10 Trips to Plan at Least One Year in Advance

The drama and wonder of an African safari is timeless, but viewing iconic wildlife in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, and more requires planning at least 18 months ahead.

Safari lodges offer front-row seats to river crossings by migrating wildebeests, elephants at watering holes, and lounging lions. However, due to the remote nature of accommodations in safari destinations, lodgings are limited and booked quickly.

Planning early ensures you can experience abundant wildlife sightings against backdrops of vibrant sunrises over the savanna or sunset on a secluded lake.

Book in Advance: 18 months

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: African Safari Tours • African Safari Travel Guide

Home to iconic cities and historic sites, Italy seduces travelers with its culture, cuisine, and la dolce vita lifestyle.

However, enjoying the country’s famous charms fully by sailing the azure waters off the Amalfi Coast or viewing Michelangelo’s towering David in Florence, learning how to navigate a gondola in Venice or wandering through the ancient passages beneath the Colosseum requires booking 10 to 12 months in advance. Holidays like Easter, Christmas, and the New Year are also considered popular times to visit Italy, especially places like Rome and Venice.

If you choose to avoid the high season or the most famous highlights during peak times, you may be able to find openings for your Italy trip with six to eight months advance booking.

Book in Advance: 10-12 months

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Italy Tours • Italy Travel Guide

Experiencing Japan's renowned cherry blossoms by traveling between March and April demands booking accommodations and transportation by early spring the year prior. Securing ryokan lodging, train tickets around the country, and quality guides for popular spring travel ensures the type of trip you prefer according to your travel style.

If planning a trip to see the gorgeous autumn foliage, you can book six to eight months in advance and enjoy Fuji's snowcapped peak amid vibrant red maples. No matter when you choose to visit, planning ahead guarantees encountering tranquil temples and historic sites, as well as soaking in onsen while enjoying nature's blazing colors.

Book in Advance: 12 Months

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Japan Tours • Japan Travel Guide

Australia is famous for its vast landscapes and natural beauty, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Red Center, in addition to stunning wildlife that includes koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles. Early bookings will help you experience nature’s grandeur in Australia, as well as the beauty of Sydney’s beaches and the European ambiance of Melbourne.

When considering when to start the planning process, you should reserve your Australia trip up to 18 months in advance if traveling over Christmas and New Year. Limited accommodations in secluded locations, the precise number of sailing excursions offered to specified spots on the Great Barrier Reef, and the popularity of the major cities during the festive season require planning, especially if encountering all the country’s diverse ecosystems.

Book in Advance: 18 months

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Australia Tours • Australia Travel Guide

Patagonia is a crown jewel of the staggering South American landscape. With glaciers and glacial lakes, stunning massifs and captivating forests, the region captures the imaginations of all types of travelers.

Whether looking to trek over the glistening ice of Argentina’s Perito Moreno glacier or reach the base of Chile’s Torres Del Paine granite towers, you should book your trip 12 months in advance. The secluded region has a limited number of luxury lodges, guides, and transportation, making it important to reserve the type of excursions and accommodations you wish in advance.

Seasonal closures and limited permissions to protect fragile environments can result in an exclusive and unforgettable trip when you work with a travel specialist far enough in advance to reserve your perfect experience.

Book in Advance: 12 months

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Patagonia Tours & Vacations • Patagonia Travel Guide

Egypt is one of the most iconic images of the ancient world, and cruising the Nile River remains among the most sought-after experiences during an Egypt vacation.

While you may be able to encounter Egypt’s ancient wonders, such as the pyramids of Giza and Abu Simbel Temples, with six to eight months advance booking, ensuring your premier lodgings on a luxury Nile cruise can require reservations up to one year prior to your trip.

Limited permits to attractions and vessels mean early booking guarantees your seamless Egypt trip. Planning with a local travel specialist helps you incorporate a Nile cruise into an unforgettable immersive experience connecting the riverbanks to other unmissable highlights, from the Valley of the Kings to the Dendera Temple.

Book in Advance: 12 months

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Egypt Tours & Vacation Packages • Egypt Travel Guide

Peru can send you hiking through the clouds or lounging on a pristine beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. From Incan fortresses to pre-Incan pyramids, impressive culinary explorations to the colors of the Amazon Rainforest, you should book your trip to Peru between 10 to 12 months in advance.

Exploring the Sacred Valley and sailing Lake Titicaca are enticing ways to enjoy the country, but the main attraction for many travelers is a tour of Machu Picchu, and even hiking the Inca Trail. The restrictions placed on the number of visitors allowed to tour Machu Picchu per day make booking your trip early more important than ever.

Encounter Peru’s high Andes grandeur, epic treks, and rich cultural history planned around your time traversing the preserved wonders of Machu Picchu.

Book in Advance: 12 months

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Peru Vacations & Tours • Peru Travel Guide

From the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park to the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound, New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes will captivate you year-round. To fully immerse yourself in Kiwi culture and natural wonders, plan your trip 10 to 12 months in advance.

Early booking ensures you have prime accommodations and experiences, whether you're exploring the Hobbiton movie set, marveling at glowworms in Waitomo Caves, or glacier trekking in Fox and Franz Josef. Popular activities like hiking around Queenstown or wine tasting in Marlborough can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

By working with a travel specialist well in advance, you can seamlessly incorporate Māori cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or visits to world-class museums into your itinerary. Witness the North Island's volcanic landscapes and discover the South Island's alpine scenery by planning ahead to guarantee your unforgettable journey.

Book in Advance: 10-12 months

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: New Zealand Tours & Vacations • New Zealand Travel Guide

Ecologically fragile and endlessly fascinating, the volcanic Galapagos Islands offer you the chance to step foot in a land seemingly frozen in prehistoric times. Visiting this Ecuadorian archipelago known for its diverse endemic wildlife requires booking your trip 12 months in advance, especially during holiday seasons like Easter, Christmas, and around the New Year.

With only a small number of ships approved to navigate the islands' delicate ecosystems, spaces book quickly. Whether finding golden beaches populated by dozing sea lions and marine iguanas, or snorkeling crystalline waters in view of playful sea turtles and rays, scheduling early guarantees you time on the land and in the sea.

Watch blue-footed boobies, witness the volcanic cliffs, and capture a glimpse of lumbering giant tortoises by working with a local travel specialist up to 12 months in advance to witness the wildlife paradise.

Book in Advance: 12 months

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Galapagos Islands Vacations & Tours • Galapagos Islands and Ecuador Travel Guide

Belize is an enticing tropical escape promising adventures, jungle ruins, and the world’s second-largest barrier reef.

The beauty and consistent temperatures throughout the year make it a popular getaway for travelers, especially around Easter, Christmas, and New Year, requiring you to book 12 months in advance if you wish to traverse the ancient Mayan citadel of Caracol or journey inland to view signs of jaguars in the jungle brush.

Snorkel in search of angelfish, sharks, and sea turtles. Learn about local conservation efforts to protect the fragile ecosystems. Relax on a small island while listening to the lull of the Caribbean waves. Create your Belizean journey early with the help of a local travel specialist to ensure your exploration of ruins, reefs, wildlife, and more.

Book in Advance: 12 months

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Belize Vacations & Tours • Belize Travel Guide

From Patagonia to Rome, the savannas to cherry blossoms, booking your trip early will help ensure your dream vacation comes to life. You may have your preferred destination in mind or find inspiration from our ideas on the top places to travel by each month of the year.

Whether you are eager to spend the festive season in the tropical climate of Belize or have decided on an adventure to New Zealand, working with a Zicasso travel specialist will provide you with local knowledge and unique expertise to design a trip around your preferences, needs, and interests.