With life’s unpredictabilities, planning a trip a year in advance may seem like too much. However, one could argue that it’s precisely because of these uncertainties that a good plan, and buffers against any last-minute hiccups, are needed. Getting a head start on an itinerary, and having enough time for preparation, research, and contingencies are absolutely necessary—especially when you’re embarking on some of the most remarkable (often, once-in-a-lifetime) travel experiences that the world has to offer. There’s no time to be wasted.
“When thinking about travel that should be booked a year in advance, there are a few factors at play like availability, access, and complexity of itinerary and experiences,” says Tom Marchant, the owner and co-founder of Black Tomato. In the age of overtourism, increased international travel, and ever-changing policies, it’s also become important to think about possible travel restrictions, tourism caps, and potentially necessary permits and visas. Figuring all of this out now is well worth not having to stress later. Your future self will thank you.
We’ve put together a roster of 33 bucket-list-worthy trips that require the extra care and attention a year-long lead would provide. Whether you’re looking for a great outdoor adventure, a journey through history, a cultural excursion, or a grand seasonal celebration, we’ve got you covered. There’s no way to guarantee an absolutely flawless trip, but hopefully you can get close to perfection with some expert insights from our favorite travel experts from the Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists network.
This gallery has been updated since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Bridget Hallinan and Megan Spurrell.