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Best Websites to Book a Last Minute Vacation

Megan Johnson

Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.

Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She has started to go out of her comfort zone while traveling- most recently exploring caves and boogie boarding on a FlowRider.

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Sometimes you just need to getaway. If your wanderlust gets the best of you and the traveler inside is itching to hit the road, there are plenty of websites and apps out there to help—fast. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a full-blown vacation, these sites can help you find great last minute travel deals.

Best Websites for Last Minute Flights

Finding flights can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be! There are loads of ways to find cheap flights from your favorite airline, even if you are going away in the near future.

1. Google Flights

One fun way to find last minute flights is to plug your departure city and travel dates into Google Flights , leaving your destination blank. The resulting map shows you the lowest available prices to cities all over the world, letting you find deals in places you might not have ever thought to go.

Kayak’s Explore feature is a similar tool. You can enter exact travel dates or a certain month, then see which fares are available from your home gateway. 

3. Secret Flying

You can get alerts when fares go down when you sign up at Secret Flying , or, use their search tool to find great last minute deals on flights. Simply input your departure city, keep the arrival as “anywhere” and put the current month as the time you are looking to fly. Perfect for when you just want to get away, but you don’t care where to. Secret Flying also finds “mistake” fares, so be sure to sign up to get notifications so you can book them before they are gone! 

The 12 Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare

Where to Find Last Minute Hotel Deals

You’d think that every hotel would have cheap rooms last minute, but that isn’t always the case. These sites will help you find a room that won’t break the bank with a spur of the moment trip! 

1. Hotel Tonight

A perennial favorite app among SmarterTravel editors, HotelTonight has been finding travelers’ deep hotel discounts since 2010. The app allows travelers to book same-day accommodations across the globe at discounts of up to 50 percent. If you don’t want to leave things until the literal last minute, though, the app also lets you book dates a little further out. The well-designed booking engine serves up clever recommendations and insider info—plus those remarkable markdowns. Keep an eye out for the Daily Drop, the biggest discount of the day (which you only have 15 minutes to book).

The site is known for discounted restaurant meals, fitness classes, and beauty services also has a last minute deals section that typically includes discounted hotel and resort stays. On the day I checked, options ranged from a $69 hotel near Niagara Falls to a four-star Times Square hotel for $77 a night.

3. Trip.com

Trip.com is your basic hotel booking site, and is great for finding a last minute deal. While they feature hotels all around the world, it’s particularly great for deals on hotels in Asia, so when you grab an amazing last minute flight to somewhere in Asia, head to trip.com to book your hotel! 

4. Last Minute Travel

As its name suggests, Last Minute Travel is dedicated solely to last minute travel deals. This wide-ranging site offers bargains on hotels, car rentals, cruises, transfers, and activities. Their hotel deals are amazing.  In a sample search, I found top-rated hotels in Paris from just $54 per night for a trip about two weeks out. The site has a Last Minute Travel Club for deeper discounts and rewards points to use toward free hotel stays. Membership is $50 per year.

The 15 Best Hotel Booking Sites

Amazing Last Minute Vacation Packages

Sometimes, booking a vacation package is the cheapest way to go for last minute travel. These sites are the best for one-stop shopping.

1. Airfarewatchdog

SmarterTravel’s sister site Airfarewatchdog has a nifty Weekender tool that lets you find a flight/hotel vacation package for upcoming weekends, just click the link and let the site do the rest of the work. 

2. CheapCaribbean.com

If you have a specific destination in mind, your best bet is often to focus on a website that deals with one region specifically. CheapCaribbean.com has last minute deals , many of them short-lived flash sales. Though you can’t hem and haw about whether or not to go, you’ll often have plenty of time to plan. For example, a four-night air/hotel package to the Dominican Republic might start at $509 per person for travel four to six months from now—but it must be booked in the next four days.

3. FunJet Vacations 

Book your flight and hotel together at FunJet Vacations . If you have a place in mind, enter the dates you want to go and the destination, and it will give you the best flight and hotel deals available. Their sales are great if you are open to where you want to go, and often have dates for travel within the month. 

The 14 Best Vacation Rental Sites for Travelers

Affordable Last Minute All-Inclusive Deals

A vacation where everything is paid for in advance may seem a luxury to some people, but it is actually quite affordable. These sites will help you find the best all-inclusive deals, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the sun! 

1. Sandals Resorts

Sandals resorts has great deals for last minute travel. You often can get one night free, and when you start the booking process, have the option of booking your flight as well. You may even find availability for travel within the week. 

2. Club Med

When it comes to all-inclusive, Club Med usually comes to mind. Like Sandals, they often have fantastic last minute deals for when you are looking to book without much time to plan. Club Med has locations all over the world, including Mexico, Canada and all over the Caribbean – perfect for a cheap getaway.

3. Travelzoo

This venerable travel site offers last minute deals on just about everything, but their all-inclusive search is one of the best as far as the bigger sites go. When I searched, I found a package for an all-inclusive stay in Cabo, including airfare, for $739, for travel next week. 

Ditch the Hotel: 10 Cheaper Ways to Save

How to Find Great Deals on Last Minute Tours

If you prefer having an itinerary made for you, and, let’s face it, if you are taking a last minute trip, it might be nice to not have to plan the entire trip, there are some great sites to book a last minute tour on. 

1. TourRadar

Book a tour of your destination as well as accommodations through TourRadar . There are several ways to search, including destination, adventure styles (food & culinary, active adventure, health & wellness, etc.), and date. Search for tours for travel in the next two weeks, or multiple months in advance. 

2. G Adventures

From Iceland to Turkey, G Adventures has tours to inspire and excite. They have available dates for travel throughout the year, but most are available to book for tours within a week or two. They have themed tours like the Northern Lights in Iceland, and Hiking the Azores—whatever, wherever you want to go. I found a four-day hiking tour of the Inca Trail in Peru for $881 departing within the week.

3. Contiki 

Contiki has a wide variety of tours to choose from, and the site has a handy last minute trips option to find a tour when you need one. When I searched, there was an Egypt and the Nile tour for $1,772, starting in just four days from when I searched! Most tours include accommodation, meals, transportation, admission to sites, and tour guides. 

The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies

Popular Getaway Deal Destinations

You may think it is hard to find deals to some of the top destinations, but as we have been mentioning, there are several options out there, no matter where you are going. Here are some sites that will help you plan your next getaway to some of the top spots.

Europe Deals

Lastminute.com .

Netherlands-based LastMinute.com also covers a range of last minute trip options, including flights, hotels, Eurostar train tickets, vacation packages, car rentals, theater tickets, and experiences. A Paris search turned up several highly-rated hotel options at $75-$85 per night at press time. This site also allows you to filter by hotels that offer free cancellation, a great perk if your travel plans change last minute. LastMinute.com also has “top-secret hotels” available for opaque booking, though in my Paris search they were actually a bit more expensive than the named hotels in my results.

Caribbean Vacations

While we love Sandals, we also love their sister company, Beaches . Beaches features two resorts in Jamaica and one in Turks and Caicos. Their last minute travel deals are similar to Sandals, where you can get one free night, and are able to book with just a couple of days in advance. 

Trips to New York

Chances are, if you are heading to NYC, you are going to want to see a Broadway show. Your best option for great last minute seats is TKTS . Download the app for your phone to see that days discounted tickets, and you can decide whether it is worth making the trek to the booth. Beats running out early in the morning to wait in line, and you are sure to get some deeply discounted tickets. 

The Hotel Room Workout Anyone Can Do

Best Last Minute Travel Apps for Your Phone

Most people tend to do everything on their phones, from booking restaurants, reading the news, and of course, booking travel. These apps are our favorites for booking last minute travel.

Elude is more than an app, it is an experience for the well-seasoned traveler. Not only does it let you search trips from your departure city to anywhere in the world, it gets to know you so you’ll find out about the best deals catered to your interests. Keep tabs on your trips, where you’ve been and what you’ve done. Their search feature allows you to put what your budget is, and what dates you want to travel, then showing you details for trips that fall under your criteria. When I searched, I found a trip to Prague leaving from New York City in two weeks for $1374 including airfare and hotel. 

With Snaptravel , you can search for hotels conveniently on your phone. Once you sign up, you will receive exclusive deals over your message service of choice (SMS, Facebook Messenger, iMessage etc..). You can also do a simple search with the days you want to go, and where you want to go. You can filter by price, hotel stars, amenities and more. The perfect app for booking that last minute hotel anywhere in the world. 

Heading to the Airport? Use This Preflight Checklist

These days, vacation rentals are all the rage, and finding a last minute travel deal for accommodations can be tricky if you don’t want to break the bank. That’s where apps like VRBO come in. You can search rooms, apartments and houses available to rent wherever you are going. Often, owners who have had a cancellation or just want the place booked will discount the price last minute as to not totally lose out on making any money. You might just find a unique stay, like a treehouse or secluded cabin. 

Travelocity

Everything is better with time, and Travelocity is not excluded. Founded in 1996, they have adapted to the ever-changing tech world, and their app shows they are good at what they do. Search for hotels, vacation packages, flights—you name it—and all of your bookings will stay on the app for easy access. Looking for the perfect trip to Las Vegas last minute? Travelocity has your back.  When I searched for a trip to Vegas in two weeks, I found hotel and airfare for under $1,000 for a five night stay. 

Editor’s Note: All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated with the latest information. Genevieve S. Brown and Dara Continenza contributed to this story.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The Best Last-Minute Summer Travel Deals to Book Now

Flights to hawai‘i from $119. alaska cruises for $299. these flight, cruise, and hotel offers could still salvage your 2023 travel plans..

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You can still score an amazing flight deal to the island of O‘ahu.

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With its long, sunny days, and kids out of school, summer is typically a busy season for travel. But jam-packed planes and sky-high airfares mean that many Americans aren’t able to plan for as much travel as they’d like this year.

Luckily, numerous travel companies, including airlines, cruises , and hotels, have recently launched promotions that could help customers realize their travel dreams this summer and fall. Here are the best travel deals we’ve spotted to hopefully inspire those future getaways.

Air New Zealand’s flight deal could bring you to some of Australia’s most iconic destinations, like the Sydney Opera House.

Flights to Australia starting at $1,195 round-trip

Air New Zealand is making it easier to get down under this summer. From now through August 6, the airline is running a sale on flights from North America (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, and Vancouver) to Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Perth, Hobart, and Cairns) for as little as $1,195.

35 percent off two of London’s top hotels

Preferred Hotels & Resorts is currently offering a Last Minute Escapes promotion, offering deals at two of London’s top-notch hotels: The Guardsman and Middle Eight . From now through July 31, travelers can score 35 percent off rooms by using the promo code: MKTFLASH.

40 percent off and fifth night free at select World of Hyatt hotels

World of Hyatt is offering hot summer discounts across its portfolio of luxury all-inclusive resorts globally. One of the most impressive deals is arguably at Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, which is offering 40 percent off all stays and the fifth night free for bookings made before July 31.

Save up to $500 on an EF Go Ahead Tours trip

Small group tour company EF Go Ahead Tours is running a Off-peak Escape Flash Sale through July 24, with discounts of up to $500 off on many of its trips. There are also ongoing last-minute specials, where travelers can save up to $600 on trips departing in the next few months.

Norse Atlantic’s flight deal could take you to London for just $99 one-way.

Norse Atlantic Airways flights for as little as $99

Heading to Europe this summer? Low-cost carrier Norse Atlantic Airways is offering deals on flights from certain U.S. cities (New York, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Orlando, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Miami) to European destinations (Oslo, London, Berlin, Paris, and Rome) for as little as $99 one-way in economy light. The deal is currently live and will go through Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 12:00 a.m. EDT.

Free upgrades at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts

Marriott Bonvoy, one of the largest hotel chains in the world, is offering complimentary upgrades or discounts on suites for summer bookings made by July 31 for stays through September 4, 2023. To access the upgrade, use the promotional code HDK.

40 percent off Celebrity Cruises

If you’re dreaming of a trip to the Mediterranean, Alaska, or the Bahamas, Celebrity Cruises’ deal could make it a reality. Currently, the cruise company is offering 40 percent each guest and up to $200 in onboard credit for every sailing (excluding the Galapagos) for travel between now and April 30, 2025. The deal is available through July 23.

Stay in a Kimpton for up to 30 percent off

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ Long Weekend Away Sale is live through September 4. Available at all participating Kimpton hotels globally, guests can save between 15 and 25 percent on stays when they book three nights or more.

Uniworld is now offering discounted river cruises around the world.

Courtesy of Uniworld

Save on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Travelers who book an all-inclusive, luxury river cruise with Uniworld can score up to $3,000 in savings. Some standout itineraries include:

• Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration
• Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong
• Castles Along the Rhine
• Belgian Holiday Markets , a brand-new holiday itinerary for 2023

Flights from the mainland with Hawaiian Airlines from $119

Whether you’re traveling from the mainland or Hawai‘i, airfare will be cheap—provided you book soon. Hawaiian Airlines is running a deal on one-way fares , with prices as low as $119 each way from Hawai‘i’s major airports to cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. To and from New York City, fares start at $270.

Save 15 percent on certain Trafalgar trips

Trafalgar, a guided tour company, is offering a deal for last-minute adventurers: up to 15 percent off trips that are less than four months away. Some exciting itineraries in the mix include:

• Colors of Sicily
• Wonders of Australia and New Zealand
• Scenic Parks Explorer

Vail Resorts hotels at up to 20 percent off

OK, so Vail Resorts’ current deal isn’t exactly for a summer getaway, but you do need to book in the summer to take advantage of it. Vail Resorts is currently offering its Book Winter Early lodging sale, where travelers can save 15 percent on lodging across Vail Resorts’ portfolio (those who are Epic Pass Holders can receive 20 percent off). The sale ends on July 31.

This article was originally written in May 2023 and has since been updated with new information.

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The 25 Best Websites and Apps to Find Last-Minute Travel Deals [2024]

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Table of Contents

Best for last-minute vacation deals, best for last-minute flight deals, best for last-minute accommodation deals, best for last-minute cruise deals, best for last-minute tour deals, final thoughts.

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With so many travel websites out there, it’s tough to know which ones are worth considering when searching for that last-minute travel deal. If you’re looking for a beach vacation , some websites bundle flights, accommodations, and a rental car or transfer into a package deal that can be cheaper than booking the components individually .

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute cruise that includes bonus onboard credit or a late availability small group tour with 20% off the standard price, you’ll be sure to bag yourself a great deal using these recommended websites and apps.

Customers can book just about anything on the Expedia platform and mobile app, including vacation packages, flights , hotels , car hire , cruises , and excursions.

Sign up to the One Key rewards program to earn 1 OneKeyCash per dollar spent on hotels, flights, car rentals, and more. OneKeyCash can be redeemed for travel on Expedia as well as through Hotels.com and Vrbo.

Search for your vacation package by defining the destination, departure airport, and trip duration. You can filter your results using a variety of options such as guest rating, hotel amenities, and distance from downtown. Expedia displays Unreal Deals in the search results that are combined package savings equivalent to 1 night’s free accommodation .

Hot Tip:  Customers can book via the Expedia app to receive double reward points!

Pros and Cons of Expedia

• One Key Rewards Program
• Book your vacation package, rental car, and excursions all in 1 place
• Change and cancellation policies differ for individual hotels and airlines; check your small print before booking
• You might miss out on room upgrades by not booking directly

Hotel location is often one of the most important factors when booking a vacation, and Priceline has a great map   to see where the accommodation is located, as well as a pop-up telling you the hotel star rating, price, and customer rating for quick browsing.

If hotel inventory is low for a particular property, Priceline displays when there is 1 room remaining , to ensure you don’t miss out. You can stick with the lead-in package price if you’re happy with the room type and flight times, or you can customize your package with changes/additions (usually at a cost).

Priceline has Express Deals on hotels with up to 60% off for flexible travelers . These opaque deals don’t display the hotel brand until after you book, but you will know the star rating, guest rating, and the general area of the hotel.

Pros and Cons of Priceline

• Detailed map view for hotels
• Express Deals with up to 60% off accommodation
• No rewards program

Orbitz has several search options for vacation bundles, including combinations of flights , hotels , and car rental . From the main search box, you can specify whether you’re looking for direct flights or require accommodation for part of your trip.

Within your search results, you can filter by hotels that offer free cancellation, or by specific amenities such as a swimming pool or all-inclusive board. Register for Orbitz Rewards  and you’ll earn Orbucks to spend on hotel stays . 1 Orbuck can be redeemed for $1 and are earned on the following purchases:

• 1% on flights and packages
• 3% on hotels
• 5% on hotels booked via the Orbitz app

Pros and Cons of Orbitz

• Easy to book packages with or without car rental
• Orbitz Rewards Program
• Orbitz Rewards Program is not as generous as Expedia’s reward program for redemption value

Travelocity

Travelocity is another site where you can book everything together, or add-on elements, such as excursions, after you’ve booked. Travelocity searches over 400 airlines and 1 million properties worldwide to display the best deals for your vacation.

It’s quick and easy to register for a Travelocity account , and doing so will unlock an extra 10% off selected hotels . If you find a hotel, flight, cruise, or car rental at a lower price elsewhere, Travelocity will refund you the difference with its price match guarantee . This is up to 24 hours after you’ve booked for most travel components — for hotels, the price match is right up to the day before you’re due to arrive.

Pros and Cons of Travelocity

• Book everything in 1 place
• An extra 10% off hotels for Travelocity members
• Price match guarantee
• No loyalty program

Travelzoo is a travel aggregator that rounds-up the best deals from multiple websites and links you through to the appropriate website to book. As Travelzoo has a huge database, these deals have been negotiated specifically to promote to members and are time-limited.

Although you can search for deals departing on specific dates with Travelzoo, it pays to be flexible and let the deal dictate your dates. Head over to the Top 20 Deals page that changes weekly to reflect the very best offers tested and verified by the Travelzoo team.

Pros and Cons of Travelzoo

• Exclusive offers negotiated specifically for Travelzoo members
• Fully refundable deals available
• Limited-time offers and often only a set number available at the special deal price

Kayak is a metasearch engine, finding and returning flights that match your search criteria, without actually booking with Kayak. The best thing about Kayak is how many filters you can use to narrow your search , saving you time trawling through irrelevant results. Filter by direct flights only, carry-on or checked luggage, take-off or landing times, airline alliances, and much more.

Sign-up for Kayak Price Alerts to receive email notifications when prices change based on your search criteria.

Pros and Cons of Kayak

• Lots of filters to refine your search
• Booking direct with an airline so any frequent flyer points can be earned
• No loyalty program since bookings are not with Kayak

CheapOair is an online travel agent with bookings made directly with CheapOair. When searching for a flight, the results page tells you if a price is valid on a limited number of tickets to ensure you don’t miss out on that price.

The CheapOair rewards program gives members up to 20% off flights and up to 55% off hotels . For signing up, members receive 500 points and a further 500 points for their first booking. After you’ve booked once or spent $1,000, you’ll move to the Silver tier, where members earn 1 point per $1 spent. Gold and Platinum tiers provide higher point earnings. 1 point = 0.5 cents, so 200 points would be required to redeem $1 in travel credit.

Pros and Cons of CheapOair

• Rewards program with member discounts and reward point earnings
• CheapOair credit card available with 7 points earned per $1 spent
• Charges a booking fee (although occasionally has money-off promo codes for the fee)

Hot Tip: Download the award-winning CheapOair app and receive 2 points per $1 spent when booking through the app. 

Secret Flying

Secret Flying is constantly on the lookout for pricing errors and super cheap flash sales , which it says saves its customers, on average, 90% on flights. If you’re flexible on dates and destinations, you’re in for a treat, but you can also bag a bargain on a set destination. Download the Secret Flying app and receive notifications with flight deals to your chosen city, country, or region.

Pros and Cons of Secret Flying

• Cheap airline error fares are often honored by the airlines
• Push notifications with flights matching your criteria
• Deals aren’t as helpful for travelers inflexible with destination or travel dates

Google Flights

Google Flights has a clean, simple interface and some handy tools to find cheap flight deals. If you’re flexible on destination and are just interested in the best deal, you can input your departure airport and use the map view to view prices around the world .

If you know your destination but are flexible on the date you travel, take a look at Google’s price graph that displays the cheapest and most expensive days to fly .

Pros and Cons of Google Flights

• Bookings are directed to the airline, so you can earn loyalty program points
• Price graphs to identify the cheapest travel dates
• Doesn’t always display the cheapest flights that might be available with a small online travel agent
• Occasionally displays a price that no longer exists

Hot Tip:  Check out our dedicated guide on how to use Google Flights to find cheap flight deals. 

AirfareWatchdog

AirfareWatchdog employs real people to scour thousands of sites for the best flight deals, including error fares . If you’re looking to jet off last minute, or are flexible with your date of travel , that’s when you can really bag a deal with AirfareWatchdog. Prices are also tracked over time, so you can be confident when AirfareWatchdog flags a great deal as it knows the best time to book.

Sign-up for airfare alerts and you’ll receive updates to your email inbox when flight prices increase or decrease .

Pros and Cons of AirfareWatchdog

• Real people search and flag the best flight deals
• Price alerts that help you decide the best time to book
• Only compares flights and hotel prices, so you’ll need to search elsewhere for car rental and excursions

Booking.com

Booking.com is the go-to accommodation booking site for millions of travelers, providing a seamless search and booking experience. Travelers can browse hotels, apartments, and other unique properties all over the world, with many offering free cancellation.

When you complete 2 stays within 2 years, you’ll automatically receive Genius level 1 status to benefit from 10% off selected properties. Members that complete 5 stays within 2 years will receive level 2 status, with up to 15% off, free breakfast, and free room upgrades with selected properties.

Pros and Cons of Booking.com

• Automatic enrollment in the Genius loyalty program
• Free cancellation is offered on many properties
• You won’t earn hotel loyalty points because you are not booking directly with the hotel

Last Minute Travel

Last Minute Travel lives up to its name by providing excellent deals on last-minute hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises , and more. Flexible travelers will love the Undercover Hotels feature, where super low offers keep the hotel’s identity a secret until the booking is completed. You’ll know the hotel’s general location, star rating, guest review score, and board basis to help make your decision.

Join the Last Minute Travel Club to benefit from exclusive member-only deals and to earn points towards free travel . Membership is $50 per year, and if you don’t save the cost of your membership through your exclusive deals, you’ll receive a voucher to cover the difference.

Pros and Cons of Last Minute Travel

• Undercover Hotels provide up to 65% off, revealing the hotel name after booking
• Filter hotel results by Tripadvisor review scores
• $50 membership fee for the Last Minute Travel Club
• No map to search for hotels in a particular area

Hopper is a clever little app that predicts hotel and flight prices up to a year in advance with 95% accuracy . You could save up to 40% on your hotel by booking with the app. Hopper will send you push notifications about recent searches and alert you to price rises and increases for particular properties.

The color-coded calendar displays what dates have the cheapest rates using green, amber, and red highlighting. Once you’ve searched for a destination, you can choose to “watch” specific hotels to receive push notifications with hidden deals  that can’t be found anywhere else online.

Pros and Cons of Hopper App

• Intelligent predictions on the best time to book
• Hidden deals that are not available anywhere else
• You can’t contact Hopper’s customer service team by telephone — this must be done through the app

Hundreds of thousands of hotels, apartments, and holiday rentals are available to book on Hotels.com in over 200 countries and territories. You can book via its website or app and sign up to receive emails with secret prices for email subscribers only .

You can filter your search by the usual star rating, guest review rating, price, etc., but also by proximity to key landmarks or by accommodation theme, such as luxury, historic, and romantic.

Hotels.com participated in the One Key rewards program, which allows you to earn and use points on travel booked through Hotels.com, Expedia, and Vrbo.

Pros and Cons of Hotels.com

• Secret prices for email subscribers
• One Key rewards program

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor might be your first port of call to check reviews for just about anything travel-related, but you can also search for hotel deals . When selecting your stay dates, Tripadvisor highlights the cheapest days in orange on the calendar, so you’ll know what days to avoid. Your search results can be filtered by your minimum and maximum budget, amenities, and distance from popular landmarks, in addition to many other options.

Alerts tell you if the price is a certain percentage lower than usual , so you’ll know whether you’re getting a good deal. As bookings are not made with Tripadvisor, your search results will tell you which website the deal is available with and displays comparison pricing against alternative websites.

Pros and Cons of Tripadvisor

• Color-coded calendar reflecting cheapest dates
• Alerts flagging if a specific price is cheaper than usual
• Prices displayed often don’t include taxes and fees

CruiseDirect.com

Keep an eye on last-minute offers with CruiseDirect.com , where a cancellation may mean you can get your hands on a prime stateroom at a fantastic price . Check back regularly as prices fluctuate depending on how long is left before a cruise departs . Bonus inclusions and offers are displayed with little icons indicating free onboard spending, discounted shore excursions, or low deposits.

There are no booking fees with CruiseDirect.com, and the company has a price match guarantee if you find the same offer elsewhere.

Pros and Cons of CruiseDirect.com

• No booking fees
• Offers are generally not exclusive, so you could book them with any other cruise provider

Cruise.com gives customers access to special pricing and extras that can’t be booked anywhere else . Visit the Last Minute Cruises page and filter by cruise duration to see available deals, including cashback offers, onboard credit, and free gratuities.

If you know what cruise line you want to travel with, you can head straight to the individual deals page for the company, or if you know where you want to go or where you want to depart from, Cruise.com also features destination and port-specific deals pages. You can also register with Cruise.com to receive exclusive rates and discounts .

Pros and Cons of Cruise.com

• Dedicated last-minute cruise page with special offers
• Register with Cruise.com to receive exclusive rates and discounts
• The website is very busy and cluttered.
• No price guarantee is offered

CruisesOnly

CruisesOnly prides itself on its industry-leading expertise, with all agents having been professionally certified by each of the cruise lines. So you can bag yourself a last-minute deal while speaking to a cruise expert that can tell you which cruise liner will best suit your needs.

CruisesOnly has a price match guarantee , where it will refund you 110% of the difference if you find the same offer on another website. After your second booking, you can join the CruisesOnly Loyalty Club to receive free onboard credit or an Amazon gift card.

Pros and Cons of CruisesOnly

• Price match guarantee refunding 110% of the difference
• Loyalty program rewarding repeat customers
• The site can be very busy, making it hard to narrow down to the cruise you really want to take

Cruisewatch

Cruisewatch is a metasearch site that monitors over 25,000 cruise deals and holds pricing data from the last 5 years to analyze when the best time is to book . Take a look at the Cruise Price Drops page to see how pricing has fluctuated over the last 90 days and to check predictions on when to expect the best price.

When you’ve found the perfect deal, you have several options for how to book. Either click Book Now and you’ll be directed to a partner website to complete your booking, fill out the online booking form to be contacted by Cruisewatch, or call a customer service agent to book immediately.

Pros and Cons of Cruisewatch

• Analyzes historical pricing data to predict the best time to book
• Price alerts to keep up to date with price changes
• Confusing booking process with multiple options

Costco Travel

Costco Travel is available to Costco members only, with membership costing $65 or $130 depending on whether you go for Gold Star or Executive level. Like Costco’s warehouse merchandise, only top quality cruises are promoted with Costco Travel, and Executive members benefit from an annual 2% reward with all travel purchases .

Some cruise offers include bonuses such as Costco Shop Cards or onboard credit .

Pros and Cons of Costco Travel

• Executive members benefit from a 2% annual reward on travel purchases
• Some offers include Costco Shop Cards or onboard credit
• Offers are only available to Costco members

Hot Tip:  To view more popular websites for booking cruises at the lowest price, check out our dedicated article .

Intrepid is a B Corp accredited tour company that considers its corporate social responsibility as much as its bottom line. It runs sustainable small group tours all over the world and caters to solo travelers with shared rooms to avoid single supplements .

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking to explore a new destination alongside your creature comforts, Intrepid has a tour to suit you. Itineraries and inclusions are clear on the tour page, and you can secure your place on the tour for 5 days until you’re ready to pay your deposit . Check out the Travel Deals page for discounted and last-minute offers.

Pros and Cons of Intrepid

• Shared room options for solo travelers to avoid single supplements
• Clear itineraries and inclusions with optional extras
• Some tours are combination trips, so your travel companions may change midway through a tour

Gate 1 Travel

Gate 1 Travel provides small and large group escorted tours to all 7 continents. Visit the Special Offers page to see flash sales, last-minute deals, and featured destinations with extra savings . It’s always fun sharing the experience with a friend, and existing Gate 1 Travel customers can refer a friend to both receive $50 off a future booking .

Tours come in a range of travel styles, including Value, Classic, Deluxe, and Express, so you can choose the tour that best suits your travel style.

Pros and Cons of Gate 1 Travel

• Dedicated page with flash sales and last-minute deals
• Refer a friend program
• Supplement applies for solo travelers

Trafalgar offers over 300 tours , ranging from sightseeing and safaris to family and solo travel. You could save up to 15% on last-minute trips or plan in advance for 10% off early bird bookings on selected trips . Tours are focused on seeing bucket list icons, connecting with locals, and staying in accommodation with local heritage.

Order a free brochure to start planning your trip or check out the great customer reviews .

Pros and Cons of Trafalgar

• Up to 15% off last-minute bookings
• Wide range of tours and a great customer review rating
• Optional tour extras, such as excursions, can be pricey

TourRadar is an online travel agent, so it’s a great place to compare prices between a variety of tour operators . Over 40,000 tours are featured online, including large providers such as Intrepid , Trafalgar , and G Adventures . Bookings are made directly with TourRadar, who have a 24/7 support team via phone, email, or online chat.

TourRadar offers last-minute deals, early bird offers , and a selection of tours that are buy 1 get 1 free . It doesn’t get much better than that!

Pros and Cons of TourRadar

• Last-minute deals and buy 1 get 1 free offers
• Bookings are not made directly with the tour operator, so you won’t benefit from any repeat customer deals

Contiki offers tours for travelers from 18 to 35 years old to 6 continents (just missing Antarctica to get the full house). Contiki strives to provide sustainable travel , protecting the local communities and wildlife that form part of its tours.

Discounted tours are featured on its deals page, and customers can be book confidently with the knowledge that they can change their booking up to 30 days before the departure and move their flexible deposit to another tour or date .

Pros and Cons of Contiki

• Free changes up until 30 days before your tour and a flexible deposit
• Great for solo travelers with room sharing
• Free onboard Wi-Fi is limited

The key to bagging yourself a fantastic last-minute deal is flexibility. If you know the destination you want to travel to and the exact date you want to depart, chances are your choice will be limited. Opaque hotel deals can save you money on your accommodation if you can handle not knowing the hotel brand until after you’ve booked.

Many online travel agents have loyalty programs, so in addition to your great last-minute offer, you can collect points towards free future travel.

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11 of the best last-minute summer getaways

As the steaminess of summer sets in — and with it, long, sunny days followed by warm, starry nights — who doesn't dream of taking off and getting away? We know that there is no one-size-fits-all trip when it comes to summer vacation, though, and everyone needs a little inspiration sometimes. After all, some travelers are searching for ocean breezes and ample pool time, while others might look for destinations with an excellent food scene or a buzzy, cosmopolitan nightlife.

Thankfully, if you're itching for a last-minute summer getaway, it actually isn't too late to plan one. Many of the most sought-after 2024 destinations still have availability within hotels and vacation rentals, and other less-popular spots that fly under the summer travel radar still provide the most important thing about any good escape: a chance to play more than work.

We've rounded up 11 ideas for embracing the season of simple pleasures — even if the planning is a little last-minute.

A seaside city escape: Seattle

Located on Puget Sound, the United States' second largest estuary, visitors to Seattle are never far from nature. The Sound's calm waters offer idyllic paddleboarding conditions with views of the Space Needle, distant mountains and nearby evergreen forests. In the summertime, which is the peak of whale-watching season, tours depart from different locations around the city and can include sightings of orcas, humpback whales and other marine life.

According to Kayak, Seattle is also the number-one searched-for domestic destination for summer. When temperatures are typically quite comfortable, summers here can include museum visits combining art and nature at Olympic Sculpture Park and Chihuly Garden and Glass, as well as plenty of fresh seafood, strong coffee and French pastries at Pike Place Market.

Lotte Hotel Seattle, an elegant hotel with Philippe Starck-designed interiors and Puget Sound views, is offering summer packages, including 30% off luxury suites. A luxurious way to begin or end a boat excursion from Seattle, the Seattle Seaside Escape package features a $100 dining credit and a $50 transportation credit for travel to or from the cruise terminal, paired with a guest room upgrade upon availability. If you're interested in learning more about the art of glassblowing, guests of Lotte Hotel Seattle get a discount at Seattle Glassblowing Studio.

Rates for the Seattle Seaside Escape package start at $305 per night. Guests can receive 25% off classes at Seattle Glassblowing with code lotte25.

Related: A classic getaway: My first trip to Seattle for a long-awaited friend reunion

A warm-weather getaway with a purpose: Honolulu

Travelers looking for balmy weather, palm trees and ocean views will find a reliable destination in Honolulu. The summertime waters are calmer than in winter, outdoor temperatures hover in the mid-80s and if there are rain showers, they typically don't last long. In July and August, visitors can enjoy early morning hikes up Diamond Head, visit the evening farmer's market on Wednesdays and explore museums like Doris Duke's Shangri La estate and the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is framed by Diamond Head and the renowned Queen's Beach surf break. The hotel's two towers represent her homes, Kealohilani ("the brightness of heaven") and Paoakalani ("heavenly fragrance"). The hotel honors her legacy by offering authentic Hawaiian experiences with artifacts displayed throughout and a new Heritage Center with activities such as hula, Hawaiian language lessons and lauhala weaving and ribbon lei making. The resort's Malama Hawaii Package offers even deeper immersion. Guests are shuttled to the private nature reserve Kualoa Ranch to thatch traditional Hawaiian hale (houses) and assist with maintaining the traditional Hawaiian medicinal plant garden. Guests' efforts are rewarded with a trip to a secret island for lunch and water sports.

Back at the hotel, the Queensbreak rooftop deck is one of Honolulu's largest outdoor experiential spaces. It features a family-friendly pool, cabanas and a quieter pool for adults.

Rates for the Malama Hawaii Package start at $450 per night. Use promotional code CUE to book or call reservations at 1-888-236-2427. Nonpackage rates for Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa start at $329 per night or 63,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points per stay, based on availability.

Related: The 12 best Marriott beach hotels in the United States

Mexico without the crowds: Riviera Maya

Even though it's hot in summer, travelers to Mexico's Riviera Maya are never far from pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and picturesque pools. On the edge of Mexico's peak season, summer allows more freedom and ease when spring's crowds have largely gone. Just under an hour from Cancun International Airport (CUN), to which many U.S. airports offer direct flights, Riviera Maya also enjoys natural beauty, cultural riches and top-notch gastronomy.

Situated on a 620-acre nature reserve with two miles of white-sand beaches, the Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai is a laidback luxury stay for nature lovers. The lush grounds have rainforest plants, tropical fruit trees and an array of wildlife, including iguanas, spider monkeys and white-nose coatis. The Riviera Maya is also known for clear night skies and abundant stargazing opportunities, and the resort is an ideal home base for these activities. The property's lagoonlike pool, beach club and private pier with lounge-style cabanas always offer ways to stay cool. A cenote-inspired spa with hydrotherapy pools, a private outdoor pool and a Turkish hammam also has a subterranean lounge beneath a bamboo dome used for yoga. Two of Mexico's best chefs, Francisco "Paco" Ruano and Tomás Bermúdez, collaborated on the resort's five restaurants and bars.

The resort's summer packages include Extend the Bliss, which includes a 20% discount with a three-night stay and $100 daily resort credit, and Bed and Breakfast, with breakfast for two at Kitchen included daily.

Rates for the Extend the Bliss package start at $729 per night.

The city lovers summer trip: London

With many splashy new hotel openings , fun events and direct flights from U.S. hubs, London is a trendy destination this summer. While summers can be busy, the weather is typically reliable and it's possible to enjoy all the city's beautiful parks and open spaces without the threat of too much rain. There's much to do in July and August, from theater festivals to outdoor concerts to sporting events.

The first hotel property in the U.K. for Accor-owned Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Raffles London at the OWO opened in September 2023. OWO stands for Old War Office, and the hotel is located in a grand historic building in Whitehall where Churchill made some of his most consequential decisions. State offices are now ornate suites balancing Edwardian elegance and British style. Eight Corner Suites are named after influential women leaders and spies connected with the OWO's history. The building's heritage features have been painstakingly preserved, like the Grand Staircase that wraps around a glittering chandelier, the mosaic-tiled floors and oak-paneled walls.

The renovated OWO, a project that took over eight years, also has residences, a Guerlain Spa and three restaurants from chef Mauro Colagreco.

Rates at Raffles London at the OWO start at $1,179 per night.

Caribbean in the offseason: Barbados

There are many reasons to visit Barbados in summer when the waters are at their warmest. The annual Crop Over Festival, a celebration of Barbadian history and culture, takes place in July and August. Summer is prime sea turtle hatching time. Barbados is the birthplace of rum, and August is National Rum Month, when bartenders at hotels, restaurants and resorts roll out special concoctions to celebrate. During the summer offseason, visitors can take advantage of less congested beaches and attractions — and the lowest hotel rates all year.

Hilton Barbados Resort on Needham's Point, a tropical peninsula surrounded by the island's two white-sand beaches and turquoise water, is offering an Escape and Explore package for stays from July 10 to Dec. 31 that includes 20% off room rates and a $50 daily resort credit for Hilton Honors members with a three-night minimum. On the grounds of the resort, where every guest room has a balcony and ocean views, history lovers can explore the 17th-century colonial Charles Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where George Washington once dined, and the historic Needham's Point Lighthouse.

The Hilton's beach is the Caribbean's most densely populated hawksbill turtle nesting beach. Toast to a busy day of snorkeling and scuba diving (the resort has an on-property scuba diving facility) with a drink at Water's Edge Beach Bar. It's offering $6 pina coladas all summer.

Hilton Barbados Resort from $251, but Hilton Honors members can save over 17% on the lowest rates for a starting rate of $208 a night.

For festivals and culture: Santa Fe

A crossroads for culture, Santa Fe, New Mexico, comes alive each summer with three major markets: The International Folk Art Market features artists from 52 countries and everything from hand-woven Moroccan rugs to Colombian ceramics, and the Traditional Spanish Market in late July celebrates New Mexico's Hispanic culture and features handmade traditional art from hundreds of local Hispanic artists. And then, in August, the century-old Santa Fe Indian Market brings together more than 1,000 native artists to share Native-made jewelry, pottery, paintings, sculpture and photography on Santa Fe's central plaza. These markets are the best way for visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of Santa Fe and its artistic, musical and cultural confluence.

On 57 rolling acres in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, the recently renovated Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe is a luxurious getaway in the City Different. New coral-, rust- and copper-hued guest rooms pay homage to the high desert landscape. The resort has an in-house adventure center where expert guides can arrange hiking, mountain biking and equine experiences; a full-service spa on a vortex site; and a signature restaurant, Terra, serving inventive New Mexican cuisine like steak for two with asparagus and green chile mac and cheese.

Summer packages include the Stay Longer — Fourth Night Free , which also includes 15% off on-site adventure packages. New for summer 2024, the Discover Santa Fe package offers two complimentary experiences, like in-casita s'mores nights and private family hikes.

Rates at Four Seasons Rancho Encantado Santa Fe start at $900 per night and $675 per night for Stay Longer — Fourth Night Free.

The budget-conscious food lovers trip: Bogota

With the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism working on a new Sustainable Tourism Policy initiative and a fabulous food scene, Colombia is poised for a major tourism comeback. From high-end restaurants to bustling food markets, Bogota's culinary scene features Spanish, African and Middle Eastern influences — and rates are very reasonable when it comes to lodging and food. The average cost of meals for a day in Bogota is roughly $20 to $30 per person. In New York City, it's about $45, for comparison. During summer, travelers can experience Colombian culture and tradition on Colombian Independence Day (July 20), when the capital hosts parades, music and dancing.

The W Bogota in the trendy Usaquen neighborhood has colonial architecture but dramatic interiors inspired by the legend of El Dorado, including a glitzy gold lobby. Maximalist styles like pops of gold and floral wall and ceiling coverings are found in guest rooms as well, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing stunning capital views. The W has several great restaurants, including a microbrewery and the Latin American restaurant Jairo, which celebrates Colombia's farming tradition.

Summer rates at W Bogota start at $160 per night.

An unexpected glamping getaway: Cape Cod

A destination families return to year after year, Cape Cod offers the ideal New England summer experience with its seafood shacks, lighthouses and ocean beaches. Guests looking to soak up the summer sun on the Cape can book the Beach Package at AutoCamp Cape Cod in Falmouth, Massachusetts. This package includes a bottle of Vacation sunscreen, two non-alcoholic Athletic Brewing beers, two beach chairs and one beach parking pass, a must for accessing the Cape's best beaches.

For a limited time, guests can book three nights and enjoy up to 50% off their third night at AutoCamp locations including Cape Cod, Joshua Tree, Catskills, Russian River, Yosemite and Zion. AutoCamps blend the glamping experience with a boutique hotel's service and design-forward thinking. An ideal getaway for the warmer months, the brand's locations offer immersive experiences and activities for guests, including yoga, rock climbing, stargazing and kayaking.

AutoCamp Cape Cod's summer starting rate is $357, and the Beach Package is an additional one-time fee of $30.

SoCal's glamorous side: San Diego

From dreamy sunsets to world-class surfing, there are many reasons travelers think of summer when they think of San Diego . While beaches should be explored for plenty of sun and splashing in warm waves, one of the best summertime attractions is actually the Del Mar racetrack , founded by Bing Crosby in 1937. The summer racing season draws thousands to witness and wager on elite Thoroughbred racing and enjoy Del Mar's tony coastal setting. The 2024 summer racing season kicks off July 20 and runs until Sept. 8, with racing Thursdays to Sundays.

Tucked into a lush canyon, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is a luxury resort with hacienda-style architecture, a celebrated tennis program and a relaxing spa. The resort will be hosting its After Pony Party on Saturday, July 20, from 6 to 10 p.m. In addition to a night in a luxurious suite with vaulted wooden ceilings and a fireplace, the resort's Perfecta Package gives guests insider access to the race-day action with a prerace visit to the paddocks with a behind-the-scenes stable tour, a private table in the Turf Club, an exclusive lounge where you can place bets and order food and drinks and a VIP trip to the Winner's Circle.

The starting rate for the Perfecta Package is $1,499.

For swimming and star gazing: Lake Powell, Arizona

While travelers may be wary of desert vacations in the summer, the summer season is the perfect time to visit the national parks in the American Southwest, where conditions are at their most ideal for swimming and exploring. Under Canvas camps are located near the country's most iconic national parks and monuments, from Yellowstone to Zion, and beautiful bodies of water such as Lake Powell in Arizona. The 186-mile-long reservoir has naturally formed rock pools, calm bays for exploring on a paddleboard and rock formations for cliff jumping.

At Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, 14 miles from Lake Powell's main marina, visitors can easily have an epic wild swimming and boating experience on the lake's calm waters. It's easy to rent boats and other gear at the marina.

Also the first-ever DarkSky-certified lodging property in the world, Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase visitors can experience unforgettable stargazing. The plateau location and low light pollution allow for the clearest views of meteor showers, planets and the Milky Way. Stargazer tents have viewing windows, so you never miss a fabulous nighttime view.

Rates at Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase start at $307 per night.

For arts and the outdoors: Asheville, North Carolina

In the Blue Ridge Mountains, summer in Asheville includes mountain breezes, shaded hikes, hidden swimming holes and whitewater adventures. There's whitewater rafting on the French Broad River just 30 minutes away. In town, summer is packed with outdoor art and music festivals (like the nearly 100-year-old Mountain Dance and Folk Festival Aug. 1-3), alfresco dining and rooftop bars for evening cocktails. The 19th-century Biltmore estate, with gardens, art exhibitions and a winery, always offers a fun way to escape summer heat and humidity.

In the lively River Arts District, The Radical, a hotel in a 1920s warehouse, is teaming up with local hiking experts at Blue Ridge Hiking Company for its new summer package offering the best of Asheville. The Rad Outdoors package includes private guided hiking excursions to Asheville's best peaks and picturesque valleys. The package also includes local kombucha, late checkout and a $25 food and beverage credit to be enjoyed at the hotel's eateries AfterGlow, Golden Hour or The Roof, one of the best places in the city for taking in peachy-toned sunsets.

Rad Outdoors package is a $99 add-on to any stay at The Radical, where nightly rates start at $186.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases

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Traveling within three days? Our Travel Advisors can make it happen! Call 1-800-309-4717 to book. *$579 price is based on travel from Chicago [ORD] to Bahia Principe Grand Tulum for 3 nights on September 28. Advertised prices available for bookings made electronically through your travel agent or on vacationexpress.com; small service fee of $10 applies when booking through Vacation Express Call Center. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. For full terms and conditions, hotel information and description of all services, please refer to vacationexpress.com or call for details. Some upgrades are subject to availability upon check-in. Packages above are limited and subject to change without prior notice and are based on travel on coach/economy air with Spirit Airlines, American Airlines or other U.S. certified carriers or Vacation Express public charter flights operated by Allegiant Air, Sunwing Airlines or VivaAerobus. Airfares are per person, reflect lowest available airfare at time of printing, are subject to change and are based upon availability of class of service. Baggage charges and allowances vary by carrier and can change frequently. Most major carriers are charging a fee for checked baggage. Some airlines, including Spirit Airlines, are charging a fee for all checked and carry-on baggage. Clients must check their respective airline for the most current baggage information. Some hotels in the Cancun, Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel areas of Mexico charge an environment fee of approximately $1.21 per room, per night. Fees are subject to change without notice and are payable at the hotel. Book by 9/6/24. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Registered Florida Seller of Travel no. St 38441. State of California Seller of Travel Certificate of Registration #2107538-40.

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14 Perfect Places for a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation

Danny Newman

September 3, 2024

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Did you know almost 40% of Americans skipped their travel plans this summer because they couldn’t afford to go away? If you’re in a similar boat, don’t give up hope just yet. Many places around the world offer surprisingly affordable getaways – even when it’s a last-minute booking.

Keep in mind that flight and hotel prices fluctuate constantly, so the best way to score a deal is usually to a) be flexible on your destination and b) check what’s available using price-comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights. Still, some countries are always cheaper than others.

The following 14 destinations offer affordable airfares, accommodation, and/or activities, making them an excellent choice for your impromptu escape. Let’s dive in.

Mexico can cost a pretty penny if you choose to stay in glitzy coastal resorts during peak season. But if you do it right, America’s neighbor to the south can also be incredibly budget-friendly.

Its proximity and popularity mean flights are relatively cheap, and you can eat for next to nothing if you stick to street food ($1 tacos anyone?). Exploring inland instead of the more popular coastal areas adds to the savings – especially if you wait until shoulder season.

2. Thailand

While flights to Thailand aren’t cheap, everything else about this stunning destination is. You’ll be amazed at how far your travel dollars stretch here. Everything from luxury hotels to fine dining costs a fraction of what it does elsewhere. Moreover, if you’re willing to stay in budget accommodation and eat from more street food stalls than restaurants, you can live well on around $30 to $50 a day.

Bali is a popular Indonesian island nicknamed the “Island of the Gods.” It offers a compelling mix of attractions, from ancient temples and iconic rice fields to incredible surf beaches and thriving nightlife. The price is right, too. If you can afford the airfare, everything else can be done on a budget – especially if you don’t have expensive tastes.

India is ideal for a budget escape. Similar to other developing nations, the strength of the US dollar relative to Indian rupees means you can live like royalty on a relative dime. This country is special for many reasons other than money, though. India is vast, stunning, geographically diverse, incredibly historic, and blessed with some of the friendliest locals on the planet.

5. Cambodia

Cambodia is a land of ancient temples, lush natural attractions, delicious food, and spectacular beaches. It has something for everyone, and you can experience the best of it for less than $50 a day. Highlights include the ineffable Temples of Angkor, the bustling capital, Phnom Penh, Kep National Park, and the Chong Kos Floating Village.

Laos is probably the least touristy country in Southeast Asia. That means fewer crowds and cheaper prices, even in peak season. It’s landlocked, so it’s not the place for a coastal getaway.

Yet with verdant jungles, idyllic waterfalls, gorgeous river valleys, dramatic karst mountains, epic cave systems, and striking terraced rice paddies, it still spoils you with its natural beauty. With countless temples and ancient ruins scattered across the country, Laos is also a spectacular place for a cultural experience.  

Vietnam is another captivating Southeast Asian country that’s unbelievably affordable once you’re there. Buddhist temples thrum with ancient rhythms, waves crash on golden beaches, rainforests buzz with life, locals fly homemade kites among rice paddies, and markets awash with color lure locals and tourists alike. Expect a memorable and rewarding trip that doesn’t break the bank.

8. Bulgaria

Desperate for a last-minute trip to Europe? Bulgaria offers fantastic value for money. Despite being one of the continent’s most affordable places, you’ll find a picture-perfect coast, incredible historic sites, fascinating cultural attractions, and unbelievable natural landmarks.

A few highlights include the ancient city of Plovdiv (said to be older than Rome and Athens), Rila National Park (don’t miss the iconic Rila Monastery), Trigrad Gorge, and the Belogradchik Fortress. 

9. Nicaragua

According to Nasdaq , the cost of living in Nicaragua is over three times lower than in the US – you can rent there for just $264 a month on average! It’s also much safer than people assume, less touristy than places like Costa Rica, and scenic beyond belief. Expect volcanoes around every corner and Pacific and Caribbean Coasts that stretch for hundreds of miles.

10. Albania

Albania is like a cheaper and less touristy version of Croatia. Nestled between Greece and Montenegro in the Balkans, it has more historic marvels and jaw-dropping landscapes than you can shake a stick at. From a pristine coastline (known as the Albanian Riviera) dotted with UNESCO sites to mountain ranges hiding idyllic swimming spots, this country will take your breath away.

However, Albania’s war-torn past impacted its development to such an extent it lacks the infrastructure you’d expect from a European country. The result? Incredible bang for your buck.

11. Sri Lanka

Having recovered from its long civil war and devastation caused by the tsunami in 2004, Sri Lanka has become a firm fixture on the travel scene – especially among people seeking affordable escapes. Bustling cities, glorious coastal resorts, ancient attractions (don’t miss Sigiriya Rock), breathtaking cultural landmarks, iconic tea plantations, and gorgeous national parks make the “Teardrop of India” a joy to explore.

12. Georgia

While Georgia is finally getting more of the attention it deserves from tourists, for now, it remains an underrated and budget-friendly destination. Straddling the border of Europe and Asia, you’ll find a distinctive blend of cultures. Its architecture, food, and customs have evolved over the centuries from several influences, including the Persian, Byzantine, Arab, and Russian Empires.

Georgia is known also for its epic landscapes (courtesy of the Caucasus Mountains) and historical sites – not to mention some of the world’s warmest and most welcoming locals.

Malta is a tiny, sun-kissed island in the Mediterranean with a fascinating (and turbulent) history. It has plenty of nightlife and luxury accommodation, so vacationing here can be expensive. However, it doesn’t have to be.

There are plenty of affordable rental properties, the public transport system is excellent, and some of the best things to do (e.g., relaxing on heavenly beaches, exploring its fortified cities, or hiking around its rugged coast) are totally free.

14. Las Vegas, US

Despite Sin City’s reputation for extravagance, it can be a surprisingly cheap place to travel. Not only is it easily accessible from most places in the US, but you can also find great last-minute deals on accommodation and many free activities. From walking down the Strip and hiking in Red Rock Canyon to visiting the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden, you can have fun and make memories without blowing your budget.

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