Life can be unpredictable, with the best experiences often being the ones that happen authentically. Last-minute trips allow you to discover hidden gems you might have overlooked if you had planned extensively weeks in advance. Read on to learn some options and tips for last-minute holidays!
Last-minute holiday options
Choose a cruise!
Cruises are a great option for last-minute holidays, as they include everything you want from a holiday in one place. Most of the planning is complete once you’ve booked your cruise and chosen your itinerary. Unlike other holidays where you might need to research restaurants, transportation and activities for each day, a cruise ship provides a clear structure.
Cruise lines typically offer pre-planned schedules that include nearly everything in your daily routine, from activities and entertainment to food and drink options. However, some are flexible, allowing for freedom without the hassle of pre-planning a holiday. This means you can take it day by day, depending on how you feel.
Because many cruise deals are all-inclusive, this can be a huge benefit for last-minute travellers, as it simplifies budgeting and removes the stress of unexpected costs.
There is a wide range of destinations and cruise ship atmospheres, whether you’re seeking a quick three-day relaxing trip or a longer, more active travel experience. Stay on the lookout, as the best last-minute cruise deals often appear close to departure dates because cruise lines often offer significant discounts to fill cabins.
Take a city break!
Many airlines offer deals on flights to popular cities at short notice. With some research, you can find a city to explore for a weekend or a few days.
Consider hostels for maximum flexibility and cost-effectiveness, as you can often book for the same day. Hostels may not be ideal for families, so companies like Airbnb are great for renting entire homes. This provides private space and allows you to cook some meals, saving money on dining out.
Grab your passports for all-inclusive resorts!
Like cruises, all-inclusive resorts can be an excellent choice for a hassle-free last-minute getaway. Everything is taken care of, allowing you to relax and unwind without any additional planning. All you need to do is decide where you want to go and what kind of atmosphere appeals to you.
Have flexible stays with road trips or outdoor holidays!
If you have access to a car, a road trip can be the ultimate spontaneous adventure. Pack a bag, choose a direction and see where the road takes you. You can always gather advice along the way to add activities and locations to your itinerary.
If you prefer a stricter organisation, you can pre-plan a route and research ‘best road trips in the UK’, selecting an area that is accessible to you and that you feel familiar with.
A last-minute camping or glamping trip could be ideal for adventure seekers or nature lovers. Campsites are particularly easy to book during off-peak seasons and if you bring your own tent, you can move as freely as you like.
Tips for your last-minute holiday
- To get great value for money, try to be open to different destinations, dates and types of accommodation.
- Subscribe to email newsletters from airlines, cruise lines and travel agencies. They often send alerts for flash sales and special offers on flights, cruises or all-inclusive packages.
- Use comparison websites to speed up your search process.
- Since you’ll be travelling on short notice, a light and versatile packing list will make packing easier.
- Similarly, ensure you have suitable bags ready for everyone travelling. If you’re flying, make sure these bags meet the measurements and weight restrictions of your ticket.
- Double-check that your passport is valid and that any necessary visas are in order, especially for international travel.
- Consider getting travel insurance and make sure you have enough medications for your trip.
Go for it!
Next time you feel the urge to escape, remember that a last-minute holiday can be incredibly rewarding and surprisingly easy. So, use these tips and get holidaying!
