How far in advance to book?

[Golden Rose]

The basic question is how far out does someone generally need to book ABD? Does it generally vary by time of year and itinerary?

We booked our first ABD for next spring break (March 2016) to Costa Rica. Since we're used to taking pretty elaborate trips without a tour group, we're not sure how we're going to feel about group touring. Honestly, we think if we don't like ABD, then group tours are probably not for us, because I don't think they will get much better than this. (I am fairly sure that we'll like it, but not as certain about my DM and DstepF, who are accompanying us.)

We are very interested in doing Australia in either the second part of 2016 or in 2017. (We were looking at South Africa, but have come to the conclusion that DD really should be a little older than barely 6.) I would prefer to wait until we get back from Costa Rica to book, but how likely are the trips to fill up?

 

[kristilew]

This won't help you at all, but....it depends. And I'm not sure on what. We've been on a trip that included a family who had booked the month before (but it was because their first choice trip was full.) We've also been on the waiting list for a trip this Christmas since last December, so it filled up over a year in advance.

You can always call (or have your ta call) every few months or weeks to see how full the trip you like is getting, and if it starts getting close to full, and you really want it, then go ahead and book it at that point.

Of course, the more full a trip gets, the more expensive it gets, too. Just like cruise pricing.

 

[Cousin Orville]

You could also look at the prices today and monitor any rise in price as an indication of a trip filling up. I'm going to take a wild guess though and say Australia is one of the least likely ABD's to get booked up. Both the late July and August Australia ABD's appear to be still available.