Travel timeline: book, pack and go

Posted 2 September, 2026 Lauren Ferrone

From booking your trip at the right time to packing without pressure and arriving at the airport early enough so your name isn’t called over the PA, every second counts when you’re in travel mode.

So, are you doing it all too late… or too early? Before planning your next adventure, here’s what to consider, and when.

When should you book your holiday?

If your answer is ‘yesterday’, then chances are you’re well overdue for a getaway.

You’ve been dreaming of a tropical escape for months, eyeing cheap airfares and telling yourself you’ll book soon. But is ‘soon’ too late? Is it better to book now or wait until a better deal pops up? Well, it depends on when and where you’re going, and how you’re getting there.

RAA Travel General Manager Gina Norman says airlines typically release seats about 11 months out.

“If you’re flying to an overseas destination, it’s recommended you book about six to 11 months in advance, especially for hotspots like Europe or Japan,” Gina says.

“For short domestic hops, book three to six months out from when you plan to leave. For major interstate trips during peak periods, treat them like overseas trips and book earlier.”

Feeling spontaneous? Sometimes the best holidays are those planned at the eleventh hour, but you’ll need to be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. These instinctive trips can be a great way to save on package deals and accommodation, but be aware that last-minute airfares often cost more, not less.

If you prefer the sea over the sky, cruise lines usually offer discounts, onboard credits and reduced deposits typically from January to March (known as wave season).

According to Gina, booking early, usually 18 months or more in advance, is recommended for cruises on popular ships or new vessels.

“This gives passengers their pick of preferred cabins and dining times,” she says. “And for travellers who are flexible with the ship they board, the itinerary and travel dates, last-minute deals typically appear about 90 days before sailing.”

When should you pack?

There are two types of travellers: pro packers whose clothes remain perfectly pressed, and the-night-before packers who throw everything into a suitcase that they’ve just dusted off. If you’re feeling particularly rebellious, you may even leave packing until a few hours before take-off (we don’t recommend this).

So, is there a perfect time to pack? Again, that depends on where you’re headed, how long you’re travelling and your personality.

“Generally, it’s a good idea to start packing at least a few days before longer interstate trips,” Gina says. “This should give you enough time to make any necessary visits to the shop if you need something you know you won’t be able to find across the border.”

Shorter trips mean you can get away with packing a day or two before you leave.

For big overseas holidays, start by thinking about what you need to pack and write a list a few weeks before departing.

“This can make the packing process easier, plus there’s less chance of forgetting something if it’s written down,” Gina says.

When should you book travel insurance?

Your holiday is booked and the resort pool is waiting for you to make a splash. You’re set to have the time of your life, but travel can come with surprises, so preparation is key.

You can purchase travel insurance as early as you like. Depending on the policy you choose, some policies include a cancellation benefit, which may help to provide cancellation protection from the date you purchase the policy (subject to the policy terms and conditions).

This can be particularly important if you have paid a deposit or made other non-refundable payments towards your holiday. If something unexpected happens before you travel, having your travel insurance in place early may cover eligible cancellation costs.

It’s important to review the terms, conditions, limits, exclusion and general exclusion of any policy you’re considering, all of which are usually detailed in the Product Disclosure Statement, so you know what’s covered and what isn’t.

When should you arrive at the airport?

You either rock up to the gate super early or sprint through the terminal with seconds to spare. If you’re flying out from Adelaide, avoid being that panicked passenger by following Adelaide Airport guidelines, which recommend arriving for domestic flights at least one hour before departure. If you’re only travelling with carry-on bags and have already checked in online, an hour is usually enough.

“Arrive at the airport about two to three hours before international flights so there’s enough time to factor in longer bag drop queues and border checks,” Gina says. “Add another 30 to 60 minutes during the morning and evening peaks.”

Traveller tip: take note of the time your gate closes (usually 20 to 30 minutes before departure) – this can be found on your boarding pass.

Now the only question that remains: when should you head poolside?

Royal Automobile Association of South Australia Limited (ACN 677 371 274, AR No. 228575) (RAA) travel insurance policies are issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548) (Tokio Marine) through RAA as Tokio Marine’s authorised representative, and are administered by Tokio Marine Management (Australasia) Pty Ltd (ABN 69 001 488 455, AR No. 1313066) as Tokio Marine’s authorised representative. This advice is general only. Before you buy, consider the PDS/FSG and TMD available on the RAA website. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply.