when is the best time to book a trip??

[pageem]

I'm wanting to book a trip for next july to go to China, is it too early to book it or is sooner the better?

Thanks Em

[Zuleika]

Book when ever you like. However - you need to wait until the trip is guaranteed before you book your air tickets. So you may have to wait until the trip fills up a bit before it gets the guaranteed status. I believe if the trip doesn't attract enough people by around 2 months beforehand, it doesn't get the guaranteed status and is likely to get cancelled. If you have picked a popular trip this should be no bother though.

[TravelFun]

...and to make a trip 'guaranteed' people need to book it ! So please go ahead and book the trip and hopefully others will follow. Also, some do call Gap Adventures directly to find out how many people have already booked which encourages them to take that step as well.

Ah yes, do wait until the trip is declared guranteed before booking your flights !

[desiree2]

You also have to balance the fact that it's sometimes cheaper to book an airfare well in advance, and that if you are looking at going in peak times (eg school holidays) the airfares might get booked out fairly quickly. Some airlines only charge nominal cancellation fees. For example, Singapore Airlines only charge $120.
Just keep checking availability and cost as your time gets closer.
Desiree

[sinecure]

Note, in the next 60 days in normally the window when Gap Adventures adjusts the price. Some trip prices will go up, some will go down. But year after year, us Mod's hear complaints from people who didn't book before the prices get adjusted.

Something to keep in mind. Have a great trip.

[IncaTrail50]

Don't forget that with GAP you don't forfeit your deposit. If you decide to change the dates they keep your deposit on file and you can apply it to another trip/date.