Eight of the best bucket-list destinations you should pre-book to avoid disappointment
The future of tourism has arrived, and all it requires is a little forward planning. To avoid disappointment, try pre-booking attractions, such as Machu Picchu, in Peru, and the Sistine Chapel
Back in the 1990s, a guest on a radio show discussing the future of tourism warned that it wouldn’t be long before travellers had to make dentist-style appointments in order to visit popular attractions. The idea of booking a 2.15pm slot on June 16 to visit the Eiffel Tower seemed far-fetched at the time but, since then, international tourist arrivals have surpassed the one billion mark and pre-booking has become widespread.
Here are a handful of “must-see” destinations that should be reserved before you even think about arranging flights and accommodation.
Everyone should visit this bucket-list favourite at least once in their lifetime. It’s a vertical mile down to the Colorado River and the rustic Phantom Ranch, which is the only place to stay on the canyon floor unless you’re carrying a tent. Reservations for private cabins can (and should) be made up to two years in advance.
Occasionally, there are cancellations for dorm beds (expect smelly feet) and you might find space at the campground, although a back-country permit is required that must be booked four months in advance. No wonder some super fit (super foolish) holidaymakers decide to hike from rim to river and up again in the same day. If you’re going to attempt that, allow 14 hours and arrange to have an ambulance waiting at the visitor centre.
2 The Alhambra, Granada, Spain