Now or Later
Oct 24th, 2007, 04:33 PM
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Now or Later
I have my heart set on Provo next summer. however, have seen some specials this past summer on hotel rates with good savings. Now what to do? Do i wait and book closer to the date (JulY)? or book now and risk a higher price and higher air prices. Not sure what to do? Please help!! Thanks.
Oct 24th, 2007, 05:38 PM
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It's really too early to book a Caribbean airfare unless you are using miles. But you can always make a nonrefundable hotel reservation and cancel it if you see something better. But you're never going to find a "deal" this early.
Oct 24th, 2007, 06:26 PM
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I haven't been to Provo in the summer, but I have kept a pretty close eye on travel (airfare and some hotels) there since my first trip last spring.
Traditional logic is what Doug stated that it is too early to get good deals for that far out, but on the other hand, if you are seeing good prices now, and you don't want to wait to take the chance of them going up, you might want to book earlier. You also have to think about whether you want to pay now or later. Although I hate getting that big credit card bill long before I get to enjoy my vacation, it is pretty cool when the vacation actually arrives and you don't have to worry about paying the airfare or hotel.
You didn't mention where you are traveling from, what hotels you are considering, and/or whether you were planning to book directly with the hotels or some other way. I agree that if you can make a hotel reservation without paying a deposit and/or being obligated (I think with a lot of the resorts in Provo, they do require a deposit but it is fully refundable up until a certain point), you don't have much to lose. Also, many of the hotels offer deals where 1 or 2 nights are free (with 5 or 7 day stays) pretty regularly during off-season, so I would consider that the normal situation.
In terms of airfare, in my market (DC area), the prices have been pretty good (mid $300s if you fly on Tues or Wed) since summer, and these same prices are available through next summer. I wasn't checking Provo airfares at this time last year, but I started checking in December for a spring trip (April/May), and they didn't drop 6 - 8 weeks before like I heard they usually do (I got lucky about 6 or 7 weeks ahead and got an award seat, but the price to purchase was mid $400s).
So, my point is, you never know what is going to happen. A lot of the decision depends on you too. Is it more important to know your plans are set or is it more important to get the best price (which unfortunately, you don't really know when that will occur)? I'll play the waiting game when I'm OK not going somewhere if I don't find what I'm looking for in terms of prices, but if I really want to go to a specific place at a specific time, after some research, I book when things seem to be at a "good enough" price point.
Traditional logic is what Doug stated that it is too early to get good deals for that far out, but on the other hand, if you are seeing good prices now, and you don't want to wait to take the chance of them going up, you might want to book earlier. You also have to think about whether you want to pay now or later. Although I hate getting that big credit card bill long before I get to enjoy my vacation, it is pretty cool when the vacation actually arrives and you don't have to worry about paying the airfare or hotel.
You didn't mention where you are traveling from, what hotels you are considering, and/or whether you were planning to book directly with the hotels or some other way. I agree that if you can make a hotel reservation without paying a deposit and/or being obligated (I think with a lot of the resorts in Provo, they do require a deposit but it is fully refundable up until a certain point), you don't have much to lose. Also, many of the hotels offer deals where 1 or 2 nights are free (with 5 or 7 day stays) pretty regularly during off-season, so I would consider that the normal situation.
In terms of airfare, in my market (DC area), the prices have been pretty good (mid $300s if you fly on Tues or Wed) since summer, and these same prices are available through next summer. I wasn't checking Provo airfares at this time last year, but I started checking in December for a spring trip (April/May), and they didn't drop 6 - 8 weeks before like I heard they usually do (I got lucky about 6 or 7 weeks ahead and got an award seat, but the price to purchase was mid $400s).
So, my point is, you never know what is going to happen. A lot of the decision depends on you too. Is it more important to know your plans are set or is it more important to get the best price (which unfortunately, you don't really know when that will occur)? I'll play the waiting game when I'm OK not going somewhere if I don't find what I'm looking for in terms of prices, but if I really want to go to a specific place at a specific time, after some research, I book when things seem to be at a "good enough" price point.
Oct 24th, 2007, 07:55 PM
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<b><font color="purple">I can say from experience this year.... I'm planning my yearly trip to Provo in May 2008. I decided to check the airfares for the hec of it (i don't usually look this far out), but said what the hec. I found an incredible deal on American Airlines,,,,, $380/per person round trip!!! I'm coming from Las Vegas so that is a HUGE deal as I have never been able to pay anything less than $650/per person. I knew nowadays, I couldn't travel to my other favorite destination for that price (Cancun). We went ahead and booked it as I believe it will NOT go down any further than that I and couldn't get my creditcard out fast enough!! We have just saved over 1/2 of what we normally spend on tickets for our trip. I'm so happy I had an itch to just check on prices this early out.....because this time it paid off.
I'm still watching for the hotel rates (they really don't drop all that much lower).... but I have an e-mail to my travel agent for pricing info. I can't wait until May!! I'm already off to a great start - I only hope it continues!
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I'm still watching for the hotel rates (they really don't drop all that much lower).... but I have an e-mail to my travel agent for pricing info. I can't wait until May!! I'm already off to a great start - I only hope it continues!
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Oct 25th, 2007, 02:22 PM
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Thanks for the replys. I want to go to the Turks and Caicos Club for 1 week. I saw the 6th and 7th night free this summer, and that caught my eye. Airfare is like the stock market, it goes up and down. Good for you Vegas. Nice sale you grabbed. I will be flying out of Philadelphia. Perhaps an airfare watch until next spring, and book the hotel now and watch for sales and rebook if necessary is good advice.
I did not notice the sale on the hotel until June for july and august this year, so it looks like a last minute sale is the norm. The place looks really nice and quiet.
VegasM, I was out in Vegas last summer for the first time. Man was it hot in the day. Nice place though, and the best food i think i have ever experienced. Hope to return someday on my way to Hawaii. Anyway, thanks to all for taking the time to help me. Ron
I did not notice the sale on the hotel until June for july and august this year, so it looks like a last minute sale is the norm. The place looks really nice and quiet.
VegasM, I was out in Vegas last summer for the first time. Man was it hot in the day. Nice place though, and the best food i think i have ever experienced. Hope to return someday on my way to Hawaii. Anyway, thanks to all for taking the time to help me. Ron
Oct 25th, 2007, 02:27 PM
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Oh, PS, I book my vacations through CostCo Wholesale. I have found they are the cheapest. No one undercuts their prices. Not even HOTWIRE or ORBITZ, so give it a try. Its for members only.
