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Best Websites to Book a Last Minute Vacation

Megan Johnson

Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.

Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two young children, and their dog, Indiana Bones (Indy).

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Sometimes you just need to getaway. If your wanderlust gets the best of you and the traveler inside is itching to hit the road, there are plenty of websites and apps out there to help—fast. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a full-blown vacation, these sites can help you find great last minute travel deals.

Best Websites for Last Minute Flights

Finding flights can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be! There are loads of ways to find cheap flights from your favorite airline, even if you are going away in the near future.

1. Google Flights

One fun way to find last minute flights is to plug your departure city and travel dates into Google Flights , leaving your destination blank. The resulting map shows you the lowest available prices to cities all over the world, letting you find deals in places you might not have ever thought to go.

Kayak’s Explore feature is a similar tool. You can enter exact travel dates or a certain month, then see which fares are available from your home gateway. 

3. Secret Flying

You can get alerts when fares go down when you sign up at Secret Flying , or, use their search tool to find great last minute deals on flights. Simply input your departure city, keep the arrival as “anywhere” and put the current month as the time you are looking to fly. Perfect for when you just want to get away, but you don’t care where to. Secret Flying also finds “mistake” fares, so be sure to sign up to get notifications so you can book them before they are gone! 

The 12 Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare

Where to Find Last Minute Hotel Deals

You’d think that every hotel would have cheap rooms last minute, but that isn’t always the case. These sites will help you find a room that won’t break the bank with a spur of the moment trip! 

1. Hotel Tonight

A perennial favorite app among SmarterTravel editors, HotelTonight has been finding travelers’ deep hotel discounts since 2010. The app allows travelers to book same-day accommodations across the globe at discounts of up to 50 percent. If you don’t want to leave things until the literal last minute, though, the app also lets you book dates a little further out. The well-designed booking engine serves up clever recommendations and insider info—plus those remarkable markdowns. Keep an eye out for the Daily Drop, the biggest discount of the day (which you only have 15 minutes to book).

The site is known for discounted restaurant meals, fitness classes, and beauty services also has a last minute deals section that typically includes discounted hotel and resort stays. On the day I checked, options ranged from a $69 hotel near Niagara Falls to a four-star Times Square hotel for $77 a night.

3. Trip.com

Trip.com is your basic hotel booking site, and is great for finding a last minute deal. While they feature hotels all around the world, it’s particularly great for deals on hotels in Asia, so when you grab an amazing last minute flight to somewhere in Asia, head to trip.com to book your hotel! 

4. Last Minute Travel

As its name suggests, Last Minute Travel is dedicated solely to last minute travel deals. This wide-ranging site offers bargains on hotels, car rentals, cruises, transfers, and activities. Their hotel deals are amazing.  In a sample search, I found top-rated hotels in Paris from just $54 per night for a trip about two weeks out. The site has a Last Minute Travel Club for deeper discounts and rewards points to use toward free hotel stays. Membership is $50 per year.

The 15 Best Hotel Booking Sites

Amazing Last Minute Vacation Packages

Sometimes, booking a vacation package is the cheapest way to go for last minute travel. These sites are the best for one-stop shopping.

1. Airfarewatchdog

SmarterTravel’s sister site Airfarewatchdog has a nifty Weekender tool that lets you find a flight/hotel vacation package for upcoming weekends, just click the link and let the site do the rest of the work. 

2. CheapCaribbean.com

If you have a specific destination in mind, your best bet is often to focus on a website that deals with one region specifically. CheapCaribbean.com has last minute deals , many of them short-lived flash sales. Though you can’t hem and haw about whether or not to go, you’ll often have plenty of time to plan. For example, a four-night air/hotel package to the Dominican Republic might start at $509 per person for travel four to six months from now—but it must be booked in the next four days.

3. FunJet Vacations 

Book your flight and hotel together at FunJet Vacations . If you have a place in mind, enter the dates you want to go and the destination, and it will give you the best flight and hotel deals available. Their sales are great if you are open to where you want to go, and often have dates for travel within the month. 

The 14 Best Vacation Rental Sites for Travelers

Affordable Last Minute All-Inclusive Deals

A vacation where everything is paid for in advance may seem a luxury to some people, but it is actually quite affordable. These sites will help you find the best all-inclusive deals, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the sun! 

1. Sandals Resorts

Sandals resorts has great deals for last minute travel. You often can get one night free, and when you start the booking process, have the option of booking your flight as well. You may even find availability for travel within the week. 

2. Club Med

When it comes to all-inclusive, Club Med usually comes to mind. Like Sandals, they often have fantastic last minute deals for when you are looking to book without much time to plan. Club Med has locations all over the world, including Mexico, Canada and all over the Caribbean – perfect for a cheap getaway.

3. Travelzoo

This venerable travel site offers last minute deals on just about everything, but their all-inclusive search is one of the best as far as the bigger sites go. When I searched, I found a package for an all-inclusive stay in Cabo, including airfare, for $739, for travel next week. 

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How to Find Great Deals on Last Minute Tours

If you prefer having an itinerary made for you, and, let’s face it, if you are taking a last minute trip, it might be nice to not have to plan the entire trip, there are some great sites to book a last minute tour on. 

1. TourRadar

Book a tour of your destination as well as accommodations through TourRadar . There are several ways to search, including destination, adventure styles (food & culinary, active adventure, health & wellness, etc.), and date. Search for tours for travel in the next two weeks, or multiple months in advance. 

2. G Adventures

From Iceland to Turkey, G Adventures has tours to inspire and excite. They have available dates for travel throughout the year, but most are available to book for tours within a week or two. They have themed tours like the Northern Lights in Iceland, and Hiking the Azores—whatever, wherever you want to go. I found a four-day hiking tour of the Inca Trail in Peru for $881 departing within the week.

3. Contiki 

Contiki has a wide variety of tours to choose from, and the site has a handy last minute trips option to find a tour when you need one. When I searched, there was an Egypt and the Nile tour for $1,772, starting in just four days from when I searched! Most tours include accommodation, meals, transportation, admission to sites, and tour guides. 

The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies

Popular Getaway Deal Destinations

You may think it is hard to find deals to some of the top destinations, but as we have been mentioning, there are several options out there, no matter where you are going. Here are some sites that will help you plan your next getaway to some of the top spots.

Europe Deals

Lastminute.com .

Netherlands-based LastMinute.com also covers a range of last minute trip options, including flights, hotels, Eurostar train tickets, vacation packages, car rentals, theater tickets, and experiences. A Paris search turned up several highly-rated hotel options at $75-$85 per night at press time. This site also allows you to filter by hotels that offer free cancellation, a great perk if your travel plans change last minute. LastMinute.com also has “top-secret hotels” available for opaque booking, though in my Paris search they were actually a bit more expensive than the named hotels in my results.

Caribbean Vacations

While we love Sandals, we also love their sister company, Beaches . Beaches features two resorts in Jamaica and one in Turks and Caicos. Their last minute travel deals are similar to Sandals, where you can get one free night, and are able to book with just a couple of days in advance. 

Trips to New York

Chances are, if you are heading to NYC, you are going to want to see a Broadway show. Your best option for great last minute seats is TKTS . Download the app for your phone to see that days discounted tickets, and you can decide whether it is worth making the trek to the booth. Beats running out early in the morning to wait in line, and you are sure to get some deeply discounted tickets. 

The Hotel Room Workout Anyone Can Do

Best Last Minute Travel Apps for Your Phone

Most people tend to do everything on their phones, from booking restaurants, reading the news, and of course, booking travel. These apps are our favorites for booking last minute travel.

Elude is more than an app, it is an experience for the well-seasoned traveler. Not only does it let you search trips from your departure city to anywhere in the world, it gets to know you so you’ll find out about the best deals catered to your interests. Keep tabs on your trips, where you’ve been and what you’ve done. Their search feature allows you to put what your budget is, and what dates you want to travel, then showing you details for trips that fall under your criteria. When I searched, I found a trip to Prague leaving from New York City in two weeks for $1374 including airfare and hotel. 

With Snaptravel , you can search for hotels conveniently on your phone. Once you sign up, you will receive exclusive deals over your message service of choice (SMS, Facebook Messenger, iMessage etc..). You can also do a simple search with the days you want to go, and where you want to go. You can filter by price, hotel stars, amenities and more. The perfect app for booking that last minute hotel anywhere in the world. 

Heading to the Airport? Use This Preflight Checklist

These days, vacation rentals are all the rage, and finding a last minute travel deal for accommodations can be tricky if you don’t want to break the bank. That’s where apps like VRBO come in. You can search rooms, apartments and houses available to rent wherever you are going. Often, owners who have had a cancellation or just want the place booked will discount the price last minute as to not totally lose out on making any money. You might just find a unique stay, like a treehouse or secluded cabin. 

Travelocity

Everything is better with time, and Travelocity is not excluded. Founded in 1996, they have adapted to the ever-changing tech world, and their app shows they are good at what they do. Search for hotels, vacation packages, flights—you name it—and all of your bookings will stay on the app for easy access. Looking for the perfect trip to Las Vegas last minute? Travelocity has your back.  When I searched for a trip to Vegas in two weeks, I found hotel and airfare for under $1,000 for a five night stay. 

Editor’s Note: All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated with the latest information. Genevieve S. Brown and Dara Continenza contributed to this story.

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Last-Minute Deals

Ever booked a vacation spur of the moment? No time like the present! Celebrate the moment with an unexpected getaway. Just make sure you book soon to take advantage of these special deals. Free cancellation on most hotels up to 24 hours before your trip. Because flexibility matters.

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Last-minute hotel deals.

Sometimes you just need to get away. Whether you’re traveling for business or for fun, search Travelocity’s last-minute travel deals when it’s time to get out of town.

Planning a trip ahead of time isn’t always possible. Sometimes life happens and you simply don’t have time to arrange an entire vacation. Travelocity has plenty of great options for travelers making last-minute plans. If you’re looking to save a few bucks on your upcoming trip, you’ve come to the right place! With a little help from your friends at Travelocity, you can score last-minute vacation deals that won’t break the bank.

From a simple room with a bed to a luxury resort that has all the amenities you could ask for, there are great deals to be found if you simply know where to look. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of hotels with last-minute deals that will provide you with a welcoming place to call home while you’re out of town. You’ll be saving on cost, but you won’t be missing out on clean, comfortable rooms and must-have amenities.

Find the hotel that best suits you and take advantage of the great deals at Travelocity. You’ll sleep even better in your hotel room knowing that you saved a bundle booking with us.

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Terms and Conditions

All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions--please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips.

Hotels: Offers valid at participating hotels only. Minimum night stay may be required and rules, restrictions, and blackout dates may apply. Please check individual property for details. Hotel prices displayed are per room per stay based on the cheapest double room available on the specific dates shown. Prices are updated regularly and are accurate when published. Applicable discount, if any, will be applied to the price of selected hotels, excluding taxes and other fees. Hotel savings are based upon Travelocity's everyday hotel rates, excluding taxes and other fees for the date(s) searched. Additional terms may apply.

Vacation Rental: Offers valid at participating vacation rental properties only. Minimum night stay may be required and rules, restrictions, and blackout dates may apply. Please check individual property for details. Property prices displayed are per night for stays on the specific dates shown and do not include taxes, fees, or damage deposit details. Prices and availability may change depending on number of people. Prices are updated regularly and are accurate when published. Applicable discount, if any, will be applied to the price of selected properties, excluding taxes and other fees. Additional terms may apply.

Air Pricing: Sample air prices are quoted for one adult and include taxes and fees for round-trip travel on the promoted airline from the specified airports, inclusive of all taxes. Prices do not include baggage fees that may be charged by the applicable airline. Actual price may vary based on time/date of search, booking date, travel dates, origin, and destination, and blackout periods may apply. Please check airline for details. Lower fares may be available to selected destinations. Prices, quoted in U.S. dollars, are updated regularly and are accurate when published. Portions of these flights may be operated by the airlines code-share partners. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights/dates. Fares and rules are subject to change without notice. Tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable. Read the complete penalty rules for changes and cancellations applicable to the fare you're considering booking.

Package: Package prices quoted are per person per stay based on the cheapest return flights and two people sharing the cheapest double room at participating hotels, inclusive of all taxes, on the specific dates shown, and blackout periods may apply. Please check individual property and airline for details Package prices do not include resort fees or other fees charged directly by the included hotel. Package prices do not include baggage fees or other fees charged directly by the airline for the included flight. Prices are updated regularly and are accurate when published. Savings based on the price of the hotel + flight booked together, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings are not available on all packages. Package offers are subject to all applicable terms and conditions for hotel and air. Additional terms may apply.

Car: Sample rates displayed are for the travel period represented. Rates may vary by date, pick-up/drop-off location, and availability. Prices are updated regularly and are accurate when published. Applicable discount, if any, will be applied to the price of selected car, excluding taxes and other fees. Car charges are billed at time of rental, unless otherwise indicated. Certain conditional charges may apply to your rental; these charges are not included in price shown. Charges for optional services are not included. Offers vary by vendor, are subject to availability and may be discontinued without notice. Rules, restrictions, and blackout dates may apply. See vendor pages for further details.

Activity: Prices displayed are for activities on the specific dates shown, and include promotional discounts referred to. Blackout periods may apply. Please check individual activity for details. Discounts are applied to the standard price of selected activities excluding applicable taxes and fees. Activities prices displayed are per person based on the cheapest offer available, inclusive of all taxes and service fees. Prices are updated regularly and are accurate when published. Blackout periods may apply. Offers are subject to limited availability and may be discounted without notice. Please check individual activity for details and to confirm prices, availability, and applicable terms and conditions.

Usual booking terms and conditions apply.  See terms and conditions .

Bundle your flight and hotel, and you can save an average of $294

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Hotwire Vacation Packages Deals

Don’t let the humdrum of planning a trip suck all the fun out of your getaway. Leave the tedious work up to Hotwire so you can spend more time focusing on which restaurants you’re going to try and all the activities you want to complete during your trip. Hotwire’s philosophy is simple. Book with us so you can stop planning and start exploring!

With Hotwire, searching for and creating your own cheap vacation packages is easy. Just plug in your destination, pick any combination of flights, hotels, or car rentals and boom, you’ll have your list of cheap vacations. You can bundle flight and hotel packages for an incredibly low price.

Vacationing on a whim? Trust Hotwire to get you affordable last-minute vacation deals.

Hotwire does the planning; you do all the saving. By spending less, you’ll have more money to explore and discover. Make a reservation at that hot new restaurant. Take the helicopter tour. Buy the shoes you’ve been eyeing since you got here. That’s the point of vacation, right?

Or better yet, start planning your next trip with the money left over in your travel fund. Just got back from lounging on a beach getaway? Next, maybe it’s time to head to the mountains.

Whatever awesome adventure you can dream up, Hotwire will get you an amazing price on your vacation getaway deal. So, what are you waiting for? Get booking and start packing. Hotwire is here to help you score a cheap flight and hotel package with the least amount of effort.

*Savings based on all vacation package bookings with Flight + Hotel on Hotwire.com and its affiliated brands, as compared to price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.

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The 25 Best Websites and Apps to Find Last-Minute Travel Deals [2023]

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Table of Contents

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With so many travel websites out there, it’s tough to know which ones are worth considering when searching for that last-minute travel deal. If you’re looking for a beach vacation , some websites bundle flights, accommodations, and a rental car or transfer into a package deal that can be cheaper than booking the components individually .

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute cruise that includes bonus onboard credit or a late availability small group tour with 20% off the standard price, you’ll be sure to bag yourself a great deal using these recommended websites and apps.

Customers can book just about anything on the Expedia platform and mobile app, including vacation packages, flights , hotels , car hire , cruises , and excursions.

Sign up to the One Key rewards program to earn 1 OneKeyCash per dollar spent on hotels, flights, car rentals, and more. OneKeyCash can be redeemed for travel on Expedia as well as through Hotels.com and Vrbo.

Search for your vacation package by defining the destination, departure airport, and trip duration. You can filter your results using a variety of options such as guest rating, hotel amenities, and distance from downtown. Expedia displays Unreal Deals in the search results that are combined package savings equivalent to 1 night’s free accommodation .

Hot Tip:  Customers can book via the Expedia app to receive double reward points!

Pros and Cons of Expedia

• One Key Rewards Program
• Book your vacation package, rental car, and excursions all in 1 place
• Change and cancellation policies differ for individual hotels and airlines; check your small print before booking
• You might miss out on room upgrades by not booking directly

Hotel location is often one of the most important factors when booking a vacation, and Priceline has a great map   to see where the accommodation is located, as well as a pop-up telling you the hotel star rating, price, and customer rating for quick browsing.

If hotel inventory is low for a particular property, Priceline displays when there is 1 room remaining , to ensure you don’t miss out. You can stick with the lead-in package price if you’re happy with the room type and flight times, or you can customize your package with changes/additions (usually at a cost).

Priceline has Express Deals on hotels with up to 60% off for flexible travelers . These opaque deals don’t display the hotel brand until after you book, but you will know the star rating, guest rating, and the general area of the hotel.

Pros and Cons of Priceline

• Detailed map view for hotels
• Express Deals with up to 60% off accommodation
• No rewards program

Orbitz has several search options for vacation bundles, including combinations of flights , hotels , and car rental . From the main search box, you can specify whether you’re looking for direct flights or require accommodation for part of your trip.

Within your search results, you can filter by hotels that offer free cancellation, or by specific amenities such as a swimming pool or all-inclusive board. Register for Orbitz Rewards  and you’ll earn Orbucks to spend on hotel stays . 1 Orbuck can be redeemed for $1 and are earned on the following purchases:

• 1% on flights and packages
• 3% on hotels
• 5% on hotels booked via the Orbitz app

Pros and Cons of Orbitz

• Easy to book packages with or without car rental
• Orbitz Rewards Program
• Orbitz Rewards Program is not as generous as Expedia’s reward program for redemption value

Travelocity

Travelocity is another site where you can book everything together, or add-on elements, such as excursions, after you’ve booked. Travelocity searches over 400 airlines and 1 million properties worldwide to display the best deals for your vacation.

It’s quick and easy to register for a Travelocity account , and doing so will unlock an extra 10% off selected hotels . If you find a hotel, flight, cruise, or car rental at a lower price elsewhere, Travelocity will refund you the difference with its price match guarantee . This is up to 24 hours after you’ve booked for most travel components — for hotels, the price match is right up to the day before you’re due to arrive.

Pros and Cons of Travelocity

• Book everything in 1 place
• An extra 10% off hotels for Travelocity members
• Price match guarantee
• No loyalty program

Travelzoo is a travel aggregator that rounds-up the best deals from multiple websites and links you through to the appropriate website to book. As Travelzoo has a huge database, these deals have been negotiated specifically to promote to members and are time-limited.

Although you can search for deals departing on specific dates with Travelzoo, it pays to be flexible and let the deal dictate your dates. Head over to the Top 20 Deals page that changes weekly to reflect the very best offers tested and verified by the Travelzoo team.

Pros and Cons of Travelzoo

• Exclusive offers negotiated specifically for Travelzoo members
• Fully refundable deals available
• Limited-time offers and often only a set number available at the special deal price

Kayak is a metasearch engine, finding and returning flights that match your search criteria, without actually booking with Kayak. The best thing about Kayak is how many filters you can use to narrow your search , saving you time trawling through irrelevant results. Filter by direct flights only, carry-on or checked luggage, take-off or landing times, airline alliances, and much more.

Sign-up for Kayak Price Alerts to receive email notifications when prices change based on your search criteria.

Pros and Cons of Kayak

• Lots of filters to refine your search
• Booking direct with an airline so any frequent flyer points can be earned
• No loyalty program since bookings are not with Kayak

CheapOair is an online travel agent with bookings made directly with CheapOair. When searching for a flight, the results page tells you if a price is valid on a limited number of tickets to ensure you don’t miss out on that price.

The CheapOair rewards program gives members up to 20% off flights and up to 55% off hotels . For signing up, members receive 500 points and a further 500 points for their first booking. After you’ve booked once or spent $1,000, you’ll move to the Silver tier, where members earn 1 point per $1 spent. Gold and Platinum tiers provide higher point earnings. 1 point = 0.5 cents, so 200 points would be required to redeem $1 in travel credit.

Pros and Cons of CheapOair

• Rewards program with member discounts and reward point earnings
• CheapOair credit card available with 7 points earned per $1 spent
• Charges a booking fee (although occasionally has money-off promo codes for the fee)

Hot Tip: Download the award-winning CheapOair app and receive 2 points per $1 spent when booking through the app. 

Secret Flying

Secret Flying is constantly on the lookout for pricing errors and super cheap flash sales , which it says saves its customers, on average, 90% on flights. If you’re flexible on dates and destinations, you’re in for a treat, but you can also bag a bargain on a set destination. Download the Secret Flying app and receive notifications with flight deals to your chosen city, country, or region.

Pros and Cons of Secret Flying

• Cheap airline error fares are often honored by the airlines
• Push notifications with flights matching your criteria
• Deals aren’t as helpful for travelers inflexible with destination or travel dates

Google Flights

Google Flights has a clean, simple interface and some handy tools to find cheap flight deals. If you’re flexible on destination and are just interested in the best deal, you can input your departure airport and use the map view to view prices around the world .

If you know your destination but are flexible on the date you travel, take a look at Google’s price graph that displays the cheapest and most expensive days to fly .

Pros and Cons of Google Flights

• Bookings are directed to the airline, so you can earn loyalty program points
• Price graphs to identify the cheapest travel dates
• Doesn’t always display the cheapest flights that might be available with a small online travel agent
• Occasionally displays a price that no longer exists

Hot Tip:  Check out our dedicated guide on how to use Google Flights to find cheap flight deals. 

AirfareWatchdog

AirfareWatchdog employs real people to scour thousands of sites for the best flight deals, including error fares . If you’re looking to jet off last minute, or are flexible with your date of travel , that’s when you can really bag a deal with AirfareWatchdog. Prices are also tracked over time, so you can be confident when AirfareWatchdog flags a great deal as it knows the best time to book.

Sign-up for airfare alerts and you’ll receive updates to your email inbox when flight prices increase or decrease .

Pros and Cons of AirfareWatchdog

• Real people search and flag the best flight deals
• Price alerts that help you decide the best time to book
• Only compares flights and hotel prices, so you’ll need to search elsewhere for car rental and excursions

Booking.com

Booking.com is the go-to accommodation booking site for millions of travelers, providing a seamless search and booking experience. Travelers can browse hotels, apartments, and other unique properties all over the world, with many offering free cancellation.

When you complete 2 stays within 2 years, you’ll automatically receive Genius level 1 status to benefit from 10% off selected properties. Members that complete 5 stays within 2 years will receive level 2 status, with up to 15% off, free breakfast, and free room upgrades with selected properties.

Pros and Cons of Booking.com

• Automatic enrollment in the Genius loyalty program
• Free cancellation is offered on many properties
• You won’t earn hotel loyalty points because you are not booking directly with the hotel

Last Minute Travel

Last Minute Travel lives up to its name by providing excellent deals on last-minute hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises , and more. Flexible travelers will love the Undercover Hotels feature, where super low offers keep the hotel’s identity a secret until the booking is completed. You’ll know the hotel’s general location, star rating, guest review score, and board basis to help make your decision.

Join the Last Minute Travel Club to benefit from exclusive member-only deals and to earn points towards free travel . Membership is $50 per year, and if you don’t save the cost of your membership through your exclusive deals, you’ll receive a voucher to cover the difference.

Pros and Cons of Last Minute Travel

• Undercover Hotels provide up to 65% off, revealing the hotel name after booking
• Filter hotel results by Tripadvisor review scores
• $50 membership fee for the Last Minute Travel Club
• No map to search for hotels in a particular area

Hopper is a clever little app that predicts hotel and flight prices up to a year in advance with 95% accuracy . You could save up to 40% on your hotel by booking with the app. Hopper will send you push notifications about recent searches and alert you to price rises and increases for particular properties.

The color-coded calendar displays what dates have the cheapest rates using green, amber, and red highlighting. Once you’ve searched for a destination, you can choose to “watch” specific hotels to receive push notifications with hidden deals  that can’t be found anywhere else online.

Pros and Cons of Hopper App

• Intelligent predictions on the best time to book
• Hidden deals that are not available anywhere else
• You can’t contact Hopper’s customer service team by telephone — this must be done through the app

Hundreds of thousands of hotels, apartments, and holiday rentals are available to book on Hotels.com in over 200 countries and territories. You can book via its website or app and sign up to receive emails with secret prices for email subscribers only .

You can filter your search by the usual star rating, guest review rating, price, etc., but also by proximity to key landmarks or by accommodation theme, such as luxury, historic, and romantic.

Hotels.com participated in the One Key rewards program, which allows you to earn and use points on travel booked through Hotels.com, Expedia, and Vrbo.

Pros and Cons of Hotels.com

• Secret prices for email subscribers
• One Key rewards program

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor might be your first port of call to check reviews for just about anything travel-related, but you can also search for hotel deals . When selecting your stay dates, Tripadvisor highlights the cheapest days in orange on the calendar, so you’ll know what days to avoid. Your search results can be filtered by your minimum and maximum budget, amenities, and distance from popular landmarks, in addition to many other options.

Alerts tell you if the price is a certain percentage lower than usual , so you’ll know whether you’re getting a good deal. As bookings are not made with Tripadvisor, your search results will tell you which website the deal is available with and displays comparison pricing against alternative websites.

Pros and Cons of Tripadvisor

• Color-coded calendar reflecting cheapest dates
• Alerts flagging if a specific price is cheaper than usual
• Prices displayed often don’t include taxes and fees

CruiseDirect.com

Keep an eye on last-minute offers with CruiseDirect.com , where a cancellation may mean you can get your hands on a prime stateroom at a fantastic price . Check back regularly as prices fluctuate depending on how long is left before a cruise departs . Bonus inclusions and offers are displayed with little icons indicating free onboard spending, discounted shore excursions, or low deposits.

There are no booking fees with CruiseDirect.com, and the company has a price match guarantee if you find the same offer elsewhere.

Pros and Cons of CruiseDirect.com

• No booking fees
• Offers are generally not exclusive, so you could book them with any other cruise provider

Cruise.com gives customers access to special pricing and extras that can’t be booked anywhere else . Visit the Last Minute Cruises page and filter by cruise duration to see available deals, including cashback offers, onboard credit, and free gratuities.

If you know what cruise line you want to travel with, you can head straight to the individual deals page for the company, or if you know where you want to go or where you want to depart from, Cruise.com also features destination and port-specific deals pages. You can also register with Cruise.com to receive exclusive rates and discounts .

Pros and Cons of Cruise.com

• Dedicated last-minute cruise page with special offers
• Register with Cruise.com to receive exclusive rates and discounts
• The website is very busy and cluttered.
• No price guarantee is offered

CruisesOnly

CruisesOnly prides itself on its industry-leading expertise, with all agents having been professionally certified by each of the cruise lines. So you can bag yourself a last-minute deal while speaking to a cruise expert that can tell you which cruise liner will best suit your needs.

CruisesOnly has a price match guarantee , where it will refund you 110% of the difference if you find the same offer on another website. After your second booking, you can join the CruisesOnly Loyalty Club to receive free onboard credit or an Amazon gift card.

Pros and Cons of CruisesOnly

• Price match guarantee refunding 110% of the difference
• Loyalty program rewarding repeat customers
• The site can be very busy, making it hard to narrow down to the cruise you really want to take

Cruisewatch

Cruisewatch is a metasearch site that monitors over 25,000 cruise deals and holds pricing data from the last 5 years to analyze when the best time is to book . Take a look at the Cruise Price Drops page to see how pricing has fluctuated over the last 90 days and to check predictions on when to expect the best price.

When you’ve found the perfect deal, you have several options for how to book. Either click Book Now and you’ll be directed to a partner website to complete your booking, fill out the online booking form to be contacted by Cruisewatch, or call a customer service agent to book immediately.

Pros and Cons of Cruisewatch

• Analyzes historical pricing data to predict the best time to book
• Price alerts to keep up to date with price changes
• Confusing booking process with multiple options

Costco Travel

Costco Travel is available to Costco members only, with membership costing $60 or $120 depending on whether you go for Gold Star or Executive level. Like Costco’s warehouse merchandise, only top quality cruises are promoted with Costco Travel, and Executive members benefit from an annual 2% reward with all travel purchases .

Some cruise offers include bonuses such as Costco Shop Cards or onboard credit .

Pros and Cons of Costco Travel

• Executive members benefit from a 2% annual reward on travel purchases
• Some offers include Costco Shop Cards or onboard credit
• Offers are only available to Costco members

Hot Tip:  To view more popular websites for booking cruises at the lowest price, check out our dedicated article .

Intrepid is a B Corp accredited tour company that considers its corporate social responsibility as much as its bottom line. It runs sustainable small group tours all over the world and caters to solo travelers with shared rooms to avoid single supplements .

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking to explore a new destination alongside your creature comforts, Intrepid has a tour to suit you. Itineraries and inclusions are clear on the tour page, and you can secure your place on the tour for 5 days until you’re ready to pay your deposit . Check out the Travel Deals page for discounted and last-minute offers.

Pros and Cons of Intrepid

• Shared room options for solo travelers to avoid single supplements
• Clear itineraries and inclusions with optional extras
• Some tours are combination trips, so your travel companions may change midway through a tour

Gate 1 Travel

Gate 1 Travel provides small and large group escorted tours to all 7 continents. Visit the Special Offers page to see flash sales, last-minute deals, and featured destinations with extra savings . It’s always fun sharing the experience with a friend, and existing Gate 1 Travel customers can refer a friend to both receive $50 off a future booking .

Tours come in a range of travel styles, including Value, Classic, Deluxe, and Express, so you can choose the tour that best suits your travel style.

Pros and Cons of Gate 1 Travel

• Dedicated page with flash sales and last-minute deals
• Refer a friend program
• Supplement applies for solo travelers

Trafalgar offers over 300 tours , ranging from sightseeing and safaris to family and solo travel. You could save up to 15% on last-minute trips or plan in advance for 10% off early bird bookings on selected trips . Tours are focused on seeing bucket list icons, connecting with locals, and staying in accommodation with local heritage.

Order a free brochure to start planning your trip or check out the great customer reviews .

Pros and Cons of Trafalgar

• Up to 15% off last-minute bookings
• Wide range of tours and a great customer review rating
• Optional tour extras, such as excursions, can be pricey

TourRadar is an online travel agent, so it’s a great place to compare prices between a variety of tour operators . Over 40,000 tours are featured online, including large providers such as Intrepid , Trafalgar , and G Adventures . Bookings are made directly with TourRadar, who have a 24/7 support team via phone, email, or online chat.

TourRadar offers last-minute deals, early bird offers , and a selection of tours that are buy 1 get 1 free . It doesn’t get much better than that!

Pros and Cons of TourRadar

• Last-minute deals and buy 1 get 1 free offers
• Bookings are not made directly with the tour operator, so you won’t benefit from any repeat customer deals

Contiki offers tours for travelers from 18 to 35 years old to 6 continents (just missing Antarctica to get the full house). Contiki strives to provide sustainable travel , protecting the local communities and wildlife that form part of its tours.

Discounted tours are featured on its deals page, and customers can be book confidently with the knowledge that they can change their booking up to 30 days before the departure and move their flexible deposit to another tour or date .

Pros and Cons of Contiki

• Free changes up until 30 days before your tour and a flexible deposit
• Great for solo travelers with room sharing
• Free onboard Wi-Fi is limited

The key to bagging yourself a fantastic last-minute deal is flexibility. If you know the destination you want to travel to and the exact date you want to depart, chances are your choice will be limited. Opaque hotel deals can save you money on your accommodation if you can handle not knowing the hotel brand until after you’ve booked.

Many online travel agents have loyalty programs, so in addition to your great last-minute offer, you can collect points towards free future travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best site for last-minute vacation deals.

Expedia, Priceline, Orbitz, Travelzoo, and Travelocity are great for finding last-minute vacation packages. Searching for a deal is easy and you can filter your results to the packages that suit your criteria.

Do last-minute holidays get cheaper?

Last-minute travel can often be cheaper as travel companies discount their inventory to fill spaces and cover operational costs. Sometimes, last-minute flights can be more expensive as seat prices increase depending on demand.

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About Alex Miller

Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.

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Last-minute travel can be exciting — a sudden, unexpected chance to go someplace fun, see old friends or spend time with loved ones. But that thrill can fade fast the minute you start looking at costs. Airfare, hotels and rental cars are usually a lot pricier when you book last minute, and choices can be extremely limited.

To avoid getting gouged, you need to put in some extra effort. Here’s how to get the best deal possible on that last-minute trip.

Tips to get the best last-minute travel deals

Search lots of booking sites.

Those multi-search booking engines that promise to check rates every place under the sun all at once — they do. Yet their best rates can differ substantially. Try multiple multi-search engines including Trivago, Expedia, goSeek, Kayak, Hotels.com and any others you’ve had success with in the past.

But don’t stop there. Compare their rates with prices offered directly by the airline, hotel or car rental company. This late in the game, you just can’t know who’s most eager to earn your business. The only way to find out is to check.

Check different hotel dates before booking a flight (and vice versa)

If that big, beautiful beach resort you’ve been drooling over seems unusually expensive, search for slightly different travel dates. A hotel that costs $250 a night from Oct. 1 through Oct. 7 might cost $175 a night from Oct. 2 through Oct. 7, simply because a big convention at the hotel wraps up on Oct. 1.

If your dates are flexible, you’re in a better position to save money. But even if they aren’t, check a few different date ranges to find out whether unknown variables could be affecting your rate.

Check bundle deals

If you’re lucky, packages that include both a hotel room and a flight can offer amazing last-minute travel deals. That’s because of wholesaling, in which large blocks of hotel rooms are purchased or reserved by a company that tries to resell them to you at a profit. If they buy too many, they may start slashing rates at the last minute.

Check the “vacations” or “package deals” option on airline websites, as well as with online travel agencies like Pleasant Holidays, Costco, Travelocity or Orbitz.

Don’t forget about vacation rentals

Sites like VRBO.com and HomeAway.com offer a comprehensive, searchable database of privately owned vacation rentals that might be booked up by the time you’re planning a last-minute trip. But you won’t know until you look. And if they still have openings, private owners may be willing to cut their rates to fill rooms.

» Learn more: Beyond Airbnb — your guide to peer-to-peer travel platforms

Know your airline’s 24-hour cancellation policy

Unless you’re willing to pay a premium, most airfare is nonrefundable. But did you know that “nonrefundable” often doesn’t kick in until 24 hours after you’ve made your purchase? All major U.S. airlines will let you cancel for a full refund within 24 hours (they’re subject to rules from the Department of Transportation, which other booking sites may or may not follow).

Since last-minute travelers are navigating a landscape of wildly fluctuating prices, you might as well check fares one more time 23 hours after you book, just in case you find a better deal.

Don’t assume award redemption rates mirror cash rates

If you’re thinking of using points or miles to avoid a high last-minute fare, check out your options first. The formula airlines use to decide when to make saver-level award seats available is famously opaque. Sometimes the airlines can offer well-priced redemptions when you least expect them — like at the last minute. If you have miles to spend, check cash prices vs. redemption rates; the better option may surprise you.

Look at seating charts, available rooms and car rental options

By the time you’re reserving a last-minute flight, there may be only two seats on the plane: a middle seat for you in row 20 and a middle seat for your travel companion in row 39. You’ll want to know that in advance, and decide whether it’s worth paying extra to sit together on another flight or in an upgraded cabin.

For hotels, regardless of where you book, check the hotel website to see what room categories are still available. If they’re down to just one room type, that means you probably won’t be able to change rooms if you’re unhappy since they’re almost at capacity. You may get a better rate at a property that still has many empty rooms.

Definitely reserve a car as soon as you can. You don’t want to arrive at your destination airport to learn there are no rental cars available. And just because you’re able to make a reservation online doesn’t necessarily mean the car rental company has vehicles available. Call ahead to be sure, and ask about any active discounts.

Peruse restaurant and activity reservations online

If you’re headed to a ski resort, theme park, spring break hot spot or other likely crowded destination, restaurants could be booked weeks in advance. If you envision a sit-down meal or two, take a quick peek at OpenTable or Yelp Reservations to make sure you’re not left wandering around hungry. You can also check the availability of many tours, spas and activities online by playing with their reservations tool to select various dates.

Get to know your credit card’s travel concierge

If you have a travel rewards card, you may have a personal travel assistant right in your wallet. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , The Platinum Card® from American Express , the Citi Prestige® Card and Mastercards with the World Elite logo come with complimentary 24-hour concierge service. Terms apply.

This means real humans are standing by to help you find everything from hotel rooms to Broadway tickets. When better to tap their expertise than when you’re looking for last-minute deals? If you’re not sure exactly what the concierge can do, they can help you with that too — just ask.

Get your house in order

In the scramble to find last-minute deals, don’t forget all the other things you must do to get out the door fast. Make sure the dog walker is in town. Put a vacation hold on your mail delivery. Get your prescriptions filled and load the kids’ devices with books, games and in-flight entertainment.

We recommend making a list of every task you need to complete, to make sure you’re not boarding a plane and wondering if you remembered to pack your reading glasses or unlock the gate for the landscaper.

Last-minute travel deals, recapped

When looking for vacation deals at the last minute, make sure to review your options, use the resources available and remain flexible. But bbove all, have fun. Last-minute travel can be a great adventure when you’re doing your best to both save money and experience something new.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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How to Get Cheap Last-Minute Flights, According to the Experts

By Mark Ellwood and Blane Bachelor

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Taking a spontaneous trip is one of the most rewarding forms of travel. Finding cheap last-minute flights, on the other hand, can feel like an impossible barrier to flying by the seat of your pants. But booking with low-cost carriers isn't the only way to avoid forking over exorbitant fares. There are last-minute deals to be found—if you know where and how to look.

Before you get started, having a basic grasp of how airlines determine their ticket prices can be helpful. Increasingly, airlines are implementing what’s known as dynamic pricing, a model used by hotels and other segments across the travel industry. With dynamic pricing, airfare costs go up or down depending on market conditions, which means the same seats on the same flight can be sold for many different prices at different times depending on the specific airline's pricing algorithm.

Fortunately, a growing selection of technological tools with predictive features take the guesswork out of knowing when the best time to buy flights is—or when you should wait it out. Along with a few time-tested guidelines, getting the best deal doesn’t have to be a stressful, time-consuming task.

If you feel like you're the only flier still paying full-price for airfare–or feeling overwhelmed by all the newsletters and flight deals to keep track of—don’t fret. We've assembled the best tips and tricks from frequent travelers and budget travel gurus to ensure you can take those spontaneous trips without breaking the bank.

Take advantage of tech tools

Tech tools can be a traveler’s secret weapon to scoring a cheap flight—and there are more options than ever to choose from.

Already a favorite for its functionality, Google Flights upgraded its ability to tell passengers exactly when to buy tickets (or wait) with a feature it launched in August 2023 backed by trends data on and around the flight route and trip dates. Google Flights also has a handy tracking feature that notifies you by email when prices drop on routes that you have specified. In fact, Google is so confident in its predictive data that it will guarantee the lowest fare on select flights ; if you buy a flight marked with the colorful price guarantee badge, Google Flights will pay you the difference (up to $500 per year) if the airfare decreases after you book.

Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) is another fan favorite for its ability to deliver excellent flight deals straight to your inbox. There’s a free option, but for the most serious savings, consider the Premium or Elite membership options, the latter of which also includes some great deals on business class fares.

Other platforms, including Hopper and KAYAK , also have features that notify passengers via email when prices drop on preferred routes. Via Hopper’s “Price Prediction” tool, passengers can choose whether to “book now” or “watch this trip.”

Avoid peak travel periods

A virtually guaranteed way to save money on flights (and battle with fewer tourists at your destination)? Avoid flying to destinations during peak travel times.

Times depend on the destination, but passengers can keep in mind a few general rules of thumb. For example, flying to Europe during the summer months of June, July, and August in Europe is almost always more expensive than a trip during the fall or winter (except around Christmas, another peak travel period). Similarly, the Caribbean heats up with visitors during the cold weather months, followed by spring break crowds, from December through April.

The bottom line: aim for the offseason whenever you can for more affordable flights and an unforgettable experience.

Be flexible with destinations and dates

Travel experts often advise checking to see if flying a day earlier or later or from a nearby airport—options that are now offered on most online search sites—might result in cheaper fares. But for bigger savings, consider extending your flexibility to the destination as well. If your dates are fixed, browse the options on Skyscanner , which allows users to select “explore everywhere” as the destination. Then skim for the best value over a certain timeframe.

When flying to Europe, remember that you don’t need your ultimate destination to be your first stop. If direct flights to Paris are pricey, look around and see if routes to, say, Amsterdam are cheaper on those dates. Then, you can take a budget airline for the final leg—instead of sacrificing your comfort for the entire long-haul journey.

Huw Owen, cofounder of TravelLocal , an agency that specializes in creating uniquely local trips, also advises looking at “secondary and tertiary cities” throughout Europe. “This is a great option for those who are doing a week- or two-weeklong itinerary in a particular country, where it doesn't matter where you land and you can have your local operator collect you and start the adventure from there,” Owen explains. “We're seeing this above all in Europe, where the competition with low-cost airlines has allowed secondary cities to become the new gateways to a destination, for example flying into Porto instead of Lisbon in Portugal. And in Georgia you can now fly to the historical city of Kutaisi, which is a lot cheaper than flying into the capital, Tbilisi .”

Take advantage of waived change fees

One traveler-friendly benefit from the pandemic: Many airlines finally scrapped those dreaded change fees once and for all—hallelujah! So if you see a too-good-to-pass-up deal, grab it while it’s still available—and if you do end up changing it, you won’t take as big of a hit. “The reason this is beneficial for last-minute bookings is if you're especially worried that the fare might drop after you book, now you're covered,” explains Scott Keyes, founder of Going. “If you pay $300 for your flight and a few days after booking the price drops to $200, you can rebook it at the new price and get the $100 difference back in flight credit.”

Search for fares individually

It takes some extra time, but searching for a single seat—even if you’re flying with a family of four—can save you big. The reason? Airlines’ automated pricing systems are poorly designed and will only look for four seats of the same exact price, returning you a quote of $400 each, perhaps.

Shannon McMahon

Chris Schalkx

Caitlin Morton

Emily Pennington

If there’s one or more in a lower fare class —a seat priced at $320, say—the system will overlook that in favor of consistency as it can’t divide up the query. Search by single seat, though, and the system will find that cheaper seat —savings that can really add up when you’re traveling with a group. Just make sure to link the reservations together after you finish booking so the airline knows you’re all flying together. “Most airline phone agents should be able to walk you through this, though any travel agent can do it quicker and easier,” says Brandon Berkson, founder of trip-planning service HAP Concierge .

In the same way, always check one-way flights alongside returns, especially on domestic trips, since stitching together an itinerary by taking one carrier outbound and another return could offer some savings, too. And if you’re looking at different seat prices within the same class, keep in mind that airlines' clunky systems struggle with combining different classes on the same itinerary. Say you want to take an economy round-trip flight, but only premium economy seats are left on one leg. The booking system will adjust the price or force you into the higher category to reflect that difference. Book each leg separately, and you can avoid that risk.

Timing is everything (kind of)

Another good rule of thumb for cheap last-minute flights: There is no secret time to score the perfect deal. While some research says flights are cheaper on certain days of the week (a 2024 report by Expedia found airfare is, on average, the least expensive on Sundays and the most expensive on Fridays), it usually isn't that simple.

Generally, the best prices tend to drop off once the flight is less than three weeks out. If it’s 21 days before you plan to travel and you haven’t seen a flight deal to your destination, go ahead and book. That’s because airlines’ automated fare systems are configured to treat later bookings as last-minute business traveler flights and price them accordingly (high, in other words). Case in point: Going’s Keyes watched one trip stay at $489 for weeks, before booking on day 21; just 24 hours later, the same flight cost $630. “The 21-Day Rule is still the gold standard if there's a flight you're looking at and it's getting close and you're trying to decide whether to book or not,” he says.

To get a jump on booking for winter holidays in 2024, consider that most airlines release their tickets between six and 11 months out—so it’s never too early to keep an eye on fares to snag early deals (and the best selection). But according to Google Flights , for mid-December trips, it could pay off to wait a little closer to booking, as average prices tended to be lowest 71 days before departure, based on the most recent data.

If you haven’t yet firmed up your summer vacation plans for 2024 , it’s time to get moving—especially if you have your eyes set on Europe. Per Google Flights, the best time to book flights from the US to Europe is at least 72 days prior to departure. And flights to Europe tend to increase over time, especially at about 10 weeks prior to departure.

Try a last-minute rewards search

Last-minute flights can be a smart time to burn off frequent flier miles , as airlines will sometimes release unsold seats as cheaper-than-normal mileage tickets. Don’t just search online for these, though; sometimes, it may be worth calling the airline’s customer service number or chatting online with a rep, even if the rewards app or website shows no redemption opportunities.

This is also a good time to make sure you’re using the right credit card for your travel habits and airline loyalty, which can easily pay for flights through points. There’s a learning curve involved, but it’s never a bad time to get started, especially since most major credit cards offer significant sign-up bonuses several times a year. All major airlines have their own credit card (or one that’s co-branded with a bank), and most major banks, including Chase, CitiBank, and Bank of America, also offer travel-specific cards that can offer big-time savings on flights (plus hotels and more travel expenses). Take a peek at the deals on offer—and how you can snag them—with our monthly Points and Miles Travel Deals column .

Consider fifth freedom flights

Fifth freedom flights , in which an airline offers service between two countries outside of its home base, can be a boon to budget-minded travelers for several reasons. First of all, they’re often serviced by larger aircraft on popular international routes, which means more competition and lower prices, and they also sometimes offer overlooked frequent-flier availability—all of which can translate into significant savings, not to mention a superior onboard experience.

Beware of ‘skiplagging’

Say you need to fly from DC to Dallas , but the price is too high. Since booking a longer flight with a layover is usually significantly cheaper than a non-stop route, some passengers might book a flight from DC to Los Angeles via Dallas, and deplane in Dallas with no intention of traveling on the next leg. This controversial tactic is known as a “hidden-city ticket” or “skiplagging."

Skiplagged is the best-known search engine for this workaround, but be super careful if you decide to give it a go. The tactic is strictly prohibited in many airlines’ contracts of carriage, so if they catch you flying this way, your ticket could be invalidated—or even worse, you could be sued . United Airlines and American Airlines have both cracked down on passengers taking advantage of hidden city booking in recent years.

Hidden-city tickets "can get travelers cheaper fares, but there are significant potential problems if you're caught," says  Brett Snyder , president of Cranky Concierge . "It's just not worth it, especially for the casual traveler who won't really fully understand the potential ramifications.”

Don’t be afraid to ask for a deal in person

Instead of shelling out big bucks online for an upgrade, try a more human approach—a strategy that paid off big-time for Kimberley Lovato , a travel writer who specializes in France, on a transatlantic flight from San Francisco to Amsterdam about five years ago. At the check-in desk at SFO, Lovato jokingly asked the agent whether anyone had bought one of the $10,000 business class upgrades she’d been monitoring online. No, the agent replied, but did she want one?

Not for $10K, Lovato responded, countering with $400—and, to her surprise, the agent said, “Done!”

“I’m not sure if it was because she was in a good mood or I just got lucky, but it made my flight, for sure,” Lovato says. The moral of the story: “You never know. More times than not, I’ve asked for things that seemed crazy and gotten them.”

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Websites to Find the Cheapest Last Minute Travel Deals

W ith traveling so much over the last few years I have I quickly learned how to find the best websites to find the cheapest last minute travel deals .

As we all know, now all travel sites are created equal and when you are a spur of the moment traveler but with a limited budget, you learn a thing or two along the way. Luckily travel, especially last-minute travel is more affordable than you think. Cheap travel sounds amazing, right? There are so many variations of travel sites. You aren’t really sure where to find the best deals. Airfare, car rentals, housing accommodations, fun things to do at a discount price… it sounds pretty overwhelming to think about.

You want to find websites that offer comparable prices, combination savings, and lots of discounts! Picking the perfect website for your travel needs will be easier if you check out these websites that offer the cheapest travel deals.

Here are a few tips to get you started.

• Find a website that can combine your flight and car rental.
• Travel in the off-season.
• Travel with a friend to split costs equally.
• Research free events in the area you will be vacationing.
• Consider booking two one way tickets instead of two
• Be flexible in your times and dates

Flying Away

Some of the best ways to get a cheap airline ticket is purchasing your ticket in advance.

ScottsCheapFlights.com – Save up to 90% on international flights.

Scott’s Cheap Flights –  Scott’s Cheap Flights helps you to save heaps on your next summer vacation, holiday getaway or a dream trip to a bucket list destination. My favorite part of using Scott’s is his free email service that will alert you to cheap flights to popular international destinations, Hawaii and Alaska.

CheapOair.com -Book Cheap Flights

CheapOair is a great place to find cheap airline tickets.  It searches over 600 different airlines to find you a great deal. CheapOair also offers you a price match promise.

Skyscanner.net – Find Cheap Flights & Plane Tickets

Skyscanner searches over 12,00 different sites to find you one of the cheapest airfares possible. You can fly anywhere in the world that you choose, with affordable options.

TripAdvisor.com -Find the best flight for the right price.

TripAdvisor is a commonly known flight website where you can find some of the significantly lower-priced airline tickets. TripAdvisor can accommodate any budget of travel, including the economical options.

Driving the Distance

Driving to your destination and around your destination can save you loads of money.

Rentalcars.com – Car Rental – Search, Compare & Save

Rentalcars.com can hook you up with some of the largest rental companies available. RentalCars.com also presents a match price guarantee and free cancellations on most bookings.

Priceline.com – Best prices guaranteed

Priceline is proposing that you can rent a car with them as little as $10.95/day. T his seems like a very cost-effective choice for a car rental. If you are searching for a modest way to pay for a car rental, this may be a great alternative.

85OFF.com-Car Rental Rate Comparison From Multiple Sites At One Time

85OFF gives you the opportunity to search a massive website directory to compare rental car prices. This option takes the hassle out of searching multiple sites at one time, you will get all of your options in one place. Seems easy enough!

Finding a Place to Rest

Finding a place to relax and snooze when you travel can often be the most difficult.

Hotels.com- Last minutes deals-don’t wait to getaway!

Hotels.com –  I love that this site lets me book now with no cancellation fee which is a huge plus in my book. Not only does this site have exclusive and lots of last-minute deals but you can actually earn free hotel stays. Here you’ll find everything from. Luxury Hotels. Guest Reviews. Budget Hotels. Types: Hotel, Resort, Motel, Apartment, Vacation rental, B&Bs, All-Inclusive, Lodge, Villa, and even  Hostels.

KAYAK. com – The easiest way to find your Hotel.

KAYAK can search for 1,000,000 hotels at one time. KAYAK also claims you can save up to 35%, if you book your hotel through them. You can also set a price alert, so you never miss the good deals they offer.

Airbnb.com-Discover entire homes and private rooms perfect for any trip                                               Airbnb you can book people’s real homes and apartments for a reasonable cost. You can find accommodations all over the USA, from extravagant vacation homes to more budget-friendly places to stay. If you sign up through their website, you can be eligible for a discount code for your first time booking

Agoda.com- Hotels, Resorts, Hostels & More

Agoda gives you options for accommodations all over the world. You can find something affordable and exotic to suit your travel adventures. You can also check out their spontaneous daily savings.

Also, be sure to check the individual hotel websites to find some of the best last-minute deals around. Many of the chains such as Marriotts, Hilton and Hyatt put up weekend deals that are just too good to pass on and are often cheaper than what you’ll find on the aggregate sites. Can’t find reservations for the dates you need? Try booking one-day reservations.

One of my favorite travel tips that ofter, especially for family vacation places such as the Walt Disney World Resort is to book multiple one-day reservations vs trying to find a multiple-day stay and better yet, try several different of the Disney resorts while you’re there. Disney makes it easy for you to “resort hop” moving your luggage for you from one hotel to the next, all at no cost. It’s part of the magic. On a recent spur of the moment trip to Hawaii, I couldn’t find a 4-day reservation but I could easily find 4 separate consecutive one-day reservations and the Hilton was fantastic about not only keeping me in the same room but upgrading my room for me.

You can also search all these websites to find a combination deal, which means all three for one price. Hopefully, you can find the cheapest airlines, car rentals, and accommodations to suit your adventurous spirit. Just remember to have fun and be safe, no matter you where you go.

Traveling is more affordable than ever before and there is nothing more important than taking those trips that will create a lifetime of memories for you and your family. What are your best last-minute travel tips and what is your go-to site to use?

The post Websites to Find the Cheapest Last Minute Travel Deals appeared first on The Adventures Of Life-Spontaneous Travel, Food and Fun .

Last-Minute Vacations

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Travel more for less! Amazing last minute travel deals!

In search of the best last-minute travel deals? With our ”Travel More For Less” sale , you can save up to $1000 on a spur-of-the-moment getaway of your dreams! Whether you’re itching to get away for some winter sun or want to make plans for Spring Break, let our last minute vacation deals inspire you! Just because you’re jetting off sooner rather than later, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality! Book a trip of a lifetime at the last minute and start counting down the days to your next adventure! So, why not discover our last minute escapes and, if you need a little inspiration, check out these top last minute travel deals!

Have you traveled to Peru yet? If not, it’s surely time to discover the sacred land of the Incas for yourself! A long-time favourite of intrepid travelers around the globe, Peru is home to some of South America’s most incredible sights. Of course, the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu tops the list of things to see in Peru. This centuries-old monument sits atop a mountain in Peru’s dramatic Andes, and is considered one of the 7 wonders of the world ! Once you’ve ticked this off your bucket list, Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines and the Amazon rainforest are just a handful of other unmissable places to visit in Peru. With our last-minute travel deals, you needn’t wait months for a trip of a lifetime to Peru! Grab the best deals and plan a last-minute getaway today, with flights, accommodation, entrance to Machu Picchu and much more included!

Whilst many choose Turkey for its beautiful beaches and Mediterranean sunshine, it’s also an astounding cultural travel destination. Undoubtedly, the bustling markets and eye-catching architecture of Istanbul are the perfect introductions to the treasures of Turkey. Here, you’ll find an appealing fusion of eastern and western cultures as the city straddles the border of Europe and Asia. After admiring the legendary Hagia Sophia Mosque and searching for bargains at the Grand Bazaar, you’ll find there’s much more to discover in this huge country. Take the fairy chimneys and intriguing landscapes of Cappadocia or the classical ruins of Ephesus for example! Home to the neolithic archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe and the otherworldly thermal pools of Pamukkale, delight in the wonders that Turkey has to offer with a last-minute vacation deal!

Safaris, sand dunes and wild coastline; Namibia has it all! Nestled in the southwest of the African continent, Namibia offers a different safari experience to that offered in the better-known east African countries. In fact, Namibia’s Etosha National Park is home to an enormous salt pan, sustaining an incredible array of unique wildlife. Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and cheetahs can all be found here. Furthermore, Namibia boasts many other natural attractions. Take the Namib and Kalahari Deserts for example. Furthermore, the salt pans and fossilized trees of Sossusvlei are other wonders that make travel to Namibia so unique and rewarding! So, want to try something new for your next getaway? Let Namibia enchant you with its wild landscapes and charming seaside towns! Discover our best-ever last minute travel deals today!

You cannot underestimate the adventure that awaits on a trip to Jordan! This Middle Eastern country is known for its great civilisations and enigmatic history. Whether you’re here to uncover the mysteries of Petra, float in the Dead Sea or see the promised land from Mount Nebo , Jordan offers surprise and delight at every turn! Home to millennia of history, Jordan is a real cultural jewel. In fact, it’s one of those few places on earth where you can encounter the relics of some of the human civilisation’s most important moments!

From Crusader Castles to Roman Amphitheatres, Jordan invites you to travel back in time! After all that exploration, the salty waters of the Dead Sea or the tranquillity of the Wadi Rum desert offer well-deserved downtime and the chance to discover Jordan’s natural beauty as well. Finally, a trip to Jordan would be incomplete without coming face-to-face with the lost city of Petra! All our trips include a tour of this marvellous rock-hewn desert city, so why not plan a last-minute trip to Jordan today? You won’t regret it!

South Africa

How about a long-haul last minute travel deal? South Africa astounds with its captivating natural beauty and cosmopolitan cities. Whether you’re into wildlife, history, cuisine or beaches, this country has it all! Just imagine: in a few weeks, you could be exploring the wineries of the Cape Peninsula and tracking lions on safari in Kruger National Park! Whilst Johannesburg boasts a rich melting-pot of cultures, Cape Town invites you to relax on its sun-kissed beaches or soak up the views from Table Mountain. Furthermore, the capital city of Pretoria holds valuable insights into the complex history of South Africa. Want to see all this and much more? Check out our amazing last-minute vacation deals today!

From Casablanca to the desert kasbahs of Ouarzazate, you really must travel to Morocco! Bustling cities, filled with romantic architecture and the aromas of fresh spices contrast with the rugged peaks of the Atlas Mountains and the vastness of the Sahara Desert. Indeed, the best way to get to grips with the diversity of Morocco is to opt for a guided tour. Travel between mountain villages and imperial capitals. Shop for souvenirs in the bazaars of Marrakech and spend the night under the stars in the desert. You don’t have to wait a lifetime to enjoy this incredible journey. In fact, with our last-minute travel deals, you can savour the landscapes and cultures of Morocco sooner than you think!

What are you waiting for? There’s nothing better than bagging a bargain and our best-ever travel deals help you make extraordinary travel plans for 2022 at the best price! Explore our selection of trips with departures in the upcoming months and save up to $1000 when you book before April 10th!

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Last-Minute Memorial Day Travel Deals

Book a dreamy weekend getaway for less with cheaper prices on flights and other vacation costs.

The unofficial kickoff to summer is almost here.

Technically, the season doesn’t start in the U.S. until June 20. But for most Americans, the sight of red, white and blue flags snapping in the breeze on Memorial Day marks the start of summer .

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If you’re thinking about traveling over the three-day weekend , experts say it’s not too late to find travel deals.

Memorial Day flight deals

Christie Hudson, senior public relations manager for Expedia Group, says Memorial Day flights tend to cost about $50 less than flights around July 4.

Hudson suggests booking flights departing on the Thursday or Friday morning before Memorial Day (May 27) and returning on Sunday or Tuesday to avoid holiday crowds.

Travel agent Angela Hughes, CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel agency, says flying midweek is a good way to save on airfare. “I also suggest packing light and doing carry-on only . You’ll save money, and you don’t have to worry about the airline losing your bag.”

Hudson says New York , Los Angeles and Miami are popular Memorial Day weekend destinations that have more affordable airfare. “Average ticket prices [are] under $500.”

Memorial Day weekend travel deals

Although accommodations are on the more expensive side during this time, some hotel brands offer deals specific for the long weekend .

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Vacations by Marriott is promoting weekend trip packages for destinations around the world. Westgate Resorts has deals at several properties across the country, including in New York City, Orlando , Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia. In addition to considering discounted rates, Hughes advises vacationers to compare perks at properties before booking to save money. “Look for free hotel amenities like free parking, free Wi-Fi or free breakfast. I also suggest being a member of hotel loyalty programs and maybe using your points.”

Memorial Day destinations for deals 

Thinking of traveling outside the country? Hudson says Memorial Day weekend is a good time to visit Mexico and the Caribbean before temperatures get too hot. “Cancun is one of Expedia’s top destinations with average ticket prices under $500 for the long weekend.”

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Up to $200 onboard credit on select cruises

Before booking, make sure you research travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State. The agency may recommend reconsidering travel — or not traveling at all — to some places in Mexico and the Caribbean. 

Travelers looking for an island getaway a little closer to home may want to consider a trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket in Massachusetts, Hughes says. Both islands open for the season during the holiday weekend and offer a mix of luxury accommodations and affordable things to do. On Martha’s Vineyard, the 29th annual Vineyard Artisans Festivals are free and feature new artwork from island artists, plus demonstrations and activities for kids. In Nantucket, the free Memorial Day parade winds throughout the historic downtown and ends with a ceremony at Prospect Hill Cemetery. 

Here are more destinations to consider to observe Memorial Day on a budget.

Museums and music in Fredericksburg, Texas

The National Museum of the Pacific War , a Smithsonian Affiliate, pays tribute to those who fought in Pacific Ocean battles during World War II ($24; $16 for people 65 and older; WWII veterans free). The on-site Memorial Courtyard and Japanese Garden of Peace are free to visit. You’re a 15-minute drive from the legendary country music community of Luckenbach, where you can hear live music for free and enjoy the casual (OK, ramshackle) surroundings. 

Stay: The Comfort Inn and Suites is a pet-friendly hotel with an outdoor pool. Rooms start at $175. Also consider: Full Moon Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Sandy beaches and hula dancing in Honolulu

Although a trip to the island of O‘ahu is going to be on the pricier side, it’s free to enjoy the gorgeous beaches of Waikīkī . There’s a free hula show at the Kūhiō Beach area of Waikīkī every Tuesday and Saturday night.

No trip to O‘ahu is complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor National Memorial to pay your respects to fallen war heroes. Admission is free.

Stay: Prices are high in Hawai‘i , so Hughes recommends booking off the beach in Waikīkī to save money. The Vive Hotel is three blocks from the beach and includes breakfast, Wi-Fi and beach gear rental. Rates start at $252. Also consider: The Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach.

Free fireworks on a Great Lake in Chicago

The Windy City has museums, memorials and attractions to celebrate America’s military. Navy Pier, opened in 1916 as Municipal Pier, was renamed in 1927 to honor naval veterans of World War I and served as a training center for the Navy during World War II.

Chicago has a series of beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan. Or take an architectural boat tour on the Chicago River to see the city’s skyline. For a true taste of the town , try a Chicago hot dog (a beef dog with mustard, onions, relish, a pickle spear, sport peppers, tomato and celery salt; no ketchup allowed).

Chicago’s free annual summer fireworks series begins May 25. Head to Navy Pier and the lakefront early to get a spot to see the show.

Stay: The Whitehall Hotel is part of the Best Western Premier Collection and half a block from shops and restaurants on Michigan Avenue. Rates start at $202. Also consider: Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham. 

Jim Byers is a travel writer based in Toronto. He served as travel editor at the  Toronto Star  newspaper for five years and freelances for travel publications around the world.

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