Why You Need to Plan Your 2026 European Advent Getaways Right Now

As summer heatwaves roll across the globe, the last thing on most travelers’ minds is snow, mulled wine, and gingerbread. Whether your preferred holiday getaway is in the Caribbean Islands, Europe, Hawaii, or the that ski lodge adventure, now is the time to obtain a travel quote. But as a travel advisor, I will let you in on a major industry secret: the battle for the best 2026 holiday bookings is already underway.

Two of Europe’s most spectacular festive destinations—France and Croatia—have officially kicked their Advent market preparations into high gear. While France offers centuries of fairytale Alpine charm, Croatia continues to redefine the modern winter getaway with its award-winning city-wide festivals.

No matter where you want to spend your holiday time and if you want to sip hot spiced wine under twinkling lights without paying astronomical last-minute airfares or settling for third-rate accommodations, the time to plan is now, before the deals go away.

Why Early Booking Is Non-Negotiable: Every year, I speak with heartbroken travelers who try to book these trips in October or November, only to find themselves completely shut out. Here is why you must lock in your itinerary this summer:

Charming Accommodations Sell Out First: Large chain hotels exist, but the real magic of these destinations lies in boutique properties like Zagreb’s historic Lower Town hotels or the half-timbered guesthouses of Riquewihr and Colmar. These have very limited room counts and are often fully booked by September.

Logistics and Train Routes require Lead Time: Moving between Strasbourg, Colmar, and the surrounding wine villages is easiest by regional trains (TER). Securing these routes and corresponding regional flight connections early ensures smooth, stress-free transfers before the peak winter transit rush.

Better Flight Windows: Flying into Zagreb or Strasbourg/Basel airports can get incredibly pricey as winter approaches. Booking your long-haul flights 4 to 6 months in advance secures the best routing and lowest fares.

If you are ready to trade the summer heat for the magic of a bespoke winter holiday vacation, let’s start mapping out your custom holiday route before the best chalets are gone!

For more travel tips, contact me: patrick.pgstravel@gmail.com or call 503-521-9338.