We are very excited! Over a year ago, we booked a transatlantic cruise and the time is almost here!  For the past year, we have read about all of the places we will visit, planned our excursions, and watched as the price of our cruise doubled! 

There are two best times to book a trip.  Far in advance, when the travel companies offer many discounts to ensure that they have sufficient bookings, or at the last minute, when those same companies want to fill any unfilled space.  Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

When you book far in advance you have the time to really anticipate the trip.  That is half the fun in travel.  You also get better prices.  The down side is that you often have to commit your funds (although refundable) a year or more in advance.

To book last minute, you have to be prepared to pack and leave with a few weeks’ notice.   You also have to cram your research into that time period.  However, if the travel company still has space available, you will get a great deal.

To give you a couple of specific examples, I will use our upcoming cruise.  We knew we wanted a suite, and by booking a year in advance we got the suite for the price of a balcony.  Because it was so far in advance, we were able to get business class frequent flier for the return flight.  The current price of our cabin has doubled and there are only 2 seats left.  We had our pick of cabins.

I got a call from somebody wanting an inexpensive cruise in February to the Bahamas.  I was able to get a last minute Royal Caribbean inside cabin mid-ship for about $375 each including port charges, taxes, insurance and gratuities.

We booked a cruise on Viking in Mid-2015.  It had to be paid in full by December 31, 2013.  We actually booked in October, 2013.  It was a good thing we booked it as the cruise sold out a couple of days after we booked.  We are now checking out all of the ports of call.

The bottom line: Plan your vacations in advance when you can, but it is okay to book last minute as well.  And remember, most of the time you see a discounted cruise fare, it does not include port charges, taxes, gratuities or insurance.

Steve Leichner is a travel agent with PSL Travel. Send him your questions at  [email protected] or by phone at 877-387-4660