6 Things To Buy Now If You’re Planning on Traveling This Fall

If you’re planning to travel this fall, now is the time to start preparing. Waiting too long could mean paying higher prices or missing out on what you need.

Whether it’s booking flights, finding discounted travel gear or securing rental cars and hotel rooms, early planning can make a big difference in cost and availability. With holidays and peak travel times approaching, experts recommend acting sooner rather than later to avoid the rush and lock in the best deals.

Here’s a look at the key items to focus on now for your upcoming trip.

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Flights

“If you’re planning to fly in the fall for Thanksgiving — or even this winter for the holidays — now is the time to book your flights,” recommended Jeremy Murchland, president at Seven Corners Inc., a travel insurance agency. “Not only do they tend to be less expensive if you book prior to Halloween, but you also have a better chance of getting the flight you want.”

Murchland also said that demand will be high, so you should consider booking now to get the days, times or routes you want before they are no longer available or you have to pay a sky-high price.

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‘Summer’ Travel Gear

“Whether you’re planning to travel to a warm destination this fall, or you just want to get ahead of the game, now is a great time to stock up on travel gear for those warm trips,” Murchland suggested. “It could be swimsuits, pool toys for the kids or certain types of camping gear. As stores start to turn over their inventory for fall and winter, they’ll put their summer items on sale.”

Erika Kullberg, founder of Erika.com, attorney and personal finance expert, said to also consider buying travel essentials, such as packing cubes, toiletry bottles and other accessories because they are often discounted during back-to-school and end-of-summer sales in the fall.

“Bulk-buying now allows you to stock up on key items without having to pay retail prices or scramble to find things last minute,” she said.

Last-Minute Cruises

Murchland explained that because of the high demand for cruises lately, most people are already booking for 2025 and beyond.

“There’s still a chance you could find a great last-minute cruise for the fall, though,” he said. “Some lines might be trying to fill the few remaining cabins and will mark down the price to do so.”

As an alternative, Murchland suggested looking for “an enticing late-season cruise at a surprisingly good price.” He said this works well if you aren’t picky about the destination or itinerary.

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“These tend to be the less popular itineraries, but don’t confuse less popular with less fun,” he advised. “Sometimes, they’re just a hidden gem that gets overlooked.”

Murchland also recommended considering river cruises, barge cruises or repositioning cruises.

“These alternatives to ocean liners offer unique experiences, especially during the offseason,” he said. “Fall is the perfect time for a trip that’s a bit out of the ordinary.”

Travel Insurance

“Travel insurance is another item likely to see better prices the further out you book, so you might as well snag it while you can,” said Kullberg.

Before you purchase travel insurance, check to see if the credit card you used to book your trip offers travel insurance protection. For example, some credit cards offer trip cancellation and/or trip interruption insurance.

Rental Cars and Hotel Reservations

Kullberg advised that if you’re planning to rent a car or stay at a hotel, it’s a good idea to book those services as soon as possible.

“Hotels and rental cars tend to fill up, and prices often go up as peak travel time approaches,” she said. “Plus, you have more variety and a better chance of finding a room in your preferred location by booking early.”

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Things To Buy Now If You’re Planning on Traveling This Fall