Today is the 2nd October 2009. So is it too early to start planning next summer's vacation? Well, I for one would say that it is not.

Sure, if you leave booking your holiday until the last minute you may bag a bargain. However, if you are not careful, that so called good deal could be a disaster.

Of course much will depend on you and yours. If money is no object, you can go anywhere and at any time then forward planning probably will not be necessary. However, for most of us this is not true. Many of us have to budget well for our summer holidays and plan around children, partners, pets and work.

So here are what I hope will be some useful tips for booking next year's vacation now, and a few reasons why it could be the best idea you have ever had.

TIMING

• If you can only holiday during the summer school holidays it will cost you more cash. So, perhaps the time of year that you are going to holiday should be number one on your list. Some holiday resorts are much more expensive during their holiday season. Sit down with next year's calendar and work out which weeks you would be able to take your summer vacation. Once you have a list of possible weeks see which will offer best value for money, the best weather and the like.

PERFECT DESTINATION

• Browse the Internet for inspiration regarding the perfect destination for your vacation. Planning early means that you can fully research your destination to check out if it will suit you. Booking vacations at the last minute often results in people choosing totally inappropriate destinations. Take it from someone who has done this. It is better to check out the facts first, especially before you book.

BUDGET

• Some holiday destinations will always be more expensive than others. No matter how good a deal you get the place may just be costly in general. Find out how much the basics will cost you.
• Obviously you will want the best holiday package within your budget. Google a variety of travel agents and companies in order to find out who offers the best deal.
• Have a good look at what would be your holiday wardrobe of clothes. If you know that you can splash out on a full new wardrobe next year good luck to you. However most of us will be unable to do that. Wash your holiday clothes such as swimwear and store safely for next year.

CONSIDER THE TOTAL COST

• Make sure that you budget for additional costs such as renewal of passports, airport car parking, airport transfers and the boarding of pets. Check out if you will need vaccinations and, or, if there are any health warnings associated with your holiday destination. Planning early can save last minute problems with expired passports, necessary visas and vaccinations.

SPECIAL OFFERS

• If you book next year's holiday early it may be possible to take advantage of any number of special offers. BOGOF, Buy One Get One Free, offers may mean that you can book two week's holiday for the price of one. Sometimes these will only be available for holidays taken just outside of the tourist season. In Europe this could be May and earlier, or September and later. Check your local travel agents for the latest special offers

TRAVEL INSURANCE

• Shop around and buy your travel insurance early. Annual travel insurance can work out cheaper, but only usually if you travel a few times a year.

PACKAGE HOLIDAY OR GO IT ALONE?

• These days many people plan their whole holiday from start to finish and book everything themselves. However if money is tight this may not offer the best value. Flights are much more expensive than they used to be.

TAXES

• Watch out for the hidden costs of your holiday. Surcharges, fuel taxes and airport taxes are just a few of the extra costs which could increase your holiday price to more than you expected. Check out if you will have to pay a fee for access to a hotel safe, the use of air conditioning, a single room supplement, a sea view or a room with a balcony. These are just a few examples of possible hidden costs. Make sure that you read your booking form fully.

ALL INCLUSIVE?

• Many holiday makers plump for All Inclusive these days as it can be a better option. Remember to read the small print though as there could be some exclusions. For example, although all alcoholic drinks at your hotel may be included in the price of your holiday it may only be drinks produced in that country.
• If you like to explore your holiday resort and nearby area All Inclusive may not be for you. It can tie you to your accommodation for meals and activities, or else you can in effect lose money.

 I hope this hub has shown you that right now could be the perfect time to book next year's summer vacation.  You should have the pick of the crop of the best hotels and the like.

Once you have booked your holiday you will have something to dream about during the long, dark winter months to come, which is one of the best reasons to get booking now.