Five dream destinations you should be booking now

Exploring the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos isn’t just another island chain. It’s the kind of place where tours, boats, and even guesthouses have fixed quotas and legal limits. To properly explore the islands, to snorkel among tortoises, penguins, sea lions, or even see the older volcanoes, you’ll want to pick your cruise ship or lodging earlier than you usually would. Ships fill up quickly, and to respect the rules (and the animals), operators limit how many visitors are out each day. Let your Travel Counsellor know you’re interested, and they can start doing their homework now, and in twelve months, you’ll be ready to dive in without a care in the world.

Witnessing the Great Migration, Kenya

There’s nothing quite like watching thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope move across the plains of the Masai Mara. The best time to see it is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife gathers around water sources and predators are easier to spot. It’s also when the camps are in full swing - and when availability disappears fast. The most sought-after lodges and small tented camps often book up a year in advance, especially those offering private decks, guided walks, or photography-focused safaris. If you want front-row views of the migration, this is the one to nail down now.

Parades and parties in Oaxaca, Mexico

The Day of the Dead begins in early November, but the final weeks of October are when Oaxaca starts to come alive. Markets fill with marigolds, families paint altars, and bakeries bring out pan de muerto. It’s the best time to see the build-up before the crowds arrive, and if you stay into November, you can join the festival itself. Parades wind through the streets, candles flicker in cemeteries, and music carries late into the night. By booking well in advance, you can secure a room in one of the city’s small colonial-era hotels or creative guesthouses, which are often full by the time the celebrations begin.