Vacation on Layaway?

With the current state of our economy, everyone is looking for ways to save money and weather any challenges that come our way. It's understandable that everyone is scrutinizing their spending and look for anything not essential.

For some of us (travel agent or not), travel is not only essential but a reward for the hard work we've put in all year, a time to bond on a family getaway or a way to escape the stress in our daily lives for a little while. However, you may be asking yourself "How do I afford it this year?". One option is putting your vacation on layaway!

Some tour operators and most of the cruise lines already have pricing loaded for a year to a year and a half in advance. Once you choose what you would like to do, you can put the trip on deposit ($200 per person on average). Your final payment would not be due until 60 days prior to departure, at the earliest. In the time between deposit and final payment, you can make payments on your vacation. It's kind of like buying your vacation on layaway!

Two of my specialties are honeymoons and destination weddings. These are often booked a year or more in advance, so many of my couples make payments on their honeymoons. This is a great option and it helps brides and grooms put their honeymoon vacation on layaway. They can guarantee what they want and it gives them the ability to pay over time rather than all at once.

Another thing to consider is that when you put a deposit on a future trip, all or most of your deposit and payments may be refundable, in case you need to cancel. Some operators may have a minimal cancel fee. Each tour operator or cruise line has their own policies and I make sure to outline them clearly when you book your trip so that you'll know what to expect if you will need to cancel.

Booking early is a great option, but what if the price goes down on your vacation on layaway after you are booked? Several tour operators have made price protection as a component of their insurance that you have an option to purchase so you won't have to worry about missing out on a deal that comes up. Also, a big part of my job as travel agent is to help you get the best price. I regularly check your booking to see if the price went down.

Contact me today with any questions about a vacation on layaway at lisa@traveldivalisa.com or call (330) 329-9178!!