Time to make plans for 2014 vacations

We’re two months away from 2014, so now is a good time to begin planning next year’s vacation. Although the vacation selection process may not be underway by your employer, if you stay away from peak holidays, you can usually get your requested time off. In addition, you can save big bucks by vacationing in nonpeak periods. So let’s spend a little time reviewing what’s out there.

Globus, one of the leading mid-range tour companies, is offering 10 percent off South America and 5 percent off Africa, South Pacific and Asia land packages paid nine months in advance and booked by March 31, 2014. They also have a $200 per couple air credit for Europe and Greece packages booked with their Globus, Monograms or Cosmos brands. Their river cruise brand, Avalon Waterways, has up to $800 per couple air credit on 2014 cruises booked by Nov. 19.

Pacific Holidays Tours has a 10-night Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong deal starting at $2,360 per person. Rate includes all air, hotel, daily breakfast and half-day city tours. Three categories of accommodations are available and there are add-on sightseeing tours. Other destinations and deals are also available, but this package caught my attention.

Pleasant Holiday Tours offers a variety of packages to Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean that have early booking discounts and more. For example, at Hard Rock all-inclusive resorts, receive credits of $500 to $1,500 at Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Punta Cana properties. Disney Hawaii Aulani Resort and Spa offers five days for the price of four. If you are looking to get married in 2014, Pleasant also negotiated free wedding packages at a number of Mexico and Caribbean locales including Dream, RIU, Melia and Palace resorts and hotels. Free weddings can translate into savings of $1,200 and more.

January through March is wave season in the cruise industry. Savvy shoppers can score great deals including free upgrades, onboard credit and other perks. Sometimes last-minute deals are less costly, but when you weigh out cost versus value, wave-season purchasers generally come out better because they have more accommodation choices, chances for price reductions and upgrades, and glean value-added benefits not available with last-minute bookings.

Although the cruise lines have not announced their 2014 offers, in past years I’ve seen business-class air for European cruises offered at $799 per person, free pre-cruise hotel stays, up to $300 shipboard credits or coupons and free shore excursions. Many cruise lines also offer reduced deposits during this period. A couple allow children under 17 to sail free in the same stateroom with parents. This year’s perks included spa credits and free specialty dining options on premium cruise lines.

As you look to 2014, don’t forget there are still great deals out there for the remainder of 2013, especially if you can travel by Dec. 15. But no matter when you go take time to research your destination, determine the type of vacation you desire (land or sea), set a budget, try to schedule your vacation outside of summer months and peak holidays, and consult with a travel professional to maximize your dollars.

As always, happy travels!

Rose Alston is a certified travel counselor and master cruise counselor. She owns a business in Fairfield and can be reached at rose@rosealston.com.

Time to make plans for 2014 vacations