Don’t Leave These Reservations to Chance
All over the world there are unique travel experiences popular with locals and tourists alike where demand exceeds availability. From fine dining experiences, to luxury holiday destinations, and once in a lifetime opportunities, the world is full of amazing, hard to access places.
Some of these reservations have to be made months or even years in advance, while others require you to try your luck waiting in line.
Here are a few of the most difficult travel reservations to secure. If you do manage to get a spot, you’re guaranteed to be treated to an incredibly worthwhile experience!
Noma
Consistently at the top of worldwide best restaurant lists and the recipient of two Michelin stars, Noma, in Copenhagen, Denmark, is one of the most sought-after reservations in the world. Head chef René Redzepi sources local Nordic produce and has redefined the cuisine of the region.
Reservations are done three months in advance on the sixth of every month, but upward of 20,000 people often try to make reservations at one time for the 40-seat restaurant.
Kyoto Hotels During Cherry Blossom Season
At the end of March and early April, travelers flock to Kyoto, Japan to see the cherry blossom trees bloom. While the blossoms make for great photographs, locals imbibe in hanami parties at the best spots where they eat, drink, sing karaoke and socialize with friends.
Due to the draw from both locals and tourists alike, hotels book up for this short season by a couple of months ahead or more.
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Buckingham Palace
Tickets to Buckingham Palace are notoriously difficult to obtain due to their popularity. Online ticket reservations are only available for those who purchase the London Pass, and the palace is only open to the public from July to September every year.
Obtaining a reservation the day-of is possible if you arrive early, but expect to wait in line, sometimes for hours on end, since tickets are timed.
Indian Railway Tickets
Indian Railway tickets require a bit of planning as reservations open 120 days in advance of a date. Because they are the preferred method of transport to really see India, especially with tourists, trains typically book up at least two months in advance.
There is a foreigner ticket quota, which if not filled will open up to reservations that have been wait-listed due to unavailability of regular tickets. It’s difficult to predict if there will be an opening as the waiting list system can be complicated to understand.
In fact, there are entire articles devoted to understanding the Indian Railway’s waiting list codes.
Vatican Necropolis
Underneath the Vatican lies an archaeological treasure trove where the remains of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ 12 apostles, are said to rest. The Vatican Scavi or Necropolis, dates back to the fourth century and access by the public is limited due to its sacrality.
Reservations have to be made with the excavations office of the Vatican months in advance in order to accommodate the language and size of your party. Only about 250 visitors per day are allowed to enter the Necropolis in groups of 12.
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Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Due to its consistent appearance on Pinterest and numerous travel blogs, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Saariselka, Finland, has become quite popular. Visitors can stay in glass igloos on the property and enjoy a view of the night sky and Northern Lights.
There’s even a large log chalet on the property nicknamed Santa’s House, which makes it a highly sought-after Christmas destination. Rooms book up eight months in advance or more for this unique lodging experience.
Grand Canyon Jeep Tours
For a unique Grand Canyon encounter, there are jeep tours and safaris that let you experience the Grand Canyon at sunset, visit Native American petroglyphs and see wildlife in the Kaibab National Forest.
Tours book up from a year to about four months in advance due to the popularity of the Grand Canyon as a destination and the one-of-a-kind experience these tours offer.
Yellowstone National Park
One of the top five most visited national parks in the United States, Yellowstone can be difficult to make reservations for. Whether traveling during the summer or winter seasons, reservations typically open up a year in advance for lodging within the park, and fill up almost immediately.
Dinner reservations at Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel should be reserved at least two months in advance as well.
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Disneyland’s Club 33
Club 33 is Disneyland’s hidden, private restaurant and executive lounge located in New Orleans Square. Membership to the club is so exclusive there is a waiting list around 14 years long and a price tag of $11,000 USD per year.
Access to the club can be secured through a current member who may make reservations for you or attend with you. However, in order to experience the five-star dining and outstanding service, reservations have to be secured months in advance.