book could mean missing out on your first choice of dates. Reserve early to rest easy knowing your spot is secure, leaving you ready to explore when the time comes.
If you’re interested in one of our Small Group Tours, with no more than 20 travelers, make sure you book early. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Captivating Cuba, or any of our culinary tours including Flavors of Italy, Flavors of Sicily, and Flavors of Portugal & Spain. These trips sell out fast!
3. Have time to get organized before your trip
Booking now for 2024 grants you plenty of time to organize everything you need—think passports, visas, converters or adapters, and currency. You may also need to make sure you have certain items, like a good pair of binoculars to ensure you see the monkeys and sloths high up in the trees on our Colorful Costa Rica tour, or lightweight clothing if you’re heading to the desert on our Deluxe Dubai & Abu Dhabi trip. Getting organized in advance ensures a hassle-free start to your journey.
smarTip: Join our Facebook group for additional preparation tips. You can ask past guests about the trip, and you might even meet travelers on your very same tour!
4. Get even more excited to experience your dream destination
Reserving early not only increases your excitement but also provides you with time to familiarize yourself with the destination. While your guide will share a wealth of information and fascinating stories and insights during your trip, it’s always good to brush up on the culture and customs of the places you’ll be exploring before you go. Learning a few local phrases, discovering must-try foods, and identifying popular souvenirs can enrich your travel experience. Your research may even inspire ideas for how to make the most of your free time during the trip!
smarTip: Did you know that most of our tours offer optional experiences to enhance your free time? After you book your trip, you can still take time to decide on what you want to do during your free time. You may choose to explore on your own, relax at the hotel, or join one of our optional tours. This is the best way to make the most of your trip and add popular experiences like a Gondola Ride in Venice on our Best of Italy tour, or a special dinner cruise with views of Bangkok’s skyline on Amazing Thailand.
5. Plan for a special occasion
Traveling is an unforgettable way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. By booking early, you can lock in travel dates that align perfectly with your milestone moments. This ensures your journey becomes not just a vacation but a truly memorable and meaningful experience!
“smarTours’ Magical Ireland tour allowed us to see all of Ireland in one trip! We saw all the ‘must-see’ locations, and I especially loved the local, little-known places we visited and experiences, like baking soda bread. Free time was perfect for us to explore, and we enjoyed everyone we traveled with! It was a dream trip for my 60th birthday!” -smarTraveler Patricia
6. Have peace of mind
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or it’s your first time going abroad, booking a guided tour early provides unparalleled peace of mind. Leave behind the worries of logistics like accommodations, language barriers, and unfamiliar customs – with a guided tour, every detail is expertly handled, making your journey enjoyable and stress-free.
Now is the time to get ahead of your 2024 travel plans. And with our Book Early Sale, you can reserve your trip at some of our lowest tour prices. We love making travel dreams a reality and can’t wait for you to join us on the journey of a lifetime!