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Travel Agency Marketing Strategies for the Holiday Season

The holiday season presents Travel Agents and Host Travel Agencies with an ideal chance to capitalize on increased demand for travel, capture new clients, and build lasting relationships. By employing effective marketing tactics during this time, you can increase your business, foster lasting connections with clients, and set the stage for a prosperous year ahead. In this blog post, we'll share some essential marketing strategies that can help you make the most of this festive period.

Offer Special Holiday Packages

Create holiday travel packages tailored to various interests and budgets, such as romantic getaways, family vacations, and adventure trips. Emphasize the unique aspects of each package and promote them through your website, email campaigns, and social media channels. Providing limited-time promotions can create a sense of urgency which may encourage potential clients to book with your Travel Agency or Host Travel Agency.

Leverage Social Media

The holiday season is an excellent opportunity to amplify your online presence. Share captivating images, travel advice and holiday-themed content to engage your audience and demonstrate your expertise. Consider running social media contests, giveaways or advertising campaigns in order to reach new clients and encourage bookings.

Collaborate with Local Businesses

Create strategic partnerships with nearby businesses to promote your services and expand your customer base. For instance, partner with a spa nearby to offer discounted spa packages for clients booking holiday getaways or team up with an established restaurant to include special dining experiences in travel packages.

Send Personalized Email Campaigns

Take time during the holiday season to send personalized email campaigns to your existing clients, expressing appreciation for their business and providing special deals or incentives. This personalized touch can help build loyalty, encourage repeat bookings, and generate referrals.

Update Your Website with Festive Elements

In order to infuse your website with holiday cheer, add festive imagery, banners and promotions. Optimize it for search engines by optimizing key words such as Holiday Trips, Travel for the Holiday, exclusive holiday travel ideas, or Holiday travel tips. By creating an eye-catching online experience that appeals to visitors, you may increase conversion rates from website visitors into customers.

Encourage and Display Client Testimonials

Positive client endorsements can have a lasting effect on your Travel Agency or Host Travel Agency's reputation and credibility. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your website, Google My Business page, or social media platforms. Utilize these quotes in your marketing materials as evidence of your expertise and superior service.

Conclusion:

With these holiday season marketing strategies, Travel Agents and Host Travel Agencies can attract new clients, build relationships with existing ones, and set the stage for a successful year ahead. Remember: the key to effective marketing lies in understanding your target audience, offering value, showcasing expertise, and demonstrating commitment to exceptional service.

The Best Time to Book Holiday Travel? ‘Basically Now.’

Avoid New York City, Orlando and Las Vegas. Consider Lisbon, Athens or Dublin for Thanksgiving, and stay home for Christmas, when travel costs will be the highest in five years.

By Elaine Glusac

According to the travel industry, it’s time to get nervous about the holidays, specifically Thanksgiving and Christmas travel.

Travel’s recovery, while good for the economy, means that reservations and rates for everything from flights to hotels, vacation rental homes and rental cars will likely be higher than last year, when the emergence of the Omicron variant dashed many holiday plans, and in some cases even higher than in 2019.

“The pent-up demand for travel in 2022 is alive and well as we head into the holidays,” said Diana Hechler, the president of D. Tours Travel , an agency in Larchmont, N.Y.

Flight patterns

Historically, the holidays were always among the busiest and most expensive times to travel, and some predict this year will look more familiar than the last two.

“What we’re seeing from an airfare perspective is a renormalization,” said Scott Keyes, the founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights , a subscription service that finds inexpensive airfares. “Things look more like 2019 now than at any time since the pandemic began.”

He described it as a “smoothing out” of demand after the bust of the pandemic and the explosion of travel last spring, and a return to regular patterns, including consistent bumps in prices as the holidays get closer.

In other words, the era of the last-minute flight deal is over.

“The best time to have booked those Thanksgiving and Christmas flights was June and July, and the second best is basically now,” Mr. Keyes said.

Based on recent flight searches at the search engine Kayak , the average price for round-trip domestic travel during Thanksgiving week this year is $468, up nearly 50 percent from last year, and 30 percent more than in 2019. New York City, Orlando and Las Vegas were the most searched cities.

The same data shows an even higher jump at Christmas, to $574 for the average domestic flight during Christmas week, up 50 percent over prepandemic fares.

With more people working remotely, many travelers have more flexibility over when to fly. In that case, you may be able to shave a few dollars off airfares by following the advice of Expedia , the online travel agency. Its data shows that fliers can save 30 percent, on average, by flying on the Monday before Thanksgiving compared to the prior weekend. Returning home post-feast, Friday, Nov. 25, and Monday, the 28th, are the cheapest days to fly, saving five to 10 percent compared to Sunday, Nov. 27.

Over Christmas week, Expedia found ticket prices are around 20 percent cheaper on Monday, the 19th, and Tuesday, the 20th, compared to Sat., Dec. 17.

Based on 33 billion price quotes over the past five years, the booking app Hopper recommends making travel plans no later than Oct. 20. The service predicts that tickets will rise $10 a day from the end of October through Thanksgiving. The same pattern will take hold for Christmas week flights beginning in mid-November.

In late September, Jessica Stroup, a physical therapist in Chicago, used Google Flights to start tracking December flights to Syracuse, N.Y. From $194 round trip, they began to inch up by early October, convincing her to act when they hit $214. “It was up $10 and then $5 and I just knew we had to buy,” Ms. Stroup said.

Hopper’s lead economist, Hayley Berg, predicted that Christmas 2022 “will be the most expensive in five years” thanks to a variety of factors, including jet fuel prices, inflation, a low supply of seats as airlines continue to restrain capacity and high expected demand. Thanksgiving rates are currently in line with 2019.

‘The hidden best week’

For bargains, holiday-season travelers should look abroad, particularly in late November, when domestic travel is expensive.

“I like to call Thanksgiving the hidden best week for international travel,” Mr. Keyes said. “Essentially, it’s one of the cheapest times to travel for the whole year.”

To illustrate that point, he recently priced round-trip tickets from New York City to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at $567 and to Lisbon for $429. Dublin, he added, was widely on sale from many American airports, with fares under $600 round trip.

“Also, hotels, car rentals, everything will be at low-season rates,” he added.

Similarly, in a recent email campaign, Kayak flagged round-trip flights to foreign destinations as cheaper than domestic ones over Thanksgiving week. From San Francisco, it found flights to Athens at $684 compared to Orlando at $687. From Denver, it suggested Mexico City at $429 compared to a trip to New York City at $478. From Miami, it listed Lima, Peru, at $399 as cheaper than getting to Austin at $425.

Still, it won’t pay to wait to make a decision on traveling abroad at Thanksgiving. Virtuoso , the consortium of travel agencies, expects bookings to surge for international travel in the next seven weeks as more than half of its international bookings by Americans for Thanksgiving travel in 2019 and 2021 were made in October and November.

Not all foreign travel will be cheaper. Caribbean destinations, for example, often experience a Thanksgiving bump.

“Generally, we recommend going against the crowds and avoiding those for the major holidays,” said Jonathan Alder, the chief executive at Jonathan’s Travels , a Los Angeles-based agency, who is encouraging clients to consider travel abroad to places like Europe and Japan. “With the yen, euro and pound very low right now, travelers are definitely in store for a far better value than they would get at a beach destination.”

Rental home holidays

The pandemic gave rise to the trend of renting a vacation home, rather than gathering at a family home, according to vacation rental services.

HomeToGo said holiday rental searches are up 30 percent compared to before the pandemic. Average nightly rates on the platform are $395 over Thanksgiving and $424 over Christmas and New Year’s Eve, or roughly 60 to 70 percent higher than other weeks in November and December.

Holiday reservations to date at RedWeek , which rents timeshares in popular resort destinations, are outpacing last year and are more than triple bookings for Christmas 2019 and four times those made for Thanksgiving that year.

Searches on the vacation home rental site Vrbo for the holiday season are up nearly 10 percent over last year, with strong bookings in popular coastal destinations in Hawaii and North Carolina.

At AvantStay , which rents out more than 1,000 vacation homes in the United States, Thanksgiving week bookings are up almost six times those made in 2019 and Christmas week reservations are almost quadruple compared to the same period before the pandemic.

Home-like hotels are riding the intimacy wave, too. While it normally sells out one to two months before the holidays, Deer Path Inn , which is modeled on an English mansion, in Lake Forest, Ill., booked up six months in advance this year, with Christmas reservations tripling 2019 results, which management attributes to increased family vacations and staycations for locals over the holidays.

‘Festive season’ renewed

In industry parlance, “festive season,” or the holiday period between Christmas and New Year’s when travelers book resort destination vacations, is back this year.

According to Priceline , holiday travelers are bullish on Hawaii, where flight searches are up five times year over year from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Other popular destinations include Palm Springs, Calif.; St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Jackson, Wyo.

Even without the huge numbers of Asian travelers visiting Hawaii as they did prepandemic, holiday rates in the Highgate hotel portfolio for properties on Maui and Oahu are 20 percent above 2019. Rates for Royal Lahaina Maui over Christmas start at $725.

“By this past May, space was already at a premium” in the Caribbean and Hawaii, according to Ms. Hechler, the travel adviser with D. Tours Travel.

Management of the Rosewood Bermuda expects the island resort to be three-quarters full Dec. 24 to 31, an increase of 20 percent from last year and, with rates recently starting at $625, up about $250 a night.

As an expanding list of foreign destinations reopen, many people are forgoing traditional destinations for more adventurous trips.

“Continuing the trend post-Covid lockdown, we’re sending more clients to exotic destinations,” said Avery Harris, the director of marketing for Viking Travel , an agency in Chapel Hill, N.C., listing client trips planned to cruise the Nile in Egypt and hike in New Zealand. “People seem to be doing more traveling for the experience, rather than traveling to relax and escape.”

Kyte , a car rental service in the United States, is tracking longer rental terms, sometimes four and six weeks, over the holidays.

“This year the holidays will also be more about ‘exploration’ compared to the ‘getting together’ that we’ve seen last year,” wrote Ludwig Schoenack, a co-founder of Kyte, in an email. “While people will definitely look to visit family, the sky is the limit with travel bans lifted.”

Elaine Glusac writes the Frugal Traveler column. Follow her on Instagram: @eglusac .

52 Places for a Changed World

The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

7 Best Holiday Destinations for 2022-2023

Updated: November 2, 2022

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Hue, Vietnam

Bookings for the holiday season are moving quickly in nearly every corner of the world. If you desire to travel in the last two weeks of December, now is the time to book your vacation for the best selection of accommodations and activities.

With many trips from the 2021 season rebooked into 2022, availability is limited in many regions. While flexible travelers can find advantageous rates and a wider selection of properties during the first two weeks of December, if the second half of the month is when you like to travel, you can find the best opportunities with our recommended destinations.

Want to travel to a country not included on this list? Submit a Trip Request and our Travel Care team. Its members can connect you with a destination specialist for real-time advice on what might be possible.

2. South Africa

5. thailand, look ahead to next year, plan your trip for the best holiday destinations.

Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, near Cusco in the Andes of Peru near Cusco,

Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, in the Peruvian Andes

Average Temperature in Lima, Peru: 67°F Low • 77°F High

Celebrate sheer wonder as you travel from the Andes to the Amazon during the Christmas season and enjoy the summer climate of the Southern Hemisphere in Peru.

The picture-perfect weather welcomes travelers who choose to spend their holiday season trekking to the ruins of Machu Picchu, exploring the natural diversity of the rainforests, and capturing the striking images of ancient fortresses nestled into the mountains. Christmas feasts with turkey and tamales , a stuffed corn dough steamed in a corn husk, dominate the dinner tables of homes during Christmas, locals celebrate Peru’s chocolate-making heritage with decadent cups of hot chocolate, and nativity scenes honor Peruvian Christmas tradition.

You can also enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Peru between the festive experiences on tours of pre-Columbian ruins, seaside excursions to spot manatees, and adventures in search of colorful macaws, building to a New Year during which you can eat 12 grapes for each month of the new year, making a wish with each bite.

Highlights: Trek to the ruins of Machu Picchu • Savor Christmas feasts with turkey and tamales , a stuffed corn dough steamed in a corn husk • Visit the Incan ruins of Moray, an archeological spectacle • Eat a grape for each month and make 12 wishes on New Year’s Day

Peru Holiday Trip Idea

Explore the Christmas culture of Peru on our Paradisiacal Peru: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley Tour that can introduce you to the unique traditions tracing back to Mayan civilization and the festive celebrations from December 25 to New Year’s Eve.

Travel Tips from Victoria, a Zicasso travel specialist for Peru:

With late December being the latest recommended time for the Rainbow Mountains before the rainy season sets in, it’s the perfect time to explore Peru. A chance to travel to Machu Picchu is possible, but ticket availability will tighten as the holiday season nears.
4 and 5 star properties are filling first, and as dates draw closer, rates are climbing. Book now for best choices and rates.

Learn more: Peru Vacations & Tours • Machu Picchu Tours & Vacations • Peru Travel Guide

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Herd of springbok antelopes in South Africa

Sprinbok Antelopes in South Africa

Average Temperature in Cape Town, South Africa: 62°F Low • 75°F High

South Africa during the holiday season is an easy and blissful escape into the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, where joyous adventure and an endless festive ambiance await.

Christmas services take place on the morning of December 25, after which families open their gifts around Christmas trees. Lunchtime on the day is a feast, with restaurant chefs and family cooks creating authentic dishes that often center around the South African braai , a traditional barbeque of meat cooked over an open fire. The collective culture of South Africa celebrates the festive season with traditions that trace the roots of many ethnic tribes and settler communities, showcasing the inclusive spirit of the Rainbow Nation.

From Christmas to New Year, you can also experience the country on tours to the summit of Table Mountain in Cape Town, wine tastings in Franschhoek, safaris in the Kruger region, and more.

Highlights: Experience a traditional South African Christmas braai , a barbeque of meat cooked over an open fire • Admire the diverse blend of cultures in the Rainbow Nation that come together for the holiday season • Taste the prestigious wines of the Cape Winelands • Wake up in the Kruger on safari for New Year’s Day

South Africa Holiday Trip Idea

Ten-Day Classic South Africa Safari for First-Timers is a perfect combination of togetherness, exploration, and relaxation that will provide you with endless memories of the festive season in the country. Discover the culture and traditions of the Rainbow Nation as you travel from the Western Cape to the Kruger region.

Travel Tips from Rachel, a Zicasso safari travel specialist:

Flexible travelers can find good options, but availability is dwindling and likely to fill over the next two to three weeks across the most popular destinations across Cape Town, Winelands and the Kruger reserves, as well as in the malaria-free reserves in the Eastern Cape.
Domestic flights options are beginning to fill, but travelers who book now should be able to secure good routing for in-country travel.

Learn more: South Africa Tours & Vacations • South Africa Travel Guide

Hanoi, Vietnam

Average Temperature in Hanoi, Vietnam: 59°F Low • 70°F High

The holiday season is a perfect time to explore Vietnam when the temperatures are milder across the country and the rain is minimal in the tropical south. While the majority of the country is Buddhist, many people celebrate the Christmas season as one of four religious festivals that reflect on western traditions.

Places like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can erupt in colorful celebrations with locals throwing confetti and hanging up lights, or with churches displaying nativity scenes. The winter months represent the high travel season, with many international travelers visiting the region to escape the cold.

You can embrace the bustling ambiance or enjoy a quieter holiday experience depending on where you choose to visit, from the pristine beaches in the south to the hilly mountains in the north, the imperial cities in the central highlands to the banks of the Mekong River.

Highlights: Enjoy the family-friendly legends within the traditional water puppet show • Taste the traditional flavors of Vietnamese cuisine • Cruise through the stunning scenery of Ha Long Bay • Experience the diverse and eclectic history of Hanoi • Glide down the Mekong Delta

Vietnam Holiday Trip Idea

Family Fun Filled Vacation in Vietnam gives you a rich cultural immersion on a journey perfect for children of all ages as you travel from north to south to uncover legends, embrace history, and experience the energy of the country’s major cities.

Travel Tip from Jeremiah, a Zicasso travel specialist for Southeast Asia:

Hotel availability is good at preferred properties, giving travelers a lot of wonderful options.

Learn more: Vietnam Tours & Vacations • Vietnam Travel Guide

Beautiful sunrise at the Travertine pools and terraces in Turkey

Pamukkale, Turkey

Average Temperature in Istanbul, Turkey: 39°F Low • 49°F High

The holiday season is a unique time to visit Turkey and can immerse you in the blended traditions of East and West. The winter months are considered the low season which gives you the chance to discover the local charm and vibrant life away from the hustle of tourist crowds.

The rich history of Istanbul can spring to life amid the biting breeze that sweeps off the Bosphorus, the vendors inside the Grand Bazaar can welcome you into their shops with open arms, ski resorts fill with locals eager for the thrill of snow, and the troglodyte homes of Cappadocia glint in the cool golden sunlight.

As a mainly Muslim country, it is not common to see decorations filling the street but the seasonal ambiance flourishes in towns and cities across the country with the promise of Noel Baba, a Santa-like figure who brings gifts to families on New Year’s Eve.

Highlights: Witness the unparalleled landscape of Cappadocia • Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum to see ancient churches • Venture through the underground city of Kaymakli • See the exceptional natural white terraces of Pamukkale • Explore sensational ancient cities • Discover the eclectic splendor of Istanbul

Turkey Holiday Trip Idea

Discover the combination of grand scenery, historical splendor, and cultural opulence during the winter months as you enjoy this nine-day Wonders of Turkey Tour: Cappadocia, Goreme, Kaymakli, Pamukkale, Ephesus & Istanbul .

Travel Tip from Marcus, a Zicasso travel specialist for Turkey:

Winter time in Turkey, the season offers many opportunities, including skiing! Use the cooler weather to thoroughly enjoy day trips to Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus.
Note that coastal regions are generally closed for the winter season, but the smaller crowds at ancient sites allow for fantastic experiences.

Learn more: Turkey Tours & Vacations • Turkey Travel Guide

Phang Nga Bay, Thailand

Average Temperature in Phuket, Thailand: 75°F Low • 88°F High

Christmas in Thailand is about enjoying the tropical paradise, from the luxurious islands to the expansive forests, and the unique way locals, expatriates, and travelers celebrate Christmas and the holiday season.

Visit the Grand Palace complex to find elaborate visions of Buddha or wander through the colorful ambiance of a night market in Chiang Mai. Embrace the flavors of Thailand with a private cooking class, witness the fascinating karsts rising out of the crystalline sea, and enjoy the wonders of wildlife as you indulge in the beauty of Thailand in the warmth of the tropics These are year-round experiences that are made more meaningful on a family trip for Christmas and New Year.

The New Year celebrations are particularly exciting, as families send their floating lanterns off into the sky and thousands of shimmering lights reach for the stars. Music performances and fireworks set the stage for the celebrations from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket to Pattaya.

Highlights: Visit iconic heritage sites and landmarks • Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Thai islands when the weather is perfect in December • Light lanterns and watch elaborate firework displays across Thailand for New Year’s Eve • Spend New Year’s Day on the breathtaking Thai beaches

Thailand Holiday Trip Idea

Embrace the Christmas influences that extend to the tropical shores of Thailand with our Best of Thailand for 2022-2023 . You can discover the similarities between Christmas in Bangkok and the Western world, as well as the differences between the holidays in Chiang Mai and other parts of the globe.

The holiday season is a very popular time to travel to Thailand, but preferred properties still have rooms to choose from.

Learn more: Thailand Tours & Vacations • Thailand Travel Guide

Vineyards in Motovun, Croatia

Average Temperature in Dubrovnik, Croatia: 43°F Low • 54°F High

Split’s Christmas market is a brilliant experience for your trip, and you can browse the stalls and eccentric shops with a backdrop of the snow-covered Dinaric Alps. It is a holiday spectacle of grand design that represents Christmas immaculately. You can wander beneath the twinkling lights and tuck into roast pig, mlinci , a Croatian flatbread dish, and more signature dishes during your visit.

Sveti tri kralja , known as the Epiphany or the Holy Three Kings, marks the end of the Christmas season in Croatia, but the beginning of the wait for New Year, when you can clink champagne glasses as the cities light up with fireworks at the stroke of midnight.

Highlights: Visit the Split Christmas market in the shadows of the snow-covered Dinaric Alps • Tuck into roast pig, mlinci , a Croatian flatbread dish, and other Christmas dishes • Celebrate Sveti tri kralja , known as the Epiphany, in Croatia to mark the end of the Christmas season • Clink glasses of champagne at midnight on New Year’s Eve as fireworks light up the sky

Croatia Holiday Trip Idea:

Explore Croatia during Christmas and New Year to discover the snowy scenes of the Dinaric Alps, enjoy the seasonal cuisine, and partake in Christmas traditions with our Exclusive Food & Wine of Croatia tour.

Travel Tip from Ante, a Zicasso travel specialist for Croatia:

Expect plenty of Christmas fairs, gastronomical experiences and a festive environment across continental Croatia, as well as Istria.Preferred hotel properties have holiday availability for now, though space is more limited as some hotels are closed for the winter season.

Learn more: Croatia Vacations & Tours • Croatia Travel Guide • Top 5 Things to Do in Croatia in Winter

Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy

Average Temperature in Rome, Italy: 40°F Low • 55°F High

Christmas in Italy is a celebration of tradition, an immersion into the cozy ambiance, and a connection to memories. Christmas markets fill piazzas across the country filling the air with the aromas of spiced wine and delicious treats, vibrant lights and enticing colors. The nights feel both peaceful and lively as joy spills across the cobblestone streets and churches echo with the sounds of music.

Across Italy children enjoy the promise of candy, toys, and gifts, while vendors roast nuts and locals warm up with rich hot chocolate or bold wines as musicians play familiar songs. The celebrations last until January sixth and the Epiphany, when children find small treats left by the witch known as La Befana. From the snow-filled alps in the north to the warmer golden beaches of Sicily, Christmas in Italy can demonstrate a winter wonderland or a Mediterranean escape, each sharing national customs and local traditions.

Highlights:

Visit Ancient Rome and the ruins of the Colosseum and Roman Forum • Explore the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums • Discover the art of Florence in the Uffizi and Accademia • Wander the lanes and islands of Venice • Experience the traditional medieval Tuscan towns like Siena, Lucca, and Pisa • Visit Juliet Capulet’s home in Verona • Delight in the charming ambiance of Umbrian cities like Assisi and Perugia

Italy Holiday Trip Idea

Italian Christmas: Winter Beauty and Festive Traditions is a discovery of the holiday season and the customs that add to the unique ambiance that brings charm, wonder, and seasonal flavors to the forefront.

Travel Tip from Robert, a Zicasso travel specialist for Italy:

Closures during the holidays should be expected - most venues, sights and shops are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, St. Stephens (December 26), New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Travelers interested in a trip away from the major sights can have a very local experience - such as dinners with local hosts and guides willing to share the festive experience.

Learn more: Italy Christmas Tours & Vacations • Top 5 Reasons to Spend Christmas in Italy • 11 Best Christmas Markets in Italy and Where to Find Them

Giza, Egypt

Whether you are interested in an adventure through the wilderness or viewing wildlife in its natural habitat, eager to wander through an ancient temple or lounge on a pristine coastline, the holiday season is a popular time to travel to many parts of the world, making looking forward important for securing your dream trip. Start planning now for the best availability for next year’s perfect holiday when visiting the following destinations:

Patagonia - Patagonia Vacations & Tours
New Zealand and Australia - Australia & New Zealand Tours • Australia & New Zealand Travel Guide
Egypt - Egypt Tours & Vacation Packages • Egypt Travel Guide
Morocco - Morocco Tours & Vacations • Morocco Travel Guide
Safari - African Safari Tours & Vacations • African Safari Travel Guide
Galapagos - Galapagos Islands Vacations & Tours • Galapagos Islands and Ecuador Travel Guide
Costa Rica - Costa Rica Tours & Vacation Packages • Costa Rica Travel Guide
Belize - Belize Vacations & Tours • Belize Travel Guide

Mt Fitz Roy in Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia, Argentina

Mt Fitz Roy in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentine Patagonia

The world is full of charm and wonders during the festive season, whether you are trekking plains in the heat of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer or enjoying a cozy, snow-blanketed ambiance. Working with a travel specialist, you can select from this list of great places to go for the holiday season and plan a festive vacation with our trip ideas as inspiration.

Our Zicasso Blog is also a great place to find more information about these destinations and the experiences that are possible for holiday season travel. You can find more great inspiration on where to visit with our Winter 2022 Vacation Ideas: Best Places, Itineraries, and More or when discovering our ideas on 15 Best Places to Travel in December .

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Welcome To Season Travel Agency

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Season Tours & Travels is a prominent travel business that specialises in creating unique travel experiences. Our commitment to quality guarantees that every trip is easy and worry-free, allowing the visitor to experience, be inspired by and learn about a destination's culture. Each day is personalised to your specific interests, timetable, level of energy, and travel choices, with your professional guide and driver at each place. We only book the best of the best, and we know how to make your travel experience hassle-free, inspiring and enlightening.

Our Services

We offer tours around the world that we believe are perfect for your vacation time. Each location has a rich cultural heritage, luxury hotels and resorts, and a strong tourism infrastructure.

Be it procuring new, tatkal, or renewal of passport, 0ur professional Passport Specialists assist our valued clients every step of the way.

Book international and domestic flight tickets with us at the lowest rate. We make certain that you do not miss out on the hottest flight deals available in the market.

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Safe and on-time bus booking services for hassle-free travel to your favourite destinations. Delivering a complete booking service package to our customers.

Book your perfect holiday packages for any international destination of your choice.

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We are one of the most reliable tour operators in India for a reason. When you choose Season Tours & Travels, you get well-planned holidays at affordable prices featuring experienced and friendly guides.

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We are dedicated to keeping our trips of the highest quality. As a result, we are always convinced that, given the excellent quality of all our services, we will always do our best to make your trip a success.

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Travelling is an investment, and we make sure you get the best value for your money. We pride ourselves on offering the best quality travel for your money. You can save up to 20% on tour costs when booking directly with Season tours and travels.

We're used to coping with unexpected, and sometimes disruptive, events. So, if something unexpected happens during your tour, don't be concerned. We will handle any changes to your schedule while keeping you safe and informed.

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Our 24/7 helpline means we are just a call away. Relax and let us handle your vacation planning. We handle everything for you, from route planning to arranging reservations. Enjoy your journey knowing that everything is in good hands.

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The busiest holiday travel season ever is about to begin—here's what to know

TSA is already preparing for the millions of people traveling this Thanksgiving

The joy of holiday travel is upon us. And this year, it's about to get worse.

A new announcement from the TSA states that the security agency has already screened a record number of passengers this year and "anticipates airport security checkpoints nationwide will be busier than ever this holiday travel season."

"We expect this holiday season to be our busiest ever. In 2023, we have already seen seven of the top 10 busiest travel days in TSA's history," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske . "We are ready for the anticipated volumes and are working closely with our airline and airport partners to make sure we are prepared for this busy holiday travel season. We will also do our best to maintain wait time standards of under 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck ® lanes and under 30 minutes for standard screening lanes. I am grateful for our dedicated employees who continue to remain vigilant and focused on the mission during this holiday travel season and beyond."

Ten minutes and 30 minutes doesn't sound so bad, but that's definitely optimistic.

Thanksgiving travel officially kicks off on Friday, November 17 and runs through Tuesday, November 28. TSA expects to screen 30 million passengers during that 12-day period, with the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday afterward expected to be the busiest.

TSA is projecting to screen 2.6 million passengers on Tuesday, November 21; 2.7 million passengers on Wednesday, November 22. The busiest travel day will likely be Sunday, November 26, when everyone returns to their home cities, and 2.9 million passengers are expected to pas through TSA.

Let's all just hope for good weather nationwide, no delays and solid leftovers packaging for an in-flight sandwich.

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner

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8 Things Travel Agents Should Do Around the Holidays

Travel agents are in a unique place in the holiday market. There is a high demand for travel and a frenzy of last-minute opportunities. The holiday season is also the perfect time to touch base with your entire client list, whether they are traveling or not. Holidays are a busy time for most travel agents, coordinating multiple client trips and working to prepare your business for the new year. Get ready for a busy holiday season with these tips:

1. Stay Healthy for the Holidays

First and foremost, commit to staying healthy. Your clients need your help over the holidays, but you also need to take time for family and business planning. So plan to be at the top of your game in terms of personal energy and focus. Keep your diet clean and full of nutrients, get enough sleep, stay committed to your exercise routine, and try to limit your indulgence in holiday treats. This will put you in the best state of mind to multitask so you can both enjoy the holidays and keep up with your clients at the same time.

2. Build a 'Holiday Card List' of Clients and Contacts

The holiday season is a time of communication and touching base with old friends and contacts. The tradition of the holiday card list is simply a list of people who get seasons greetings. Your business should have a list of clients as well as a list of vendor contacts who all get a warm season's greetings from their favorite travel agency. Send the same pleasant message to everyone or customize each one -- you know your clients best. Just send a positive message and open invitation to work together again to everyone in your contact list. These small gestures help you stand out and stay top-of-mind.

3. Send Warm Regards and Digital Gifts

You can also send holiday gifts to your clients and warm regards for their families. One of the best ways to make a positive impression during the holidays is to simply send a gift. Write a gracious holiday message thanking clients for working with you in the past and wishing them a happy holiday. Combine it with even a small digital gift and your warm message can become one of many gifts they remember during their holiday experience. Digital gifts can be small and universal, like an Amazon gift card or a sponsored app download. Everyone enjoys receiving gifts on the holidays, and this simple act will build your client-agent relationship.

4. Promote Staycation Packages

For clients who are not traveling away from home this year, consider promoting staycation packages. A staycation is an exploration of a client's home city as if they were a tourist. Your clients will have a blast staying in local hotels and visiting the museums and attractions that locals often never go see. For small households having a private holiday, offer romantic or luxurious short staycation experiences. This works particularly well when good deals appear because venues want to fill at the last minute. For whole gathered families, offer one-day guided family explorations of the host's city. Staycation packages can sell your services to clients even if they aren't leaving home but want some special holiday fun.

5. Offer Mid-Trip Services

When you send your season's greetings, you have no way of knowing where a client might be in their holiday. Clients who are currently traveling, or have already planned their family-related travel, might benefit from your services mid-trip. A mid-trip service might include planning one family day. Or you might rebook a hotel and reserve one restaurant for your client away from home, even if they didn't initially plan with you. Mid-trip services are another way to optimize the holiday season.

6. Track Holiday Travel Savings Opportunities

Travel during the holidays is hectic partly because prices can change at the last minute. Prices can rocket or drop based on demand and last-minute openings. Stay attentive to how the prices are changing day-to-day, both for last-minute deals and how prices are fluctuating on the calendar ahead. You may be able to save your clients a significant amount of money by recommending suddenly-discounted experiences and luxuries. You may catch a deal for plane tickets or upgrade your clients to a better hotel room. Or you may find great opportunities for family attractions or great deals for a reservation dinner.

7. Ask About Travel Plans in the New Year

With the new year, everyone's mind shifts to future plans. Travel agents should be making plans to improve business in the coming year. Your clients may be thinking about trips they plan to take later on. Send a cheerful and energetic message wishing Happy New Year. Then invite them to send a message if they have upcoming travel plans within the next year. It's a time for looking forward, and as a travel agent, it's also the perfect time for you to start building an itinerary and watching for great booking opportunities.

8. Remember to Enjoy Yourself

The holidays may be a busy time for a travel agency, but you're also a person with your own personal life and beloved holiday traditions. Remember to take time for yourself and your family. Set clear boundaries and build your schedule around both sets of obligations. From there, you can really relax during family time. Kick back, eat a few cookies, and enjoy your holiday. Make plenty of time for your family and be sure to take care of yourself individually as well. Not only will you enjoy this holiday more, but your own happiness will enhance the genuine warmth when you reach out to clients. Travel agents are often busy during the holidays, but a little forethought goes a long way. You can enjoy your own holiday traditions and take care of clients. The three things to consider are taking care of your clients, preparing your business for next year, and your personal holiday time with family. Simply check off each stage of the holidays as you take care of promotions and proceed through the holidays toward the New Year. Contact us today to find out more about optimizing your travel agent business and how to be a great independent agent.

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If I book Flight + Hotel, when will I receive my travel documents?

Once the booking is confirmed you will receive a confirmation e-mail. The voucher for the hotel will be also sent by email plus the vouchers for any other services (car hire, transfer, travel insurance) if booked. Please note that no flight tickets are sent due to most airlines using e-tickets. You only need to print our confirmation email where the Airline`s booking reference appears and take it with you to the airport with your ID/Passport documents. Important: Some Low Cost Airlines (Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizzair, Blueair and others) now request all passengers to check-in online and print the Boarding Cards before departure through their corresponding websites. Failure to do so, these airlines will charge you a supplement at the airport.

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View when driving from Yelisovo airport to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

The first myth I want to disprove is that getting to Kamchatka is extremely costly. It’s not. Going between February and April, a return flight from Moscow can be had for 11,000 roubles (US$380 / £220). Not bad for 18 hours total flying time. In summer the flights are more expensive but still, if you book them a few months in advance, can be got for 16,000 roubles return.

It’s true, many people will tell you that March and April are the worst months to visit because the snow is starting to melt and everything’s a bit sloshy and dirty in settlements. On the other hand, these are great months for the independent traveller! During winter zimniki (temporary winter roads made of compacted snow or simply frozen river surfaces) open up all over Kamchatka, granting access to communities that in summer are totally isolated. Hitch hiking is possible right from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to the very north of the peninsula. Alternatively, vehicles can be hired in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky from tour firms. Also in the winter or early spring months places can be reached that are away even from the zimniki, either by snowmobile or by the use of cross country skis. For example, Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Eurasia’s largest active volcano, can be accessed from the village of Klyuchi without the need even for a guide by a traveller with a pair of cross country skis. Bears do not wake up until mid-April so this is not a danger, but bears almost never attack anyone anyway.

The main disadvantages of winter travel in Kamchatka are that it is cold, there is no greenery and there are no bears, which some people come here especially to see.

The second myth I’d like to dispel is that travel around the peninsula requires hiring a helicopter. As mentioned above, in winter you can get almost anywhere by hitch hiking. I even hitched a lift with bear hunters on snowmobiles from their village to a reindeer herder encampment 100km away. In summer snowmobiles are replaced by horses, and transport is reduced from long distance ice-road journeys to irregular inter-settlement all-terrain vehicle trips. Hitch hiking is possible on these all-terrain vehicles though.

Throughout the year there are fairly expensive public helicopter flights to all settlements which are nevertheless much cheaper than hiring your own helicopter. There is also one permanent, year-round dirt road leading halfway up the peninsula. Some distance after the town of Milkovo, about 350km north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky , it forks. The right fork leads to Klyuchi , site of Eurasia’s largest active volcano, and further to the port town of Ust-Kamchatsk. The left fork leads to the indigenous Even villages of Anavgay and Esso. Daily buses go from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Klyuchi , Anavgay and Esso, costing about 1000 roubles each way. In winter a zimnik passable by lorries heads north from Anavgay 36 hours to the otherwise isolated town of Palana. From Palana more zimniki head further north to yet more isolated settlements. From the peninsula’s very northernmost settlements there are even EXTREMELY irregular snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle connections with Magadan Oblast and Chukotka. Another zimnik, only passable by all-terrain vehicle, heads from Anavgay to the village of Ust-Khayryuzovo on Kamchatka’s west coast.

Kamchatka’s Indigenous
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky