The key to finding great deals on last minute holidays is doing your research. This includes knowing what destinations are cheaper during peak or off-peak seasons, as well as being flexible with your destination choices.
Vacation packages that bundle flights and hotels can often be cheaper than booking them separately. Check online travel websites and the “vacations” or “package deals” tabs of airline and hotel sites.
1. Do Your Research
If you're looking for a last-minute break, it's important to do your research. You'll want to look into online reviews of the hotel/resort you're considering staying at and if possible book a trip during the off-season when prices are often lower.
Keeping an eye out for package holidays and flights is another way to find great deals on a last minute getaway. Some websites bundle flights, accommodations and even rental cars/transfers together to create a travel package that can be cheaper than booking each item individually.
Also be open to alternative destinations as well. Tools such as Skyscanner's 'Everywhere' search can lead you to hidden gems that offer significant savings.
2. Explore Alternative Airports
Travel gurus always recommend booking flights through an online flight aggregator to find the best last-minute deals. They also encourage travelers to consider alternative airports in the destination area, such as Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami. Oftentimes, these alternatives are cheaper and offer more options for frequent flier award travel, plus smaller crowds and shorter lines.
Selecting a destination at the last minute can be an exhilarating experience. It’s a bit like pulling a name out of a hat and being transported to the twinkling lights of Brussels on Christmas Eve or a hike in Cinque Terre in spring.
When planning your last-minute trip, it’s important to keep the duration of your stay in mind, as this can impact your budget. Shorter trips can be cheaper, while longer stays may require more money for meals and activities.
3. Be Flexible With Your Destination Choices
When it comes to last minute holidays, choice is often secondary to savings. Airlines, hotel chains and cruise companies need to fill seats and rooms so they are willing to offer discounts to make that happen. This is why it’s important to be open to alternative destination choices.
Explore flights from nearby airports and use comparison websites to identify the best deals. Consider booking one-way flights rather than round-trip flights, as they can sometimes be cheaper.
Be flexible with your travel dates. Avoiding peak season and popular holiday days will help you find the best prices on airfares, hotels and package holidays. And be sure to sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programs, as they can provide you with discounts that can add up to significant savings.
4. Be Flexible With Your Trip Duration
When it comes to last minute holidays, flexibility is key. This can help you find a deal that is a good fit for your budget and allows you to enjoy the spontaneity of last-minute travel. It is also important to be flexible with the duration of your trip. This can be especially helpful if you are looking for a cheap holiday that fits within your annual leave days or a short getaway during a busy time of year.
One of the best ways to stay flexible with your last minute holiday plans is to look for package deals that include airfare and hotel at a discounted packaged price. This can be an excellent way to save on your last-minute travel and avoid hefty fees that can add up quickly.
5. Be Flexible With Your Budget
If you are a savvy traveler and don’t mind taking a risk, last minute deals can be great. Prices plummet at the last minute as airlines and hotels try to fill empty seats and rooms that would otherwise go unoccupied.
Regularly checking online booking platforms and setting up alerts for cancellations can help you nab some great deals on flights and hotels. You can also try to book a last-minute holiday package that bundles together hotel stays and flight tickets.
Remember to be flexible with your budget and don’t expect to find a cheap long-haul holiday deal that allows you to lounge on a beach for two weeks. But you can still get some decent deals on short city breaks, three or four-night hotel stay and some all-inclusive holiday packages.
