Rebecca Mottram Travel Agent

Some dream travel experiences are too good to leave to chance. The sort of dreamy holidays where the timing has to be right, the seasons align, and the best places fill up long before most people even think about packing a bag. Planning early isn’t just about being organised, it’s about giving me the time to secure the view, the table, the cabin, or the front-row seat that turns a holiday into a story you’ll replay for years.

Here are five top destinations that almost insist on being booked over a year in advance to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Exploring the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos isn’t just another island chain. It’s the kind of place where tours, boats, and even guesthouses have fixed quotas and legal limits. To properly explore the islands, to snorkel among tortoises, penguins, sea lions, or even see the older volcanoes, you’ll want to pick your cruise ship or lodging earlier than you usually would. Ships fill up quickly, and to respect the rules (and the animals), operators limit how many visitors are out each day. Let your Travel Counsellor know you’re interested, and they can start doing their homework now, and in twelve months, you’ll be ready to dive in without a care in the world.

Kyoto during cherry blossom season, Japan

Japan’s cherry blossom season draws visitors from around the world, and it’s easy to see why. When the trees bloom, parks, temples, and riverbanks are blanketed in pale pink. The flip side is that almost everything, like trains, hotels, ryokans, and popular viewing spots, fills up quickly. Many traditional inns only have a handful of rooms, especially those with garden views, and they’re often booked months in advance. Tickets for special evening openings and even dinner reservations can be hard to come by. Planning early gives you a better chance to find those quieter places and enjoy the season without the crowds.

Witnessing the Great Migration, Kenya

There’s nothing quite like watching thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope move across the plains of the Masai Mara. The best time to see it is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife gathers around water sources and predators are easier to spot. It’s also when the camps are in full swing – and when availability disappears fast. The most sought-after lodges and small tented camps often book up a year in advance, especially those offering private decks, guided walks, or photography-focused safaris. If you want front-row views of the migration, this is the one to nail down now.

Northern Lights expeditions, Norway

Far above the Arctic Circle, darkness lasts for hours and the sky puts on one of nature’s best shows. Trips to see them, whether on cruises through the fjords or expeditions around Svalbard, run on tight schedules with limited ships and cabins. The prime viewing season is short, and weather windows can change quickly. Demand grows every year, so waiting often means fewer choices or missing out altogether. Planning a year ahead gives you the pick of the best vessels, preferred cabins, and optional experiences like glacier walks, snowshoeing, or dogsledding, which tend to get booked up early.

Parades and parties in Oaxaca, Mexico

The Day of the Dead begins in early November, but the final weeks of October are when Oaxaca starts to come alive. Markets fill with marigolds, families paint altars, and bakeries bring out pan de muerto. It’s the best time to see the build-up before the crowds arrive, and if you stay into November, you can join the festival itself. Parades wind through the streets, candles flicker in cemeteries, and music carries late into the night. By booking well in advance, you can secure a room in one of the city’s small colonial-era hotels or creative guesthouses, which are often full by the time the celebrations begin.

Which one of these is next on your travel plans? Get in touch so we can find you the perfect itinerary and get that countdown timer ticking!