Travel demand continues to rise, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest years yet. Travelers are planning earlier, inventory is tightening, and rates are increasing as departure dates get closer. For anyone wishing to secure the best properties, preferred flight schedules, and competitive pricing, booking well in advance is no longer a suggestion. It is a necessity.
At Susans Travel Services, we recommend booking no less than six months before your departure. This window provides the best access to availability and helps protect you from the pricing surges that often occur when hotels and flights begin to fill. The closer you get to your travel dates, the fewer choices remain, and the more likely it becomes that preferred rooms, experiences, and flights are already taken or offered at significantly higher rates. Early planning gives you both value and peace of mind.
Popular Destinations That Sell Out Quickly in 2026
Certain destinations are already pacing far ahead of previous years and will reach capacity faster than many travelers expect. Hawaii continues to see strong demand thanks to its blend of luxury resorts, outdoor adventure, and ease of access. Properties on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island in particular tend to sell out many months in advance, especially during school breaks and holiday seasons.
The islands of Tahiti and Fiji remain top choices for travelers seeking overwater bungalows, secluded beaches, and world-class hospitality. These destinations offer a limited number of boutique, in-demand properties, which means availability becomes scarce long before the desired travel season arrives.
Japan continues to experience overwhelming popularity. Whether clients are drawn to cherry blossom season, fall foliage, Michelin-star dining, or traditional ryokan stays, space fills quickly across all major regions. Travelers hoping to visit need to secure arrangements well ahead of time to avoid missing peak-season opportunities.
Ireland and Scotland are also surging for 2026. Castle stays, countryside manors, and highly sought-after driver-guided experiences often book out a full year or more in advance. With limited room categories at historic properties and high interest in curated cultural itineraries, early planning is essential.
Across all these destinations, travelers who wait until the last minute often face higher prices, reduced availability, and fewer options for flights, accommodations, and activities. Booking early ensures that you are selecting from the full range of premium offerings rather than settling for what is left.
Why Working With a Travel Advisor Matters More Than Ever
Navigating increasingly competitive travel landscapes requires expertise, relationships, and real-time insight into changing availability and pricing. This is where a professional travel advisor becomes essential. A skilled advisor can monitor trends, secure preferred access before properties open inventory to the general public, and help you understand when to book to maximize both value and experience.
At Susan’s Travel Services, our team brings more than four decades of combined industry experience. We invest in ongoing education, personal site inspections, and strong relationships with hoteliers, property managers, and global partners. This allows us to advocate for our clients, uncover opportunities others may miss, and secure elevated treatment throughout your stay. As a boutique four-person agency, we intentionally take on fewer clients so we can offer the level of personalized care that mass-market travel companies cannot replicate.
Our affiliation with Virtuoso gives us access to exclusive upgrades, added amenities, VIP recognition, and highly vetted properties. At the same time, our Tern CRM system allows us to manage every detail of your trip seamlessly. Your itinerary, documents, payments, and messages appear in one intuitive portal, making collaboration effortless and ensuring nothing is overlooked.
When issues arise during travel, our team is available to intervene immediately. Whether a flight is delayed, a transfer is missed, or a room category is not honored, you have an advocate who knows the right contacts to resolve the problem quickly. This level of support is invaluable and often the difference between a stressful situation and a smooth recovery.
Why Now Is the Time to Start Planning Your 2026 Travels
The strongest itineraries, the most memorable experiences, and the greatest value come from planning early. With demand continuing to rise and many destinations already pacing ahead, securing your 2026 travel now ensures access to the accommodations and experiences you truly want. Early planning also provides flexibility for customizing your trip, managing flights strategically, and taking advantage of the best promotional opportunities.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you are considering travel in 2026, now is the ideal time to begin the process. Susan’s Travel Services is here to curate, plan, and manage every detail so you can travel confidently and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish. Reach out today to begin designing your next journey and secure the best availability while space still remains.