Erika Ritcher, the senior director of communications for the American Society of Travel Advisers (ASTA), says that whether to book now or not is a personal decision, but adds that many trips, such as safaris or popular wedding and honeymoon destinations, can take between nine and 12 months of planning.
“There’s very attractive pricing right now and flexibility in booking,” Ritcher said.
Elaine Smith, a travel advisor and head of travel agency E-destinations, advises looking at airline and hotel websites before booking, to check out their current change and cancellation policies.
“I’ve noticed that with some of the airlines, if you’re buying your tickets now for future travel, there is some flexibility in the change fees and the waivers,” she said.
In fact, many airlines have created temporary policies that allow you to book new flights now through certain dates, with the ability to change and cancel them for a full refund for the next year or even more.