MEDIA RELEASE

Booking Strategies to Lock In Favorable Exchange Rates and Prices; Book International Vacations Early
Portland, OR, November 21, 2022 – While pent-up demand for travel is increasing prices generally, the current strength of the US dollar vs the British pound and the Euro means advisors can lock in those favorable exchange rates for clients by booking future international vacations now - and at today’s prices, advises wholesale tour operator Avanti Destinations.
Avanti sells custom-crafted independent travel vacations exclusively through travel advisors, not direct to consumers.
“For decades, many independent travelers have relied on finding last-minute deals on hotels and airfare,” said Paul Barry, CEO of Avanti Destinations. “But with pent-up demand pushing up prices, hotel rates today in London, for example, can be more than double what they were prior to the pandemic. Last-minute rates for airfare, as well as hotels, have increased dramatically due to limited supply. Demand is expected to rise substantially in 2023 as travelers from Asia and Australasia return to Europe and the UK. We encourage advisors to let their independent travel clients know that booking an international trip in advance can secure the best rates on hotels and other services that take advantage of today’s strong dollar.”
Barry also pointed out that besides locking in favorable exchange rates and current prices, booking in advance with a small deposit also opens up a wider greater choice of accommodations and sightseeing tours, especially quality private tours with qualified guides, who are also in short supply. Confirming these services early often includes a timed reservation for specific popular sites, such as the Vatican.
Other booking strategies
Traveling during off-peak season is another strategy Avanti recommends. While demand is highest in the summer, late spring, and early autumn, prices on all travel services are lower October through March. The advantages of off-peak travel go beyond lower prices, however.
“Clients will have a high quality, more authentic experience during the off-season because there are fewer tourists, a less crowded, more relaxed atmosphere, and less waiting in line for popular attractions than during the summer. Also you have the full cultural calendar of concerts, exhibitions, operas in major cities,” pointed out Barry.
Visiting secondary cities, rather than the most popular ones, is another way to make vacations more affordable and also deepen clients’ understanding of each country. “For clients who have been to London, Paris, Rome, Venice, try suggesting Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Cardiff in the UK. Or Lyon, Dijon, Marseille, Bordeaux in France. In Italy, explore Turin, Milan, Genoa, or Sicily.”
Avanti’s rates for European and UK hotels include hotel taxes and a substantial breakfast, which also saves clients money. Avanti and their in-country partners offer 24/7 service to support travelers abroad, an invaluable benefit providing peace of mind to independent travelers.
For additional information on booking unique experiences and custom-built, multi-destination FIT travel 365 days a year throughout Europe, the UK, Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South America, log onto the travel advisor portal https://book.avantidestinations.com or call 1-800-422-5053 to speak with an expert travel specialist.  
Since 1981, Avanti Destinations has been selling independent travel products and custom-crafted vacations in Europe, the UK, North Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Central and South America. The Portland, Oregon-based wholesale tour operator offers a wide range of FIT components to travel advisors only, including air, rail, rental cars, hotels, sightseeing/attractions, transfers and hard-to-find experiential travel options.  Avanti specializes in hand-picked, locally-owned hotels in both large and small cities and in connecting all the pieces of complex, multi-destination itineraries. The company also creates complete packages for custom groups of 15-100 passengers. For more information: https://book.avantidestinations.com.