Sometimes, the best time to book travel are the few days leading up to it if you’re looking to save some cash. In this guide we’ll cover exactly what a last minute trip is, if it’s better to book a trip last minute, how to get a last minute deal, and what websites/apps we think are the best to find those deals.
Keep reading to become your friend group’s travel expert!
What is a Last Minute Trip?
A last minute trip is a vacation that is booked a few days before the actual travel date. Trips like this can be a great way to save money, as hotels and airlines often offer discounts for last-minute bookings. If you’re looking to save some money, you’ll have to be flexible with where you’re going and staying to really maximize on the deal savings.
Is it Better to Book a Trip Last Minute?
Determining if b looking last minute is better or not definitely depends on your circumstance. If you are completely flexible with your travel plans and are willing to do some research, you can often find really great deals for last minute travel. However, if you have specific travel dates and destinations in mind, booking in advance may be the better choice for you.
Here are some of the pros and cons of booking a trip last minute:
Pros:
- You can often find great deals.
- You have more flexibility with your travel plans.
- You can be spontaneous and go on a trip that you never would have planned otherwise.
Cons:
- You may not be able to get your preferred dates or destinations.
- You may have to book your travel at the last minute, which can be stressful.
- You may not have time to do as much research, which could lead to you making a bad decision.
Where is the Best Place to Find Last Minute Deals?
There are a number of websites and apps that can help you find last minute travel deals. Some of the websites and apps we personally use and love are:
- Google Flights: Google Flights allows you to compare prices from different airlines for flights departing from your desired airport. You can also set up price alerts so that you are notified when the price of a flight changes. My favorite feature of Google Flights is their price graph. If you know where you want to go but can be flexible on the days you travel, the price graph will show you the best days to fly for the cheapest.
- Expedia: Expedia is a popular travel website that offers a wide variety of last minute travel deals. You can find flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages all in one place. When you sign up for the Expedia Rewards program, you earn 1 point for every dollar you spend on hotels, cars, and activities. You earn 1 point for every $5 you spend on flights. If you become a Silver or Gold member, you earn double or triple points, respectively, on all purchases and eventually redeem them for free travel.
- Priceline: Priceline makes it easy to find a hotel that meets your needs and budget. In addition to the normal parameters you input to find the right flight or hotel, they have something called Express Deals. Priceline offers Express Deals on hotels with up to 60% off. These deals are completely hidden, which means you won’t know the hotel brand until after you book. However, you will know the star rating, guest rating, and general area of the hotel, so you’re not booking blindly.
- TripAdvisor: TripAdvisor is a travel website that allows you to read reviews of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. You can also use TripAdvisor to find last minute deals on hotels and vacation packages. Since you can read reviews and book at the same time, it’s one of the best places to start when you’re thinking about booking last minute travel.
- TravelZoo: TravelZoo is a travel aggregator website that finds the best travel deals across the web with many different travel partners. These deals are time-limited and created specifically for TravelZoo, so if you see something you need to book fast. Once you sign up, you’ll also get these deals sent straight to your inbox so you can alway be up to date.
- HotelsTonight: HotelsTonight is a great place to book last-minute accommodations for any trip. They work with hotels around the world and get discounts on their unsold room. This allows for travelers (like us) to book amazing hotels at great prices. We recommend downloading the app, there are more deals there than on their website.
- Going.com (FKA Scott’s Cheap Flights): Going is a flight deal subscription service that sends you the best deals on flights to destinations around the world. They have a free and paid option, and their deals are typically 40-90% off the average price. Similar to Google Flights, except you don’t have to initiate getting the notification for your specific destination. Going will send you any cheap flight options from your home (or surrounding) airports and is a great way to book last-minute travel if your flexibility allows for it.
There are definitely a lot of other websites out there, but these are the few we tend to use monthly when we travel. For all of the above, we HIGHLY suggest signing up for their email lists. A lot of the times, deals can be sent straight to your inbox without having to do all the research.
How do you Get a Last Minute Travel Deal?
Here are a few tips for snagging a last minute travel deal:
- Be flexible with your travel dates. If you are able to travel on a weekday or during the off-season, you are more likely to find a good deal.
- Be open to different destinations. If you are willing to travel to a less popular destination, you are more likely to find a good deal.
- Use a travel agent. A travel agent can help you find the best last minute deals if you don’t have the time to research all of the different options. They can also book your travel for you and make sure that everything goes smoothly.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to book a trip last minute is up to you. If you are willing to take some risks and do some research, you can often find great deals on last minute trips. However, if you are not comfortable with last minute planning, it may be better to book your trip in advance.
If you’re traveling soon, read about how to maximize your PTO and travel hacks you need for your trip!
This is YOUR sign to book a much-needed trip, today!
