July 25, 2020

8 Trips to Book in Advance

It may seem early, but most bucket list adventures are already selling out for next season! Whether it’s limited trail permits, small charter flights, or competitive accommodations, these journeys are filling up quickly.
 
From the iconic Inca Trail to the summit of Kilimanjaro or the coral reefs of Raja Ampat to the jungles of Uganda, these are some of our best-selling trips and are already proving to be the quickest to recover from the global pause on travel. Check out our full list below and start planning your great escape!

Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city, is nestled among green mountains under a partly cloudy sky, with terraced fields visible in the foreground—it's one of those trips to book in advance.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | View Itinerary

In 2001, the Peruvian government established a permit system, which only allows 500 people (most of whom are local porters and guides), to hike the legendary Inca Trail per day. We enter majestic Machu Picchu from the “Sun Gate”—the original entrance used by the Incas—and top off our adventure with a night at the stunning Sanctuary Lodge, the only accommodation just steps from the ruins.

A person in hiking gear stands at the edge of a glacial lake with rugged snow-capped mountains in the background under a clear blue sky, embodying the serenity that makes trips to book so worth planning in advance.

In Patagonia | View Itinerary

Experience incredible views of Cerro Torre and the Fitz Roy massif. See the massive ice wall of Perito Moreno Glacier, the soaring spires of Torres del Paine, and discover penguin colonies on hikes in Tierra del Fuego. The exclusive boutique lodges used on this trip are booked solid a year out, so if you’re looking to explore Patagonia next year, now is the time to book your adventure.

Aerial view of a tropical bay with clear turquoise water, lush green trees, small islands, and a boat anchored near the shore—an idyllic scene perfect for trips to book with advance booking for the best experience.

Snorkeling in Raja Ampat | View Itinerary

Set sail for remote Raja Ampat, a pristine archipelago in the heart of the Coral Triangle famous for its astounding marine life. We charter a traditional Indonesian schooner that carries only 10 guests, with private cabins and en suite bathrooms. We navigate into remote bays to snorkel with graceful manta rays, gentle wobbegong sharks, and some of the most colorful coral in the world.

A person stands next to signs at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, indicating it's the highest point in Africa, at an elevation of 5895 meters above sea level. For those interested in this adventure, remember that trips to book should be planned well in advance.

Climb Kilimanjaro | View Itinerary

We’ve perfected the climb to the celebrated “snows of Kilimanjaro” on the stunning Lemosho-Crater Camp Route, a beautiful, uncrowded trail on Kili’s remote southwest flanks. This challenging trek requires a permit, multiple guides, a large team of porters, and months of training for most hikers. We have one of the highest summit success rates (98%). The rewards of reaching the highest peak in Africa are truly unparalleled.

A stone marker with a yellow scallop shell symbol stands on a path, as travelers walk towards a village with a stone bell tower and scenic countryside in the background, capturing moments from their days of exploration.

Pilgrim’s Way | View Itinerary

If walking the famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route is on your list, 2021 is the year to do it. This marks the 120th anniversary of “Holy Year,” occurring when the Apostle Santiago celebration falls on a Sunday (it won’t happen again until 2027!). Our cozy hotels and paradors are already starting to fill up, so book soon if you want to enjoy the special cultural and celebratory activities along the route.

A large group of penguins and seals are gathered on a beach with snow-capped mountains and glaciers in the background, making it one of the top places to travel in 2019.

Antarctica | View Itinerary

This magnificent, uninhabited continent is hypnotically beautiful, where glacier-clad mountains soar above a cobalt sea, towering blue-white icebergs float by majestically, and phenomenal wildlife abounds. The best cabins sell out quickly because the ships we have chosen are small, which allow you more time on shore to explore, since all passengers can go ashore simultaneously (regulations in Antarctica limit the number of passengers who can be ashore at one time, forcing travelers on larger ships to wait in shifts to explore).

Two people sit on rocks with a monastery built into a cliff face in the background on a mountain. Dense forest and rugged terrain surround the monastery, making it an ideal spot for those looking into advance trips for their next travel adventure.

Hiker’s Journey to Bhutan | View Itinerary

Bhutan has always had strict limits on the number of travel visas allowed to enter their kingdom, and one of the logistical adventures about this trip is the internal flights that tend to sell out. Don’t worry, we book both for our guests so you can focus on hiking through rhododendron forests and experiencing the local festivals. Remember to book early so we can secure your visa and internal flight!

Two gorillas in a lush, green forest. One gorilla stands prominently in the foreground, while the other is partly visible in the background. Both gorillas are surrounded by dense vegetation, capturing a vivid moment in their journey through the Animal Kingdom's rich wildlife.

Mountain Gorilla Safari | View Itinerary

To be up close to Uganda’s mountain gorillas is one of the greatest wildlife experiences on the planet. The tracking can be physically challenging, but the rewards are tremendous when you spot a gorilla family and become absorbed in watching these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. In order to preserve this ecosystem and minimize environmental impacts in the parks, permits are strictly limited by the Ugandan government. Be sure to book your space soon!