By Evelyn Evans 
Be Flexible with Your Dates and Destination
When it comes to scoring a great last-minute travel deal, flexibility is your best friend. If you’re open to traveling mid-week instead of on the weekend or flying at odd hours, you’ll likely find cheaper options. Many travel sites offer better prices for Tuesday or Wednesday departures, and red-eye or early morning flights are less expensive than peak time slots.
Being flexible with your destination helps, too. Instead of locking in one specific place, list several places you’d love to visit and check the deals for each. Sometimes, the best adventures happen when you let the price guide you. If you’re willing to go where the deals take you, you might discover a hidden gem you hadn’t considered before.
Use Travel Deal Websites and Apps
There are several websites and mobile apps that specialize in tracking last-minute travel deals. Sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, Hopper, Kayak, and Travelzoo can help you compare prices and find limited-time offers. Some apps even send push notifications when prices drop, making it easy to jump on a deal quickly.
Consider signing up for deal alerts or newsletters, too. Many of these platforms offer exclusive flash sales or discounts to subscribers. If you’re ready to move quickly when the right deal pops up, you’ll be in a good position to save big. A little digital help can go a long way when you’re trying to book something spontaneous.
Try Booking a Flight and Hotel Together
One of the simplest ways to save money on last-minute travel is to bundle your flight and hotel together. Many travel sites offer package deals that significantly reduce the total cost when booking both simultaneously. This not only saves money but also simplifies the booking process—win-win!
Look for platforms like Expedia, Priceline, or Travelocity specializing in vacation packages. You might even find bonus perks like free breakfasts or airport transfers included. Just make sure to read the fine print to avoid any surprise fees. With the right package, you can lock in a stress-free trip at a fraction of the usual cost.
Consider Alternative Airports and Routes
If you’re flying into a popular city, check if there are smaller airports nearby. For example, flying into Oakland instead of San Francisco or Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami can often shave off a good chunk of the fare. Even if it’s a little out of the way, you might save enough money to justify the added travel time.
Also, consider flights with layovers rather than nonstop options. It might take a bit longer, but those extra stops can sometimes mean major savings. When booking last minute, a little creativity with your route can make a big difference to your wallet.
Check Out Last-Minute Hotel Apps
Like flights, hotels often drop their prices at the last minute to fill empty rooms. Apps like HotelTonight, Hotwire, and Booking.com’s “last-minute deals” section specialize in these discounts. You can often find great rates for same-day or next-day stays at high-quality hotels.
Don’t forget to check the hotel’s website, too. Sometimes, they offer price-matching or loyalty rewards that third-party apps don’t. If you’re bold, you can call the hotel directly and ask if they have any last-minute deals. A polite phone call might score you a better room for less money.
Travel During the Off-Season
Traveling during off-peak times can give you a double benefit: lower prices and fewer crowds. Even last-minute bookings are often cheaper if you’re going somewhere in its low season. Think beach destinations in the fall or mountain towns in the summer—still beautiful, but way more affordable.
Plus, you’ll have more accommodation and flight options when fewer people are traveling. That flexibility gives you a better chance of snagging a sweet deal. Check the local weather and seasonal closures to avoid being caught off guard. Sometimes, going off-season just means smarter travel, not less fun.
Use Points and Rewards Wisely
If you’ve been racking credit card points or frequent flyer miles, last-minute trips are a great time to cash them in. Many airlines and hotels let you use points for bookings just days in advance. In some cases, using rewards can help you avoid inflated cash prices that often come with late bookings.
Just remember that reward availability can be limited, so you might need to be extra flexible. Some programs even offer special “last-minute deals” or waived fees for loyal members. Before you book anything out-of-pocket, check if you have points you can use—you might already have a free flight or hotel stay waiting for you.
Be Ready to Book Fast
It probably won’t stick around for long when a last-minute deal appears. Travel prices can change quickly, especially for popular routes or accommodations. Don’t wait too long to decide if you see something that fits your budget and plans.
Have your payment info, passport (if needed), and travel dates ready. The more prepared you are, the quicker you can grab that deal before someone else does. Think of it like catching a train—you need to jump on fast, or you’ll miss it!
Keep an Open Mind and a Positive Attitude
Last-minute travel isn’t always about perfection. It’s about the thrill of spontaneity. Maybe you won’t get the exact hotel you originally wanted or the ideal flight time, but that’s part of the adventure. Going with the flow often leads to some of the most fun and memorable experiences.
Keep your expectations flexible, and focus on the positives. You’re going on a trip! Even if it’s not perfectly planned, it’s a chance to explore somewhere new, meet new people, or escape your routine. With a little creativity and a positive mindset, last-minute travel can be some of the most exciting travel you’ll ever do.