July is the peak of summer with long days and warm temperatures. Students and teachers enjoy being out of school and have relaxed into summertime routines of outdoor recreation, watersports and cook outs. It’s almost hard to remember way back to March when the rigors of school, homework and colder weather had you yearning for a spring break family trip – the one that your family didn’t get to take because there was nothing available by the time you got around to arranging your spring break trip!

January is far too late to book spring break travel.

We see it happen to families every year. They wait too long to start thinking about a spring break trip and wind up staying home. Spring break is one of the top travel times of the year. Dates vary by establishment, but usually fall in March and April, with the week before and after Easter being the peak time frame. Travelers often wait until after the flurry of winter holiday activity is behind them before turning their sights to the next school break on the calendar. The weather gets cold, and thoughts turn to getting away to sun and sand for a few days as a family. By that time, prime spring break beach destinations are invariably booked solid and it’s too late to secure reservations at any price.

Spring break prices increase as availability decreases.

Another scenario is when a well-organized mom starts planning the family spring break trip much earlier than that – say November. For some travel arrangements, four to six months lead time is enough, but not if you’re going to the beaches of Florida, Mexico or the Caribbean from February through April. Those classic spring break favorites might have suitable accommodations still available, but basic economic principles of supply and demand will drive the pricing of available resorts, condos and bungalows to a premium level. That well-intentioned mom vows to become even better organized for next year and plan earlier to avoid the inevitable price inflation. Travel Maestro tip: Consider alternative destinations like Southern California, that have great appeal but are not traditional spring break meccas.

The early bird gets the worm!

As surprising as you may find it, the best time to book your spring break travel is in July – or even earlier. Most airlines accept reservations 330 days in advance – that’s about 10 ½ months, so for example, if traveling March 15, you can make airline reservations as early as April 20 the year before. The lowest prices always get taken first, so as soon as you can confirm your travel dates, ask your advisor to ticket your air.

Securing accommodations early is equally important. Although resorts, condos and villas will likely be subject to peak season pricing during spring break, you can save by locking in your reservation early with a deposit. Final payments are normally due about 90 – 120 days before travel, so you can make incremental payments over time or wait until the due date to pay the balance. It’s worth noting that many school organizations block space in popular spring break destinations when school starts in the fall, so be sure to have your travel advisor make your reservations before the school year starts for the best choices and prices.

In addition, when you plan ahead, Covington Travel can often add value to your spring break vacation with complimentary Virtuoso amenities such as accommodation upgrades, daily breakfast, resort or spa credits, early check-in/late check-out. These exclusive extras are at no cost to you!

Don’t procrastinate! Now is the time to start thinking about your family’s spring break vacation. Avoid disappointment next spring by contacting a Covington Vacation Advisor today to discuss your spring break getaway. Your family will thank you!