A slow burn build up to a holiday has many advantages. The excitement builds over the weeks, you can plan ahead, make sure everything is in order… but a sudden decision to take a last minute deal is truly exhilarating, like an exciting step into the unknown!
You often plan with your gut, not with your head- “I need some sun!” or “I need that continental city break, NOW!”; last minute travel deals are impetuous, thrilling and therefore a lot of fun to take on!
The mad rush is part of the appeal too. One day you are sitting in the office, planning the same old boring weekend trundling around IKEA, and the next you have grabbed some discounted flights and are flying off to the sun, cramming clothes and dusty tomes into your suitcase as you trip over your shoelaces falling out of the front door. Last minute holidays are not for everyone perhaps, but fun all the same!
The big idea about last minute deals is that they are money savers. If planes or hotels need filling at the last minute great discounts will be made. Whilst this is certainly the case in some instances, it is not a guaranteed rule. In peak seasons when booking quotas are high the tour operators’ need to flog the remaining seats in the plane are fewer, so don’t expect to stroll up to the airline desk and have a 5 star week in Dubai for $6.50 all in.
Be flexible with your destinations. Your dream last minute holiday destination may not be available for any kind of discount so have 5-6 backup destinations to hand.
Shop around: there are plenty of tour operators and internet sites which will be able to bring you thousands of deals at the click of a button.
Book quickly. With time pressures, if you see a good last minute deal don’t delay, get on and book it!
Consider going out of season or during the week. Weekend flights will probably be expensive and full whatever the season. How about a Tuesday flight for example?
If you are really up for an adventure... what about turning up at the airport and enquiring there and then for the best deals? Now that could save you a great deal of money indeed and be a true snap decision!
Even in a rush for your last minute holiday, don’t forget the absolute essentials: tickets, money, passport and insurance!