While many jetsetters book up rooms at luxury hotels and splurge on deluxe suites, staying at a five-star hotel may have an underlying incentive. Many luxury travelers are heading to diamond resorts and five-star hotels as part of a philanthropic effort, a chance to book up rooms at premiere destinations around the globe and have the proceeds donated to select charities and nonprofit organizations. These types of programs are on the rise as more people look for ways to give back to their local communities and participate in donation efforts with national organizations.
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Many travelers now turn to charity auctions to bid on travel packages, event tickets and other items for a grand vacation, giving them a chance to pay for not only the package at hand, but also to donate a portion of the cost to a needy organization. Websites such as CharityFolks.com allows many people to participate in these types of auctions, helping to raise funds for several noteworthy organizations and allowing travelers to bid on several attractive, even luxury travel packages. Charities and nonprofit organizations can take advantage of this rising trend by partnering with local hoteliers and travel agents who may offer discounted packages or even donate free travel packages that can then be used for an auction.
In addition to finding travel packages where proceeds are donated to an organization, some of the packages and trips are designed purely for philanthropic efforts. Travelers may have the chance to stay at a five-star hotel that is hosting a charity benefit or concert, or even head out on an adventure excursion that involves volunteering some time for grassroots campaigns. All-inclusive travel packages allow travelers to explore new territory, meet new people and learn about a new cause. Whatever the cause may be, visitors can embark on a glamorous journey - without the guilt.
Chances are, travelers who have spoken to travel agents about booking luxury vacations often hear the travel agent mantra of "book early." With myths of last minute deals and other types of discounts, travelers are often confused about "how soon is too soon" and what is available to travelers who want to book early. Here are a few of the advantages of booking luxury travel early.
Better Availability
When you book a luxury travel vacation early, you have the first shot at getting the best category. From flights to hotels, this can really make or break the mood of your vacation, especially if it is a special occasion such as a honeymoon. You are also the first travelers to be granted requests such as a non-smoking room, king size bed, "roll aways" and such. Hotels and cruise lines will also go in order of booking date when they are offering free upgrades and extra amenities. And of course, if you have your heart set on a specific hotel, resort or cruise ship, the earlier you book, the better chance you have of getting to stay where you want.
Early Booking Discounts and Incentives
Most hotels, resorts, cruise lines and tour companies will offer special deals on luxury vacations that are booked early. These early booking discounts or incentives will really save you money. They are usually available through your local travel agent from September to the end of October. Make sure to pay special attention to when your reservation must be paid in full, as most specials will require an earlier final payment date.
When to Book
The beginning of the travel business year is September, after most clients return from high season summer vacations and luxury world cruises. This is the best time to see what is available for the upcoming year. However, pricing becomes available ten months before departure date. Once the ten months has begun, start checking prices and come to a decision about seven to six months out. If you are traveling for a special occasion, or somewhere exotic, make your plans no later than nine months out. Although there are a lot of last minute deals available, they are usually very restrictive. If this is your once a year big trip, you do not want to trust it to the limitations of last minute deals, and especially not if this is for honeymoon and wedding travel. There are just too many things that could go wrong for something as momentous and important as such events!
Booking a luxury travel vacation should be booked early for so many reasons. First, there will be better availability for the vacation you are considering, and you will be first in line to get upgrades and extra amenities. You also can take advantage of early booking discounts. By knowing when to book, you can save yourself the hassle of second-guessing or considering too good to be true last minute deals. Booking early gives travelers the advantage of being secure northern pacific expeditions review in their travel plans.