Planning your trip can be the key to unforgettable experiences and a worry-free vacation. Discover 15 trips worth booking a year in advance: from safaris in Kenya and cherry blossom viewing in Japan to cruises to Antarctica and climbing Kilimanjaro. Expert tips and reasons why planning early guarantees the best experience

The world of travel has changed. Pandemics, wars and economic crises have made travelers more cautious and prone to spontaneous decisions. However, in 2025, the trend is shifting again towards advance planning. Tour operators and experts in the field note that there are routes that cannot be caught “at the last minute”. The reasons are various: a limited number of tickets or permits, a short season, complex logistics or colossal demand.

Early booking is not only about saving money. It is also an opportunity to plan your route in detail, find unique accommodation options, take into account the cultural characteristics of the country and avoid disappointment. So if you dream of a trip that will become a real event of your life, it is time to think about it today.

Below we will tell you about 15 destinations around the world, according to experts from the Condé Nast Traveler publication, which are worth booking at least a year in advance.

Kenya Wildlife Safari

A classic African safari is not just about observing animals. This is an opportunity to see lions go hunting at dawn, hyenas chase antelopes, elephants bathe in rivers. The most popular period for visiting is the wildebeest migration in August-September. Hotels and campsites are booked well in advance of the season, so you need to plan at least 12 months in advance.

Nile River Cruise, Egypt

A trip down the Nile reveals Egypt from a completely different side. You will see the temples of Luxor, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings - all this in the calm rhythm of a river cruise. The best season is from October to April, but cruise ships are limited in terms of seats. Therefore, booking a year in advance is a guarantee of choosing the best route and cabin.

Sakura season in Japan

The dream of millions of tourists is to see the delicate pink petals of sakura in Kyoto, Tokyo or Nagano. The only problem is that the season lasts only a few weeks in March-April, and hotels sell out instantly. So if you are planning such a trip, book your flights and accommodation in the autumn of the previous year.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Carnival in Rio is the rhythm of samba, bright costumes, parades and dancing until the morning. It gathers hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. Tickets for the stands of the Sambadrome stadium sell out a few days after the start of sales. If you want to be in the midst of the main event in Brazil, plan at least 10-12 months in advance.

Machu Picchu, Peru

The ancient Inca city in the Andes is included in the list of the “new seven wonders of the world”. To get on the main tourist route – the Inca Trail, you need to get a special permit. Their number is limited, and they fly out in six months or a year. Early booking gives you a chance to walk the same path that the Incas once walked.

Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

Mountain gorilla watching is one of the most unique trips. Only a few hundred permits are granted annually, and the demand is incredible. This is a trip for true adventurers, but it requires preparation: vaccinations, equipment, experienced guides. All this is booked at least a year in advance.

Cruise to Antarctica

Seeing icebergs, penguin colonies and endless icy expanses is a dream for many. However, the number of cruises is limited, and the ships are small - a maximum of 100-150 passengers. The season is short - from November to March. Therefore, those who dream of Antarctica should take care of their place a year before departure.

Faroe Islands

This archipelago in the North Atlantic is known for its dramatic landscapes: green cliffs, waterfalls, mountain pastures. Tourist infrastructure is limited, hotels are few, and demand is growing. Therefore, booking a year in advance will allow you to find accommodation and plan your itinerary with peace of mind.

Galapagos Islands

The place that inspired Darwin is a paradise for those who love nature. Here you can see giant tortoises, iguanas and amazing birds. Entry to the islands is strictly controlled, and the number of cruises is limited. Therefore, only early booking guarantees a chance to visit this unique corner of the planet.

Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

Patagonia is about glaciers, majestic mountains and endless spaces. Popular routes, such as the “W trek” in Torres del Paine, have a limited number of campsites and shelters. They are booked well in advance of the season. Therefore, planning in advance will allow you to choose the optimal route and prepare equipment.

Day of the Dead, Oaxaca, Mexico

The Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos is a vibrant cultural explosion. Cities host parades and streets are decorated with altars of flowers and candles. The most authentic atmosphere is in Oaxaca. However, due to the popularity of the holiday, accommodations here sell out quickly, so planning is a must.

Climbing Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Africa’s highest mountain is a challenge for those who want to test their strength. You need to not only be physically prepared, but also book a tour with guides, as climbing on your own is prohibited. Seasonal groups are formed a year in advance, so without early planning, there is almost no chance.

Dolomites, Italy

These are some of the most beautiful mountains in Europe, combining sharp cliffs and green valleys. Tourists go trekking in summer, skiing in winter. Popular routes, such as Alta Via, require booking shelters well in advance. Planning ahead allows you to see the Dolomites in their best light.

Stargazing in the deserts

Atacama in Chile or the Sahara in Africa are the best places on Earth to see billions of stars. Astrotourism is becoming a trend, but it is limited to the number of observatories and special tours. A year of preparation - and you will get a night under the sky that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Orient Express, Paris - Istanbul

One of the most luxurious trains in the world sets off on a journey once a year. The route lasts several days, and the interiors of the carriages resemble the early 20th century. Places here are booked 10-12 months in advance, otherwise there are almost no chances. This is a journey not only in space, but also in time.

Why is early booking profitable?

- Savings: tickets and hotels are cheaper per year than per month.

- Peace of mind: there is time to collect documents, apply for a visa, get vaccinated.

- Choice: you can find the best accommodation, route or guide.

- Unique experience: many trips are physically impossible without early preparation.

There are trips that change your life. They do not tolerate spontaneity, but instead require planning and preparation. If you dream of the mountains of Patagonia, the Rio carnival or the silence of Antarctica, start planning today. And in a year you will say “thank you” to yourself for this decision.

Travel is often associated not only with booking tickets and hotels, but also with the processing of documents: visas, work or residence permits. To avoid unnecessary hassle and refusals, it is worth contacting specialists.

Our migration lawyers will help you:

- choose the right type of visa depending on the purpose of the trip;

- prepare a package of documents without unnecessary errors;

- accompany the process of application and communication with consulates;

- get advice on moving, studying or working abroad.

Contact us today - and planning your trip will become much easier, and the documents will be in full order.

Reminder! Oktoberfest 2025 in Munich is the world's main beer festival with centuries-old traditions. We have already talked about the dates, the history of the holiday, the prices of beer and food, which breweries are participating, the features of costumes and pavilions, interesting facts and useful tips for visitors.

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