Why it’s smart to book your travel plans early

Recently I picked up my event ticket for a fantasy ball event for May 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland.  I knew airfare would be more expensive if I waited two months before leaving opposed to getting it sooner.  So I started looking and managed to get two tickets at a price point I was happy with.  As of this writing, the pricing was fluctuating upwards and I’m glad I got it early.  

Next was getting to the event location.  The organizers had arranged coach (bus) service from downtown Edinburgh to the event.  They also gave a list of taxi companies to reserve a car to take us to and from the event.  They had said to reserve it now opposed to later.  This particular location is in a grand mansion about 45 minutes outside Edinburgh.  I don’t think taking the train or public bus back would be a good idea closing in on midnight.

Looking for a hotel close to the coach pick-up location was challenging until I looked at the hotel conversation on our chat board.  After I found one that another person said was very close to the pick-up, everyone else started booking it too.  Since I booked our hotel, seven months ahead of time, that hotel is now fully booked for that weekend. 

Next is finding the period costume, which will be a fun challenge all on its own.  After that, the only things left to do is reserve our transport to and from the airport, look into sights and tours of Edinburgh and where to eat in Edinburgh.  To me, finding the ideal restaurants, especially interesting and unique ones, is what makes my vacation.

The ball is happening for three nights on May 8, 9 and 10, 2026.  I believe May 8 still has tickets available if anyone is interested. 

Here’s the link:  https://www.tickettailor.com/events/mysticfate/1873359