The travel agent explained why it's better to book the hotel and tickets in advance.

      03 January 2026 14:59 Culture and Leisure

      More and more travelers are giving up long-term vacation planning. Today tourists often book hotels only three to five days before a trip. This is due to the growing popularity of spontaneous travel and the desire to "change the scenery" at the end of the year.

      However, this trend does not suit everyone, travel agent Natalya Gavrilova told the 360.ru website. Spontaneous trips are more often chosen by those who have financial freedom and a flexible schedule. People whose lives are tied to children's schedules, studies, or caring for elderly relatives cannot always afford such a format of vacation.

      In addition, the unstable international situation plays a role. The escalation of armed conflicts in various regions of the world reduces confidence in the future and makes travelers more cautious.

      There is another factor — global warming. The climate has become unpredictable, and now even popular destinations are subject to weather anomalies. Floods in Dubai, hail in the desert — all this makes one wonder whether a trip will be as planned.

      Why it's still worth planning

      Professionals with many years of experience are convinced: major trips are better booked in advance, while spontaneous trips can be a good addition if time and resources allow.

      Previously the market had many tour operators and airlines, and there was active charter service. Back then last-minute tours were indeed a profitable option. Now the situation is different.

      Charters remain only on certain routes and their volumes are limited. The aircraft fleet is insufficient: European companies have left, and Russian carriers face shortages of aircraft and spare parts. Most transportation now falls on scheduled flights, and their tickets only get cheaper with early booking. At the last minute they may be unavailable or too expensive.

      The same situation is unfolding in the hotel market. Popular European destinations — the Baltics, Scandinavia — are practically closed, which has increased demand for alternative locations and led to a rapid buyout of rooms in available countries.

      Savings and flexibility with early booking

      Booking in advance is also financially advantageous. Early-bird discounts allow significant savings. Of course, there are cases when hotels lower prices at the last moment, but this is more of an exception and should not be relied upon.

      Rooms in popular hotels and for in-demand dates sell out especially quickly — long before the season begins. With early booking a client can pay a small deposit and the remainder closer to the trip date.

      This approach offers another advantage — the ability to monitor exchange rates and pay for the tour at the most favorable moment. In addition, not everyone is ready to pay a large sum upfront, and with early booking there is a chance to pay in installments. According to experts, many tourists actively use this option.

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