If you’re like me, then you often find yourself planning trips last minute. Sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances that arise, and other times I just get a spontaneous urge to travel. Regardless of the reason, last minute trips can be a lot of fun! If you’re in the process of planning a last minute trip and not sure where to start, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. In this blog post, I’ll dish all the details on how to plan a last minute trip on a budget and how to secure affordable travel plans without skimping on accommodation quality. So whether you’re looking for domestic or international travel, read on for some helpful tips!
How to Plan a Last Minute Trip on a Budget
Tip #1: Cut The Cost On Airfare
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t enjoy leaving things to the last minute. But when it comes to travel, sometimes last-minute plans are the only thing that will work.
Use Flight Comparison App
Luckily, there are now a number of apps that can help you find last-minute flights at a reasonable price. Airfarewatchdog, The Flight Deal, and Fareness are all great options for comparing prices and finding deals. Simply input your destination and travel dates, then let the apps do the heavy-lifting for you–saving you time and money.
Keep Your Travel Days Flexible (If Possible)
Keeping your travel days open may pose a little bit of a challenge, especially with impromptu travels. However, it is worth doing if you can help it. You see, airfare varies greatly on the day of the week you decide to purchase–with Sunday and Tuesday having the most heavily discounted flight deals with most major airlines. With this knowledge, purchase your tickets on either of these days (if you can help it) and take the next flight out that makes sense for your schedule!
Use Your Travel Miles
Another way to save on last-minute travel is to use your travel miles if you have any. Most credit cards offer some kind of travel rewards program, so if you’ve been racking up the points, now is the time to use them. With a little planning and some help from technology, last-minute travel doesn’t have to be as expensive or stressful as it once was.
Tip #2: Hit The Road To Cut Cost
Traveling by road can be a great option if you’re looking to save some money on your travel plans. In some cases, it can be more affordable than taking a flight, especially if your destination is within driving distance. Road trips can also be a lot of fun, and they give you the opportunity to see more of the country (or world) as you make your way to your destination. Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning a road trip, like the cost of gas and tolls. But with a little research, you can find an affordable option that works for you.
Tip #3: Compare Last Minute Accommodations
If you’re the type of person who likes to plan every detail of your trip well in advance, more power to you. But for those of us who prefer a more spontaneous approach, sometimes our favorite spots are all booked up, yet there’s no need to break the bank just because you didn’t plan ahead.
Use An App To Compare Rates
These days, there are a number of apps that can help you find great deals on hotel accommodations at the last minute. One:Night, HotelTonight, and Secret Escapes are all great options that can help you score a steal on your lodging.
Consider Using AirBNB
If you’re looking to step outside the box, Airbnb is also a great option for finding unique places to stay at discounted rates. So next time you find yourself with a spontaneous trip on the horizon, don’t stress about finding a place to stay. Just whip out your phone and download one of these helpful apps.
Tip #4: Give Yourself Enough Time To Prepare
When it comes to last-minute travel, I know some circumstances are more forgiving than others. If you have the opportunity to plan ahead–even if that is only a week in advance–giving yourself as much time to prepare and compare pricing can really make a world of difference when it comes to cutting costs. Not only do you give yourself more opportunities to plan out your accommodations, but you also approach your planning from a place of peace without all the added stress that comes with rushing.
Tip #5: Follow Your Favorite Airlines
The thing about impromptu travel plans is they always pop up unexpectedly. One way to stay a step ahead of the game is to sign up for travel newsletters and follow your favorite airlines and hotels on social media. By doing this, you will be among the first to hear about flight sales and special deals. So if you ever find yourself in the need of last minute travel plans, you’ll have all the up to date information you need at your fingertips to make the best travel decisions possible.
Tip #6: Don’t Forget To Bundle
One of the best ways to save on last minute travel is to take advantage of bundle deals. Sites like Expedia and Priceline often offer discounts when you book your airfare, hotel, and car rental all at once. And while you may not have planned on renting a car or staying at a particular hotel, the savings can be significant. And with the extra money you save, you can always opt to add in some custom itinerary plans that are non-negotiable for your trip.
Last minute trips can be a lot of fun, but they can also be a little stressful if you’re not sure what to do. Hopefully, this blog post has given you some helpful tips on how to plan a last minute trip without spending too much money or sacrificing quality accommodation. What’s the best last minute trip you’ve been on? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
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