The last-minute travel landscape
As summer begins its slow fade into fall, many travelers decide it's time to book a last-minute trip before winter comes. Yet while many last-minute travelers think booking travel on the fly is a better way to save money, that's no longer the case anymore — at least, not for every type of travel. Travel advisers recommend that last-minute travelers looking for deals focus on cruises and all-inclusive resorts, where promotions may still be available to fill unsold cabins or rooms.
'Booking backward'
Travelers looking for a last-minute trip will have to plan their trips differently and use different methods than those who book a year or so out. One adviser explained it as 'booking backward.'
'We are planning backward,' explains Angela Hughes, CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel. 'Instead of choosing a destination first and trying to force everything into place, we look at where the best cruise, airfare and hotel availability exists and build the trip from there.'
Hughes emphasizes that flexibility is key. 'Flexibility is everything with last-minute travel. If you are open to different dates, airports, itineraries and cabin categories, there are still some terrific opportunities. You also have to be ready to make a decision because the option available today may be gone tomorrow.'
Some tips include pricing out airfare, a major cost factor, at the start of your planning process; understanding that your desired destination or itinerary might not be available or affordable last-minute; and being open to choosing something that is.
Where to find deals
Jennifer Kellum, president and destination specialist at Neverland & Main Travel, points to deals in the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe, including several G Adventures departures under $1,000. Jamie Rumph, owner and travel adviser of Love the Magic Vacations, suggests small group tours for last-minute Europe trips, which can offer a structured yet flexible way to see the continent.
For those considering an all-inclusive resort or a cruise, advisers note that last-minute promotions might fill room categories or cabin categories that you wouldn't prefer. But if you're alright with a higher hotel category or a lower cruise cabin category, you'll be able to find some deals.
Practical considerations
Donna DeGiacomo, travel adviser at Upon A Star Travel & Concierge, recommends checking flight options to and from the destination before committing to a vacation, as airfare can be a deciding factor in whether a last-minute trip is affordable.
Samantha Shawhan, owner and travel adviser of Travel with Samantha S, advises booking early for last-minute international travel, acknowledging that some flexibility may be lost the longer you wait.
Airfare is over 20% more expensive this year due to high jet fuel prices, a significant challenge for last-minute travelers who may not have budgeted for higher-than-expected flight costs. Additionally, many last-minute bookings require immediate payment at the time of booking, so travelers should be prepared to pay in full upfront.
Final advice
When working with a travel adviser, the best piece of information to know is to not waste their time by waiting too long on a deal: lock it down immediately. Advisers stress that with the right approach — staying flexible, considering alternate destinations, and being ready to commit — last-minute travel can still yield rewarding experiences without breaking the bank.