2. Plan Ahead…or Procrastinate

When the economy started to slip, adventure travel companies goosed business with last-minute discounts. Top outfitters like Lindblad Expeditions and Abercrombie & Kent have reduced some trip prices by 25 percent or more. “When travelers were more flush with cash, it was a seller’s market,” says Kurt Kutay, president of Wildland Adventures. “The whole game has changed.” The last-minute strategy has been successful—perhaps too successful—and outfitters are now beginning to counter the late rush with early bird bargains. “We’ve always had early booking incentives, but we’re definitely offering more now,” says Wilderness Travel marketing director Barbara Banks. Expect to see more deals for trips that are four months out and beyond—particularly those that require special permits, like Arctic cruises and Himalayan treks.