30 Trips to Plan at Least a Year in Advance

Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys. Whether you're an adventurer seeking the thrill of the unknown or someone who loves to immerse yourself in the culture and history of new places, planning your trips well in advance can make all the difference. Here are 30 incredible trips you should start planning at least a year ahead to ensure you have the best experience possible.

1. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains, offers a journey through history and breathtaking landscapes. Permits for the Inca Trail are limited and sell out quickly, so planning a year in advance is essential.

2. Tokyo, Japan for the Cherry Blossom Festival
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, bloom in late March to early April, attracting millions of visitors. Booking flights and accommodations early will help you avoid inflated prices and secure the best spots.

3. African Safari in Tanzania
A Tanzanian safari in Serengeti National Park during the Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Early planning is crucial for securing spots in the best lodges and guided tours.

4. Iceland’s Ring Road
The Ring Road encircles Iceland and showcases its diverse landscapes, from waterfalls to glaciers. Planning ahead ensures you can book the best accommodations and rental cars, which can be scarce.

5. Northern Lights in Norway
Witnessing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list experience. Tromsø, Norway, is one of the best places to see them. Booking a year in advance helps you get the best guided tours and accommodations.

6. Great Wall of China
Exploring the Great Wall of China is a journey through time. Advance planning ensures you can visit less crowded sections and secure knowledgeable guides.

7. Antarctic Expedition
An expedition to Antarctica requires careful preparation. Due to limited availability on ships, booking a year in advance guarantees you a spot on this extraordinary adventure.

8. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival. Accommodations and flights to Munich fill up fast, so early booking is essential for the best experience.

9. New Zealand Road Trip
New Zealand's stunning landscapes make it a road trip paradise. Booking campervans and accommodations well in advance ensures you can explore at your own pace.

10. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Carnival is a vibrant festival with parades, music, and dancing. Planning a year ahead helps you find the best seats for the parades and secure accommodations.

11. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
Patagonia offers some of the most breathtaking hiking trails. Early planning is essential for booking popular treks like Torres del Paine’s W Circuit.

12. Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda or Uganda
Gorilla trekking permits are limited and sell out quickly. Booking a year in advance ensures you get the necessary permits and the best guides.

13. Exploring Petra, Jordan
The ancient city of Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Early planning helps you avoid peak tourist times and secure knowledgeable guides.

14. Safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park offers incredible wildlife viewing. Booking a year ahead secures accommodations in the best lodges and spots on guided safaris.

15. Alaska Cruise
An Alaska cruise offers stunning scenery and wildlife. Early booking ensures you get the best cabins and excursions.

16. La Tomatina in Buñol, Spain
La Tomatina is a unique festival where participants throw tomatoes at each other. Early planning ensures you get tickets and accommodations in this small town.

17. Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island is famous for its mysterious Moai statues. Limited flights and accommodations make early booking essential.

18. Safari in Maasai Mara, Kenya
The Maasai Mara is renowned for its wildlife. Planning a year ahead secures the best lodges and guides, especially during the Great Migration.

19. New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia
Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are spectacular. Booking a year in advance ensures you get the best viewing spots and accommodations.

20. Skiing in the Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps offer world-class skiing. Early planning secures the best accommodations and lift passes.

21. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Limited spots on guided tours make early booking essential.

22. St. Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ireland
Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are legendary. Early planning ensures you get accommodations and prime spots for the parade.

23. Wine Tour in Napa Valley, USA
Napa Valley offers exquisite wine tours. Booking a year in advance secures tours at the most popular vineyards.

24. Mediterranean Cruise
A Mediterranean cruise offers diverse cultures and stunning scenery. Early booking ensures you get the best cabins and shore excursions.

25. Hiking the Appalachian Trail, USA
The Appalachian Trail offers an epic hiking adventure. Early planning helps you prepare for the long journey and secure necessary permits.

26. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder. Booking a year ahead ensures you get the best diving and snorkeling tours.

27. Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza are a marvel of ancient engineering. Early planning secures knowledgeable guides and avoids peak tourist times.

28. Exploring Bhutan
Bhutan offers unique cultural experiences. Limited visas and accommodations make early booking essential.

29. Safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site with diverse wildlife. Early planning secures spots in the best lodges and guided tours.

30. Tulip Festival in the Netherlands
The Netherlands’ Tulip Festival showcases stunning flower displays. Early booking ensures you get accommodations and avoid peak tourist crowds.

Planning your trips a year in advance not only secures the best experiences but also builds anticipation and excitement. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, witnessing natural wonders, or immersing yourself in vibrant cultures, these trips promise unforgettable memories. Start planning now, and let your travel dreams become reality!