And jet-set chic can be surprisingly affordable if you book early.

Most hotels recommend booking early for the key months.

But by booking early, he added, "they're guaranteed to get it."

It would have cost us £3,095 each, but we got £500 each off by booking early.

Tour operators are just now reselling space opened up by changes and cancellations from people who booked early.

And, he said, companies that own several resorts, like Intrawest, are increasingly offering multimountain deals to those who book early.

Transport and accommodation are two of the biggest expenses and booking early can save you money.

On the other two ships, fares start at $6,991 a person, double, with a 41 percent savings for booking early; (800) 929-9391 or www.seabourn.com.

Booking early can help you get a better deal on air fares and a chance to reserve the best hotel rooms.

The past two seasons have discouraged many from booking early, or from booking at all.