Paphos, Cyprus. Photo: Shutterstock Last-minute vacations are fun and exciting, as long as you are spontaneous enough to try them and the thought of not doing any (or much) planning doesn't scare you. The process is pretty simple: you might spot a cheap flight, find a hotel deal that suddenly drops in price, or decide on a Thursday that you want to be somewhere warm over the weekend.
But, of course, booking at the last minute does not automatically mean getting a bargain. In popular destinations, prices can actually rise as availability disappears and they become more crowded. The trick is knowing where to be flexible, what to compare, and when to book.
Here are some of the best ways to find a last-minute vacation without breaking the bank.
If you are willing to let the deal choose the destination for you, you are on the right track. Instead of frantically looking for a flight to one specific city, look at several destinations that fit what you want. If your priority is sunshine and beaches, compare Mediterranean destinations rather than searching only for Mallorca or Santorini.
The same for city breaks: if you want a European weekend away, compare several cities before booking. A last-minute trip to Budapest, Prague or Krakow could be considerably cheaper than flying to Paris or Amsterdam.
Limiting your search to the airport closest to your home is a mistake. A slightly longer drive or train journey could open up significantly cheaper flights. This is particularly useful in Europe, where low-cost airlines operate from a large number of airports.
For example, when searching for a last-minute trip, compare nearby airports as well as larger regional hubs. Just remember to include the cost of getting to the airport when calculating the real price.
A €40 flight is not necessarily a bargain if reaching the airport costs another €80.
Flights and hotels aren't always cheaper when booked separately. For last-minute vacations, package holidays can sometimes offer surprisingly good value because tour operators have already purchased hotel rooms and airline capacity. If they have unsold inventory close to departure, prices may be reduced to fill the remaining spaces.
Compare the total cost of:
-Flight + hotel booked separately
-Flight + hotel as a package
-Hotel-only deals
-Flight-only deals
Don't forget to check what is included, particularly baggage, airport transfers, meals and cancellation conditions.
Even changing your trip by one or two days can make a major difference.
If you want to travel Friday to Sunday, also check Thursday to Saturday, Friday to Monday or Saturday to Monday. Weekend departures are often more expensive, while midweek flights can be easier on the wallet.
If you're taking a longer vacation, compare several departure dates rather than assuming a particular week will be cheapest.
Instead of trying to find a cheap trip during the peak of August, consider late September or early October. Many Mediterranean destinations can still have pleasant weather, while demand is lower than during the height of summer.
The same strategy works for spring city breaks and winter destinations.
If you find a good hotel price, check whether you can book it with free cancellation to enjoy some flexibility if you later find a better deal. Hotel prices can change, particularly when properties still have rooms available close to your travel dates.
Last-minute travel websites are full of tempting prices, but the first number you see isn't always what you will pay.
Before booking, check baggage fees, seat selection, airport transfers, resort or city taxes, booking fees, cancellation conditions, meals, and transportation from the airport.
A slightly more expensive flight or hotel can sometimes be cheaper once everything is included.
Set up alerts for several destinations and keep checking prices. You may notice a sudden drop when an airline or hotel adjusts its inventory.
It's also worth checking the same route on different booking platforms and then comparing the final price with the airline or hotel's own website.
If you're going away for three or four days, consider traveling with only a small cabin bag if your airline allows it. You'll save money and avoid waiting at baggage claim when you arrive.
This is perhaps the most important rule. A last-minute deal can disappear quickly.
If you've found a flight and hotel that fit your budget and the dates work, don't assume the price will fall further. There is always a chance it will, but there is also a chance the remaining rooms or seats will sell and prices will increase.
Finally, set yourself a realistic budget before searching. Once you find something that meets your requirements, you'll know when to stop looking.