June 25, 2025

Summer has just begun and peak travel season is taking off in many parts of the world. Wanderlust is contagious and you may just be feeling inspired to get more destinations checked off your bucket list. With summer travel plans already on the agenda, what types of future travel should you be booking now for the best options and the best deals? Last year we published a blog post titled “How far out should you book your next trip?” This post and a recent poll conducted in our monthly newsletter made us realize that our clients always appreciate some guidance when it comes to this question. So, let’s break it down - here’s what you should be booking now.

Summer 2026 River Cruises

Many seasoned river cruisers and travel agents (including us!) will tell you that booking your ideal river cruise itinerary as soon as possible is always the best practice. Especially if you are hoping to live out your European summer dreams, getting a deposit in now will ensure you secure your ideal itinerary, dates, and staterooms.

Right now both of our river cruise partners, Viking Cruises and AmaWaterways, have incredible sales going on. Take advantage of 2-for-1 airfare, reduced fares, and a $25 deposit with Viking’s Summer Sale for bookings made now through June 30th, 2025. This offer is valid on Viking’s incredible European itineraries including the Romantic Danube sailing from Budapest to Vienna to Regensburg featuring grand castles, regional music, and incredible food, perfect for couples looking to reconnect and get carried away by the river’s sweeping beauty. Or take full advantage of the summer weather on the Grand European Tour, taking you to 4 countries in 15 days with 12 tours included.

Even more possibilities and savings are available with AmaWaterways. Their Triple Savings offer going on now through June 30th, 2025 includes savings of up to $2,000 per stateroom, $100 on board credit, and a complimentary room upgrade. Savings are also available through their Complimentary Land Package and Reduced Airfare sales for travel booked by June 30th, 2025. New reservations will receive a complimentary 2, 3, or 4-night land package before or after select 2025 or 2026 Europe river cruises and the offer is combinable with AirPlus fixed rates on airfare, $100 loyalty savings and benefits, referral savings, curated grand river cruises and combination cruise savings, and future cruise benefits. Whew - that's so many savings we almost lost track!

Summer in Europe is simply magical, with mild weather, lots of greenery, and bustling city centers. River cruising is the perfect way to embrace all that this region has to offer during the warmer months, as the boat will take you to numerous ports of call and you’ll be able to soak in all the riverside scenery from your balcony while only having to settle in and unpack once. With peak travel season in this region taking place from June through August, booking your adventure the summer before is a great way to get your plans locked in at the best rates!

Fall/Winter 2025 All-Inclusive Vacations

While the weather stays warm in our corner of the Midwest, it may not be top of mind to book a beachy getaway…but doing so now will get you ahead of the crowds at some great rates. Once the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, you’ll be happy to have thought ahead and booked a fall or winter getaway.

Sandals and Beaches Resorts are currently running incredible savings for your future vacations. At Sandals, take advantage of their Caribbean Sale by Monday June 30th, 2025 for travel through December 24th, 2025 to save up to $1,000 with up to 65% off, 1 free night on select resorts, $100 web booking bonus, and a free Caribbean adventure for bookings of five or more nights. Sandals resorts are perfect adults-only destinations for romantic escapes, girls trips, and Caribbean exploration. Get something on the calendar right before the holiday season to ensure you get some tropical relaxation ahead of busy social schedules.

If you are hoping to get away with the little ones after the busy summer season has ended, be sure not to miss the Beaches Fall Fam Jam Sale. Book your Beaches vacation from June 25th, 2025 to August 31st, 2025 for travel from August 1st, 2025 – October 31st, 2025, August 1st, 2026 – October 31st, 2026, or August 1st, 2027 – October 31st, 2027 and rack up the savings! For bookings of 5+ nights, this offer includes a free Sesame Street character breakfast, free Sesame Street morning yoga package, and $175 spa credit and can be combined with Flex Pay financing, up to 65% off and 1 night free, and $100 online booking credit.

Once the school year is back in full swing, it can be hard to carve out time for a vacation with the whole family. Take advantage of savings and advanced planning now to ensure your whole crew has something to look forward to after the busy summer season winds down.

Travel changes every season and there are always so many moving parts to get into place before taking off on your next adventure. Whether you decide to book a river cruise or all-inclusive now or in the future, our team is always here to help you navigate the best path for you!

Written by Erin Finneman