Volcano disruptions and late bookings

Photo taken from the train between Barcelona and Perpignan.

I can't imagine the inconvenience and downright panic that people stranded by the Iceland volcano eruption are feeling. It must be a nightmare to have tens of thousands more people looking for rooms in northern Europe because their flights have been cancelled. And from what I've read, unless you were quick on your feet you couldn't get a train south either, especially in France which is in the midst of a rail strike as well. Quelle horreur!

Not on the same scale, but still frustrating are would-be travelers who are just now trying to book for May or even June visits to Barcelona or Paris (or both). I've been looking for several clients and the supply is rapidly diminishing as schools and college sessions come to an end and summer festivals begin. For example, the Sonar music fest is June 18-21 in Barcelona, which means packed hotels and apartments and even premium prices for those who did not plan ahead.

It really does pay to start thinking through your trip several months in advance, especially if you want to stay in a particular zone or have your heart set on special features. It also sets the mind at ease as long as you can fight off "buyer's remorse" brought on by thinking you might have done better.