Travel experts warn to book trips early

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – U.P. travel experts say you could be out of luck if you try to book your trip too late.

Holiday Travel Vacations Owner Laura Chapman says many people are booking flights to warm destinations like Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic to escape the cold winter weather here in the U.P. She says people have been booking spring break trips since April because hotels and airlines are filling so quickly.

Chapman says in order to make sure you have a ticket and a room, you may need to book trips up to a year in advance.

“If people are thinking about traveling this summer or fall, especially to Europe, it’s really, really, really full,” said Chapman. “They need to do it soon. Everyone wants to go now, and they’re going. We’re just blown away by how busy 2025 is. We’re even booking into 2026 for Europe.”

Chapman says it’s sometimes still possible to book last-minute trips, but booking early is the best way to save money and make sure your trip runs smoothly.

“I have never seen travel as busy as it is right now for 2025, and I’ve been doing this job over 30 years,” said Chapman. “Don’t wait to book. If you can book 11 months in advance, it’s going to save you money. Last-minute bookings are really going to cost you.”

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