So, you’re getting pretty tired of being grounded. Many are beginning to reach out and start the planning process for your 2022 vacation. The common theme seems to be “Where do we even begin?”

This week I’ll share some of my advice on jumping back into the travel pool.

#1 – Be Flexible – I can’t stress this enough moving forward. Things are different than they were back in 2019 when most people took their last big trip oversees. 2022 is chock-a-block full with vacation reservations that were moved from 2020 to 2021 and now 2022. If you are navigating a calendar already full of swim meets and sports games, giving you a tiny window during which everyone can get away, call me now! We need to get started while some availability is still out there.

#2 – Check your passports – especially if your kids were under 16 when they got their last passport. Passports need to be valid for 6 months AFTER your vacation. These last two years with little to no international travel has meant that passports are safely tucked away and forgotten about. Passports are good for 5 years (really 4 1/2) for those under 16 at the time of issue. For those 16 and up, they are good for 10 years (again, really 9 1/2). If your child’s passport wasn’t new when you traveled in 2019, chances are it will be close on that expiration date for 2022 travel.

#3 – Set your budget expectations – the cost of travel has risen dramatically since many of you traveled in 2019. With the “perfect storm” of high demand combined with limited availability we are regularly seeing pricing 40% – 60% higher than what we saw pre-pandemic.

#4 – Plan ahead – it’s already late to be planning Summer 2022 vacations, but if we act quickly and keep the three tips above in mind there is still time. Now is the time to start planning your fall getaways for 2022. It’s also not too early to start thinking about 2023. Many of our contacts have already started to fill for 2023. Should it be too early to confirm availability for 2023 we can at least make a plan so we are ready to confirm that space when it does open for the year.

#5 – Don’t DIY – regulations change weekly, if not daily. This is not the time to try to take on planning yourself. Turn to a professional, if I’m not a great fit for the vacation you have in mind one of my agents most likely will be. Still not a great fit? I’ve got a network of colleagues all over the US, I’m certain I can connect you with someone who will be the right fit for your travel needs.