ToursByLocals Reports Growing Booking Window

Long-lead-time travel planning, which seemed to have gone the way of the dodo over the past three years, may be making a comeback. According to tour aggregator, ToursByLocals, the pendulum is swinging back as availability for some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions tightens up.

According to the company’s booking data, 14% of tours booked in Italy, France, Spain, the UK and Greece are for six to nine months out, and 45% of tours in the same countries are being booked three to six months out. Only a mere 9% are being booked for tours taking place within the next 30 days.

This aligns with multiple reports and with conversations TMR has had with travel advisors, who all say these five countries are among the most popular with clients in 2023 and into 2024.

Travel advisors can book tours for their clients through ToursByLocals, which pays a minimum of 5% commission. The company recommends booking tickets to attractions such as the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Uffizi and Galleria d’Academia in Florence months in advance.