Why you should be planning your spring and summer travel now

Erica Terry

Hi, my name is Erica, and I am a travel agent specializing in family vacations.

I’ll be using this space in the coming months to share my expertise and know-how in the travel field, with the hope of making your own planning process easier, more stress-free, and enjoyable.

Travel is one of my favorite topics. It’s why I’ve turned it into a career, and it’s something I could talk endlessly about, especially this time of year. The month of January in the travel industry is referred to as Wave Season, a period when so many people start turning their thoughts toward getting away. The holidays are behind us, we’ve likely spent a lot of time indoors, and we’re itching to get outside. Many people don’t travel in November and December, and if they do, it’s often to visit family rather than a true relaxation destination.

So once January arrives, I see many clients eager to start conversations about their next warm-weather vacation. They’re often looking to beaches, warmer climates, cruises, and tropical all-inclusives as a way to escape the Westchester winter.

While it may feel like summer is still far away, this is actually the perfect time to be thinking about spring and summer travel, especially if you’re planning around your children’s school schedules. Spring and summer breaks are some of the best opportunities we have to travel to destinations that require more than just a car ride to visit!

Here are my top reasons why you should be making these plans right now:

• First, it’s Wave Season, and travel vendors know it. The destinations you’re dreaming about are competing for your attention, offering their best promotions and discounts to stand out from the competition. This is especially true for cruise lines and all-inclusive resorts. If you wait until February, March, or April, you’re likely going to miss out on the best pricing.

• Second, top destinations book up quickly, particularly when it comes to premium options like verandah cabins on the newer cruise ships, ocean-view villas, or sought-after resort categories. Once January hits, those high-demand accommodations start disappearing fast.

• Third, planning early gives you the most flexibility. One of the things I prioritize for my clients is finding vacations with refundable deposits. I know it can feel intimidating to commit now to plans for July or August, because so much can change. By reserving a trip with a refundable deposit, we can lock in today’s pricing and availability, while still allowing room to adjust dates or details later if needed.

• Finally, don’t underestimate the power of the daydream factor. So many people talk about trips they want to take, but those dreams don’t become reality unless you start planning. Having a vacation on the calendar can do wonders for your mental health when you’re navigating long workdays and busy schedules. There’s comfort in knowing there’s something wonderful ahead—and that something often includes a tropical drink.

I’m thrilled to have this space moving forward to share why I’m so passionate about family travel. Some of my favorite trips include exploring Europe, cruising, and visiting theme park destinations. This past November I was on the preview sailing of the Disney Destiny; I explored kid friendly London and Paris in April; I’ve been to Universal’s brand new Epic Universe four times already; and I have a whopping six cruises on the calendar this year! I’m in the parks nearly every month, and I look forward to answering your questions, easing concerns, and sharing hidden-gem advice along the way.

Erica Terry is a Westchester resident and a travel agent specializing in Disney destinations, Universal Studios, Cruise Lines, and all-inclusives. You can contact her at ericat@friendlikemetravel.com. You can also visit her at her website or YouTube channel.