Last-Minute Travel Deals: Good Or Gimmick?

Last-minute travel can be exciting, but it can also be expensive. Airfare, hotels, and rental cars are usually pricier when booked at the last minute, and choices can be extremely limited. However, there are ways to find good deals. Many websites and apps can help travellers find great last-minute travel deals, including Google Flights, Secret Flying, Kayak, and CheapOair. Booking directly with airlines and hotels can also be a good option, as they may be eager to fill vacancies. Being flexible with travel dates and destinations is key to finding good last-minute deals.

Last-minute travel deals: pros and cons

Last-minute travel can be exciting, but it can also be costly. Airfare, hotels, and rental cars are usually pricier when booked at the last minute, and choices can be extremely limited. However, with some flexibility and careful planning, it is possible to find great deals and have a wonderful spontaneous trip.

Pros

• Cost savings: Last-minute travellers can sometimes benefit from discounts offered by airlines and hotels looking to fill vacancies.
• Spontaneity: Last-minute travel allows for impulsive decisions and can lead to unexpected adventures.
• Flexibility: Being flexible with travel dates and destinations can result in significant savings, especially when booking outside of peak seasons or during the weeks preceding your departure.
• Convenience: Last-minute vacation packages that bundle flights, accommodation, car rentals, and activities can be a convenient and cost-effective option.
• Variety: There are numerous websites and apps dedicated to offering last-minute travel deals, providing a wide range of options for travellers.

Cons

• Limited choices: Last-minute bookings often mean limited choices in terms of travel dates, seating options, room categories, and availability.
• Higher prices: Airfare, hotels, and rental cars are typically more expensive when booked at the last minute.
• Inconvenience: Last-minute travel requires extra effort to find the best deals and may involve checking multiple booking sites and comparing prices.
• Missed opportunities: Not booking in advance may result in missing out on popular activities, restaurants, or tours that require advance reservations.
• Lack of upgrades: Not booking directly with hotels may result in missing out on room upgrades and other benefits offered to direct bookers.

Booking strategy for last-minute travel

Last-minute travel can be exciting, but it can also be costly. Airfare, hotels, and rental cars are usually pricier when booked at the last minute, and choices can be limited. Here are some tips to help you find the best deals for your spontaneous trip:

• Search multiple booking sites: Try multi-search engines such as Trivago, Expedia, goSeek, Kayak, and Hotels.com. Compare their rates with prices offered directly by the airline, hotel, or car rental company, as you may find better deals this way.
• Check different dates: Even changing your travel dates by a day or two can make a significant difference in pricing. This is because factors such as conventions or events in the area can affect hotel rates. If your dates are flexible, you're more likely to save money.
• Consider package deals: Sometimes, booking a vacation package that includes flights and accommodation can be cheaper than booking them separately. This is especially true for last-minute travel, as companies may slash rates for wholesale packages at the last minute. Check for package deals on airline websites and online travel agencies like Pleasant Holidays, Costco, Travelocity, or Orbitz.
• Don't forget vacation rentals: Sites like VRBO and HomeAway offer private vacation rentals that may have openings for last-minute bookings. Private owners may also be willing to lower their rates to fill rooms.
• Take advantage of your credit card's travel concierge: If you have a travel rewards card, you may have access to a personal travel assistant. They can help you find last-minute deals on hotel rooms, flights, and even Broadway tickets!
• Be flexible: The key to finding great last-minute deals is flexibility. If you're open to different destinations and travel dates, you're more likely to score a bargain. Opaque hotel deals, where the hotel's identity is revealed after booking, can also save you money.
• Look for exclusive deals: Some websites, like Secret Flying, offer exclusive deals and error fares that can save you a significant amount. Sign up for alerts to be notified of these deals.
• Use price alerts: Utilize price alerts on websites like Kayak and AirfareWatchdog to be notified when prices change. This can help you identify the best time to book.
• Book in advance when possible: While last-minute deals can offer savings, it's usually cheaper to book your travel in advance, especially for international destinations. Plan around six weeks ahead, and you may find fantastic deals.
• Consider alternative destinations: If you're flexible with your destination, you can often find cheap last-minute travel deals. For example, Mexico is a great option for budget-friendly sun and beach vacations.

How to find the best last-minute travel deals

Finding a last-minute travel deal can be a great way to save money on your next trip. Here are some tips to help you find the best last-minute travel deals:

Be Flexible

The key to finding a fantastic last-minute deal is flexibility. If you're set on a specific destination and travel date, your options may be limited, and prices tend to be higher for less flexible travellers. Consider travelling to destinations that are in their off-season, as you're more likely to find deals on flights and accommodations. You can also look into opaque hotel deals, where you get a significant discount but don't know the hotel brand until after booking.

Use Multiple Booking Sites and Search Engines

Use various booking sites and search engines to find the best deals. Try multi-search engines like Trivago, Expedia, goSeek, Kayak, and Hotels.com. Don't forget to compare their rates with prices offered directly by the airline, hotel, or car rental company, as they may be more competitive.

Consider Package Deals

Sometimes, booking a vacation package is the most affordable way to travel last minute. Look for packages that bundle flights, accommodations, and car rentals or transfers. These deals can often be cheaper than booking each component individually.

Sign Up for Alerts and Rewards Programs

Many booking sites and airlines offer rewards programs that can get you access to exclusive deals and discounts. Sign up for these programs, as well as price alert services, to be notified when prices drop or when new deals become available.

Check for Cancellation Policies

Before booking, check the cancellation policies of the hotel, airline, or tour company. Some companies offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, which can give you more flexibility if your plans change.

Book Directly with Airlines and Hotels

While booking sites are convenient, you may find better deals by booking directly with the airline or hotel. They may have exclusive deals or promotions that aren't available on other sites.

Look for Error Fares

Keep an eye out for pricing errors or super cheap flash sales, which can save you a significant amount on flights. Websites like Secret Flying specialise in finding these deals.

Be Spontaneous

Last-minute travel is all about spontaneity. If you're open to unexpected adventures and new destinations, you can take advantage of the best deals that arise, even if they're not what you initially had in mind.

Happy travels!

Last-minute travel deals: things to consider

Last-minute travel can be exciting, but it can also be costly. Here are some things to consider when looking for last-minute travel deals:

Flexibility is key

If you're set on a specific destination and travel date, your options may be limited. Being flexible with your travel plans can open up a range of possibilities and increase your chances of finding a good deal. This includes being open to different destinations, travel dates, and types of accommodation.

Compare prices across multiple platforms

Don't just stick to one booking site. Compare prices across multiple websites and apps to find the best deals. This includes both general travel booking sites and those dedicated to last-minute deals. Check out sites like Expedia, Priceline, Orbitz, Travelocity, and Last Minute Travel.

Look for package deals

Booking a vacation package that includes flights, accommodation, and car rental can sometimes be cheaper than booking each component individually. These deals can often be found on general travel booking sites, as well as sites that specialise in last-minute deals or specific types of vacations, like cruises or tours.

Consider alternative accommodation options

In addition to hotels, consider alternative accommodation options like vacation rentals, which can sometimes offer more flexibility and better deals for last-minute bookings. Sites like VRBO, Airbnb, and HomeAway offer a wide range of privately owned properties that may have availability for last-minute bookings.

Take advantage of rewards programs

Many travel booking sites and online travel agencies offer rewards programs that can provide exclusive deals and discounts. Signing up for these programs can be a great way to save money on your last-minute travel plans.

Be mindful of cancellation policies

When booking last-minute travel, it's important to understand the cancellation policies. Some bookings may be non-refundable, while others may offer more flexibility. Knowing the cancellation policy can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary costs.

Keep an eye out for price drops

Prices for last-minute vacations can fluctuate, and you may find extra discounts closer to your travel dates as companies try to fill remaining vacancies. Setting up price alerts on various travel sites can help you stay informed about any price changes.

Book with caution

While last-minute travel deals can offer significant savings, it's important to be cautious. Always read the fine print, understand the terms and conditions, and book with reputable companies to avoid potential scams or unexpected fees.

Last-minute travel deals can provide exciting opportunities for spontaneous getaways. By being flexible, comparing prices, and taking advantage of various tools and resources, you can increase your chances of finding great deals and having a memorable trip.

Tips for finding cheap last-minute travel

Last-minute travel can be exciting, but it can also be expensive. Here are some tips to help you find cheap flights and accommodation for your spontaneous trip:

Be flexible

If your travel dates are locked in, be flexible with your destination. You're more likely to find a good deal if you cast a wide net and consider going somewhere unexpected. On the other hand, if you have a specific place in mind, be flexible with your timing. Keep your calendar open and be prepared to travel at short notice. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly.

Search multiple sites

Use multi-search booking engines like Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights to compare prices across different airlines and travel providers. But don't rely solely on these; also, check prices offered directly by the airline or hotel, as they may be more competitive at the last minute.

Set price alerts

Use price alert tools on sites like Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights to notify you when prices drop for your desired destinations. You can also subscribe to services like Dollar Flight Club, FareDrop, or Going, which share airfare deals with members.

Check different airports and dates

When searching for flights, consider departing from or arriving at a different airport, even if it's further away. For example, if you're flying to New York City, you might find cheaper flights into Newark or La Guardia than into JFK. Similarly, if you're staying in a hotel, check prices for different dates, as conventions or other events may affect the price.

Book one-way flights

In some cases, it may be cheaper to book two one-way flights on different airlines rather than a round-trip ticket. This requires extra research, and you'll need to consider the luggage policies of multiple airlines.

Search for package deals

If you're booking last-minute flights and accommodation separately, check whether you could save money by booking them together as a package deal. Online travel agencies like Travelocity, Orbitz, and Expedia often offer package deals, and you can also check airline websites for "vacations" or "package deals".

Consider vacation rentals

Sites like VRBO, HomeAway, and Airbnb often have last-minute availability, and private owners may be willing to offer discounted rates to fill rooms.

Use your credit card perks

If you have a travel rewards credit card, take advantage of any perks it may offer, such as a personal travel assistant or concierge service that can help you find last-minute deals.

Frequently asked questions