2026 Travel Planning: 5 Trips You Should Book Early for the Best Availability
If you’re beginning to think about travel in 2026, now is the ideal time to start planning. Many of the most popular destinations and cruise itineraries sell out far earlier than travelers expect — often a year or more in advance.
Wave Season (January through March) is known for strong pricing and promotions, but the real advantage of booking early is availability. From river cruises and Italy hotels to Alaska balcony cabins and cherry blossom season in Japan, early planning ensures better choices and fewer compromises.
Below are five types of trips you should be booking now if 2026 travel is on your radar.
1. River Cruises for 2026 — Veranda and French Balcony Cabins Are Limited
River cruises are one of the fastest-selling travel segments, and 2026 sailings are already seeing limited availability.
River ships are small, and the most desirable cabins — veranda and French balcony staterooms — are often the first to sell out. Many popular itineraries on the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and Douro Rivers already show reduced availability in these categories.
Waiting too long often means:
- Limited or no balcony cabins available
- Higher prices for remaining categories
- Waitlists on popular sailings
If a river cruise is part of your 2026 travel plan, booking early is essential to secure the cabin type and itinerary you actually want.
2. Italy Travel in 2026 — Why Popular Hotels Sell Out Early
Italy remains one of the most requested destinations year after year, and Italy travel for 2026 is already trending high — especially for summer months.
The biggest challenge when booking Italy is not flights, but hotels. Many of the most popular hotels in Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast are:
- Boutique or family-owned
- Small in size
- Located in historic, walkable areas
Once these hotels sell out, travelers are left choosing from properties farther from the city center or significantly higher-priced options.
If Italy is even a possibility for 2026, securing hotels early gives you the best locations, better room categories, and more flexibility overall.
3. Alaska Cruises 2026 — Balcony Cabins Are Disappearing First
Alaska is another destination that rewards early planning.
The Alaska cruise season is short, and balcony cabins are always the first to sell out. These staterooms are in high demand because the scenery — glaciers, wildlife, and coastline — is the main attraction.
For Alaska cruises in 2026, booking early allows you to:
- Secure a balcony cabin
- Choose preferred sailing dates
- Select the best itineraries and ships
Travelers who wait often find interior cabins or less desirable dates as their only options.
4. Bucket-List Travel 2026 — Japan Cherry Blossom Season Books Out Early
Some destinations simply do not lend themselves to last-minute planning — and Japan during cherry blossom season is one of the best examples.
April is one of the most popular times to visit Japan, and travelers hoping to see the cherry blossoms need to book hotels and experiences well in advance. The best-located hotels and guided experiences often sell out a year or more ahead of time.
Other bucket-list trips that require early booking include:
- Antarctica expeditions
- African safaris
- Luxury and expedition cruises
- Escorted tours and special-interest itineraries
If a once-in-a-lifetime trip is on your 2026 wish list, early planning is critical.
5. European Ocean Cruises 2026 — Popular Itineraries Sell Quickly
European ocean cruises are extremely popular for travelers looking to see multiple destinations without unpacking every night.
For European cruises in 2026, the sailings that typically book first include:
- Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries
- Northern Europe and British Isles cruises
- New ships and limited-run routes
Booking during Wave Season often provides the best combination of pricing, cabin selection, and added perks — while waiting can mean fewer options and less flexibility.
When Should You Start Planning 2026 Travel?
The short answer: now.
Planning early doesn’t mean everything must be finalized immediately. It means securing the most important elements of your trip — cabins, hotels, itineraries, and experiences — before availability becomes the limiting factor.
Working with a luxury travel advisor ensures that your 2026 trip is planned strategically, not reactively.
If you’re considering river cruises, Italy, Alaska, Japan, or European cruises in 2026, I’d be happy to help you understand what needs to be booked now and what can wait.
Travel well. Travel brilliantly.
