At Hayes & Jarvis, one of the questions we hear most often is, “When is the best time to book a holiday?” It’s a natural one. Planning ahead helps you secure the right accommodation, meaningful experiences, and the value that makes a tailor-made journey feel effortless and rewarding.
Yet life isn’t always predictable, and it can be hard to know when the timing is truly right — not just for your diary, but for the type of travel you have in mind. That’s where our experts come in. From limited-capacity lodges to seasonal wildlife events and high-demand destinations, timing shapes almost every part of a custom itinerary.
Understanding how far in advance to book can mean the difference between getting your first choice and having to search for another great option. Fortunately, with the right guidance, you won’t have to compromise on the moments that matter most.
Why Your Booking Window Matters
Unlike standard holiday packages or last-minute deals, tailor-made journeys are shaped by exclusive and highly personal experiences. Many of these — boutique safari camps, small-ship cruises, luxury train journeys and remote lodges — offer only a handful of places. They’re extraordinary, which means they often fill up long before you travel.
Booking early also creates a helpful ripple effect across the rest of your plans. Flights are often best booked months in advance, and early planners enjoy a wider choice of routes, room categories, guides and experiences. A good rule of thumb is to book six to twelve months ahead. The earlier you reserve your trip, the more you benefit from greater choice and far fewer compromises.
Key Tips for Perfect Timing
No two trips are the same. Boutique lodges, luxury tented camps, expedition cruises and iconic train journeys each come with unique booking patterns. Understanding those nuances makes a meaningful difference. At Hayes & Jarvis, we understand how availability, seasonality and capacity vary across experiences. We use that insight to help you book at the right moment and plan with confidence.
Boutique Accommodation, Safari Lodges and Tented Camps
Many of our favourite stays have extremely limited capacity. These authentic, small-scale properties are far more intimate, but they also sell out quickly. Below are the recommended booking windows for some of our most requested destinations:
- African safaris (Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia): at least 12 months in advance
- Island hotels (Zanzibar, Seychelles, Indonesia): at least 10 months in advance
- Camps, estancias, and haciendas in South America and Patagonia: at least 10 months in advance
Exclusive Train Journeys
Luxury rail journeys offer a unique way to experience a destination, but capacity is extremely limited and cabins can sell out many months ahead. Booking early does more than offer peace of mind. It allows you to secure your preferred cabin category, departure date, and level of comfort. For peak-season departures, we recommend planning 12 to 18 months in advance to secure your first choice. Even during shoulder seasons, booking 6 to 12 months ahead is advisable. Waiting too long can mean compromising on cabin selection, travel dates, or missing out altogether.
Peak Season and Holiday Travel
Planning a trip during peak travel periods — school holidays, festive breaks, or seasonal events such as Japan’s cherry blossom season or Tanzania’s Great Migration — requires careful planning. Demand is exceptionally high, and we recommend securing your holiday 10 to 12 months in advance.
Your Hayes & Jarvis specialist can help you navigate these competitive travel windows and reserve the experiences that make your journey unforgettable, particularly if you’re considering destinations such as:
- Safari lodges in East and Southern Africa
- Estancias in Patagonia and Chile
- Resorts in the Maldives
- Antarctic expeditions
- Japan during cherry blossom or autumn foliage
With the right timing, travelling during peak months can feel seamless and every bit as magical as you imagined. And for those who prefer off-season travel, we recommend booking at least 6 months in advance — although with the support of an experienced specialist, last-minute travel can still be possible.
Planning Ahead for a Seamless Journey
The right timing can transform a great holiday into an unforgettable one. By planning ahead, you gain access to the accommodation and experiences that best suit your travel style.
At Hayes & Jarvis, we make that process simple. With more than 60 destinations to choose from, our specialists take care of every detail so that you can enjoy the journey from the very beginning.
When you’re ready to start planning, we’ll help you book with confidence and ensure that every moment is worth the wait.
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Written by: The Hayes & Jarvis Team
Posted in: Travel Tips
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