The best holidays are the ones you book early

From sun-soaked coastlines to Arctic trails under the midnight sun, each destination offers unforgettable landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique seasonal highlights. But with limited – and often small – boutique hotels, family-run inns, or remote lodges, spaces can fill months in advance, especially during festivals, harvests, or peak summer walking seasons.

Booking early not only secures the best places to stay but also ensures access to local events and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Wherever your journey takes you – whether it’s the colourful villages of the Amalfi Coast, whale watching in the Azores, or chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland – planning ahead guarantees you’ll experience these remarkable destinations at their very best.

Norway & Arctic adventures

Explore majestic fjords, cascading waterfalls, and Arctic trails across Norway, from the picturesque Lofoten Islands to scenic rail journeys.

Accommodation in these regions is highly popular due to the limited number of hotels, lodges, and guesthouses, making early booking essential – especially during the peak summer months (June to August). Reserving now means you're able to secure the most scenic and conveniently located lodgings, as well as enjoy all your holiday activities without compromise.

Hike Senja: an Arctic island – July, August
Discover Arctic landscapes, the midnight sun, and unique wildlife on Norway’s beautiful Senja island. Summer draws in many hikers and nature enthusiasts, so booking early ensures a comfortable place to stay near excellent trails during this very short season.

Discover Norwegian Rail Holidays & Fjord Cruises
Discover Norwegian Walking Holidays

Autumn harvests & epic journeys

Porto & the Douro Valley – September, October
The Douro Valley has grown into one of Portugal’s most popular destinations, attracting wine enthusiasts and cultural travellers alike. September and October are peak grape harvest months, making accommodation — riverside-view hotels, quintas, and boutique lodgings — limited and in high demand. Make sure you secure your preferred stay and experiences (like delicious wine tasting!) for your holiday by booking early.
Discover the Douro Valley

Portuguese Camino de Santiago, The Old Way – July to September

With St James’s Feast Day falling on a Sunday, 2027 becomes a Xacobeo - a Holy Year that brings renewed energy and meaning to every step of the Camino. Weaving through picturesque landscapes and among lively local communities, the Portuguese Camino is a historic pilgrimage route which draws a steady stream of hikers and pilgrims during the summer and early autumn months. Planning ahead is essential for guaranteeing accommodation in the small towns and hotels along the routes, especially during a Xacobeo, as well as access to guided experiences and local festivals.
Discover the Camino de Santiago

Tour du Mont Blanc – June to September
The world-famous Tour du Mont Blanc passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland as it encircles Western Europe's highest peak, offering breathtaking Alpine scenery and welcoming local accommodation. Summer is peak season for walkers, with mountain huts and guesthouses filling up months in advance. Booking this iconic long-distance challenge ahead of time not only locks in your stays, but also your preferred route – making for an ideal and memorable holiday.
Discover the Tour du Mont Blanc

The Glacier Express, Matterhorn & Lake Lucerne – June to October
Explore the timeless beauty of the Engadine Valley and marvel at the sunny Alpine vistas all around you on your included day aboard the world-famous Glacier Express. With such spectacular surroundings and a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the iconic rail journey, this holiday fills up fast! We recommend early booking to get the dates secured in your diary.
Discover the Glacier Express in Summer

Holy Year 2027: Walk the Camino while places still remain

I had done a couple of Caminos de Santiago in recent years and was delighted when Inntravel offered the Camino Inglés (English Way) from Ferrol to Santiago. I wasn't disappointed. The accommodation was first class, from the luxurious paradors in Ferrol & Santiago to the equally stylish & very welcoming hotels in Pontedeume (Albatros), Betanzos (Garelos), A Rúa (Casa Rural Doña María) & O Pedrouzo (Amiuka). The rooms were spacious and the breakfasts just what were needed before setting off on each stage (generally 15-20km each day). The route south from Ferrol was beautiful & tranquil which gave me plenty of time to take in the beautiful Galician countryside as well as enjoy the local food & wine. Highly recommended!

- Andrian - Inntraveller on the English Camino

View our Caminos

Summer escapes (June – September)

Amalfi Coast & Villages – June, September
Bask in the Mediterranean sunshine and explore colourful seaside villages along the Amalfi Coast – one of Europe’s most sought-after summer destinations, attracting travellers from all over the world. With limited accommodation and high demand (especially in June and September when festivals and local seafood events are at their peak), booking early ensures you secure charming coastal hotels or villas without compromise.

Walk the Amalfi Coast

Hiking in the High Dolomites – July, August

A top choice for hikers across Europe during the peak Alpine summer, the Dolomites are famous for their dramatic mountain landscapes and well-marked trails. The region's secluded mountain stays can reach full capacity quickly in July and August, so we'd suggest booking soon for access to these rugged, renowned routes.
Discover the Dolomites

Quiet side of the Italian Riviera – September
The peaceful coastal walks of the Italian Riviera offer a serene alternative to the bustling summer hotspots, but – even in September – charming boutique hotels like Villa Edera and La Torretta reach capacity. Booking now means you'll be one of the few to enjoy the quiet coastline, perfect for photography, local culture, and relaxed exploration.
Discover Liguria & the Cinque Terre

Walking in Snowdonia (Eryri) – June to August
Lush landscapes ribboned with well-signposted trails make up Wales’ premier national park. Summer is peak hiking season here – vast numbers of outdoor enthusiasts from across the UK and Europe descend on Snowdonia in the warmer months, so making reservations early is key for securing cosy guesthouses near trailheads.
Walk Snowdonia

Hadrian’s Wall Path – May to September
Walk alongside Britain’s most famous Roman ruins, immersed in the beautiful rolling countryside. As one of the UK’s most iconic long-distance trails, the Hadrian’s Wall Path attracts walkers from around the world – particularly in the summer. Accommodation along the route, whether in cosy inns, small B&Bs, or countryside lodges, is often limited and can book out months in advance. Promise yourself a comfortable stay close to the trail by arranging your holiday early.
Walk Hadrian's Wall

Winter sun & the Canary Islands

La Gomera – Winter – December to March
La Gomera is an Atlantic gem less known than its sister islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, but with equally as striking landscape – dramatic cliffs towering over the sea and slopes draped with lush forests. A quiet island, accommodation is limited and highly sought after, particularly in the winter months when people are looking to catch some sun. Claim your idyllic spot on the island before the crowds by booking ahead of time.
Discover La Gomera

El Hierro – Winter – December to March
Make an early reservation to pass the winter days on Spain's smallest inhabited island – El Hierro – with its pristine landscapes, volcanic beauty, and rare wildlife. Accommodation here is peaceful and restorative, but fills up quickly.
Discover El Hierro

La Palma – Winter – December to March
La Palma boasts lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and spectacular stargazing opportunities in its Dark Sky Reserve, with winter offering mild temperatures and perfect walking conditions. Book ahead to explore the island’s natural wonders at your own pace.
Discover La Palma

Special events & unique experiences

Spain’s Sherry Triangle – May
This month brings the famous horse fair to Jerez, drawing large populations of equestrian enthusiasts and travellers looking to immerse themselves in Andalusian culture. Stay centrally for easy access to the vibrant local festival by booking ahead of the crowds.
Discover Spain's Sherry Triangle

Waterways, Flowers & Levada Walks of Madeira
While Madeira is a great place to visit all year round, the island's blooms peak in the spring months, intensifying the vibrant colours splashed across the landscape. Confirm your holiday here sooner rather than later, to secure your chance to fully appreciate Madeira's lush scenery.
Discover Madeira

Whale Watching in the Azores – April to August
The Azores are one of Europe’s premier destinations for whale and dolphin watching. Spring and summer bring the best sightings, but tours are expected to reach capacity very quickly. Start thinking about your holiday now to reserve your spot on guided boat excursions and in the islands' charming accommodation.
Discover the Azores

Northern Lights in Ylläs, Finland – December to March
Experience the magic of the Northern Lights in Finland’s Lapland, where snow-dusted landscapes provide a breathtaking backdrop for this natural spectacle. Spot the colourful celestial dances from the popular winter destination of Ylläs, where you can also try your hand at exciting winter sports. Local accommodation gets full very quickly, though, so it's worth making your booking as soon as you can so you don't miss out on these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Discover Northern Lights Breaks

Find some holiday inspiration

Choosing where to go can be half the fun. To help, we’ve asked our experts to share some of their favourite recommendations – whether that’s a coastal walk with sweeping sea views, a mountain adventure among soaring peaks, or a gentle lakeside ramble. We’ve also brought together a selection of “Top 10s” by theme, offering fresh ideas and a little extra inspiration for your next journey.

Expert recommendations

Inntravel holidays are so much more than walking. With hand-picked routes, welcoming hotels, delicious food and views to savour, each journey is designed with care. We know, because we’ve been there – walking the paths, staying in the hotels and talking with the locals. To inspire your travels, our experts have chosen some of their favourite destinations. All you need to do is bring your boots.

View expert picks
Top tens

Looking for fresh ideas? Our Top 10s bring together holidays by theme – from journeys easily reached from the UK by rail, to walks through Europe’s most extraordinary geological wonders, or even the best picnic spots with a view. Chosen by our experts, these lists are designed to spark inspiration and help you find the holiday that speaks to you.

View top tens