There are as many reasons to plan a trip a year in advance as there are to embark on one spontaneously. In fact, trips where the perceived freedom and romance may be part of the appeal (a road trip across the United States, for example, especially if you’re dreaming of hitting any National Parks along the way) actually benefit from making arrangements far in advance. Diligence is not only rewarded, but essential.
“When thinking about travel that should be booked a year in advance, there are a few factors at play—notably, availability, access, and complexity of itinerary and experiences,” says Tom Marchant, the owner and co-founder of Black Tomato—consider strict tourism caps, group travel, the intricacy of a trip with multiple stops. Do not be intimidated, however. Taking the bull by the horns and doing your research, then making those reservations and booking those tickets is all work to be done now rather than later. Think of it as a favor to your future self—no scramble or last minute preparations needed, just a whole trip tied up with a bow that you can enjoy when the time comes.
With the help of our travel specialists, we’ve rounded up 30 trips worth planning at least a year in advance. Make no mistake, these are all epic in scope in their own ways—there’s a reason they require such planning—but beneath the wide umbrella of the once-in-a-lifetime trip there is certainly something for everybody.
This gallery has been updated since its original publish date. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Additional reporting by Bridget Hallinan.
