-
Step 1
Use Discount Travel Sites – Websites that specialize in helping travelers find the cheapest flights and lodging can be a gold mine for last-minute travel. When hotels and airlines need to fill empty rooms and seats, they’ll often slash prices to get them sold.
-
Step 2
Be Flexible about Travel Dates – Airlines make the most money off travelers who have to travel on certain dates or during certain times. So if you have some flexibility, consider flying a few days before or after your target date and you could end up saving big.
-
Step 3
Fly Mid-Week – Travelers can save up to 25% on airfare by simply flying on a weekday versus the weekend. Another tip: late-night flights tend to be cheaper than those during the day.
-
Step 4
Consider Rentals – Depending on where you’re vacationing, consider booking a rental; much like hotels and airlines, they can also dramatically drop in price if they aren’t filled. Sometimes you can score really nice rentals with far more amenities (and space) than a standard hotel room for about the same price.
-
Step 5
Opt for Travel Packages – In some cases (especially when it comes to last-minute vacations) bundling on airfare and a hotel can actually be cheaper than the airfare would be alone. Make it a romantic getaway – many travel packages are based on double occupancy so you’ll need to travel with a companion.
