Travelling on a Budget: Utilise Deal Websites Last-Minute
In recent years, a growing trend has taken the travel world by storm: last-minute travel.
This exciting approach to vacationing caters to both the adventurous spirit and the budget-conscious traveller, offering the promise of spontaneity and significant savings.
As traditional travel planning gives way to impromptu getaways, more Last-Minute and more people are discovering the joys of seizing the moment and exploring new destinations on a whim.
Jason Higgs, the Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii, shares his top five tips for making the most of last-minute travel. These strategies not only enhance the thrill of spontaneous trips but also help travellers find incredible deals. Here’s how you can turn a spur-of-the-moment trip into a memorable and affordable adventure.
1. Utilise Deal Websites
Taking advantage of websites dedicated to travel deals, such as Going, Skyscanner, and LastMinute.com, can significantly cut costs.
These platforms aggregate deals, helping you find the best prices across various airlines, hotels, and package deals. For instance, using Going, you might find a round-trip ticket Last-Minutefrom New York to Paris for just $350, a significant drop from the average $600 fare.
By using these deal websites, you can save anywhere from 20% to 50% on your travel expenses, making spontaneous trips more affordable and accessible.
2. Follow the 24-Hour Flight Rule
Checking flight prices 24 hours before your planned departure can yield substantial savings.
Airlines often drop prices to fill empty seats at the last minute. For example, you could book a flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo for $400 by purchasing the ticket just 24 hours before departure, a steep discount from the usual $800 fare.
This method can save you up to 50% on airfare, especially on Last-Minute international flights, making it a valuable strategy for those looking to travel on a budget.
3. Book One-Way Flights
Instead of booking round-trip tickets, consider purchasing one-way flights from different airlines.
This approach allows you to mix and match airlines and take advantage of the best available rates for each leg of your journey. For instance, booking a one-way ticket from Chicago to Last-Minute London for $200 and another one-way ticket from Rome back to Chicago for $220 can save you over $200 compared to a round-trip ticket from a single airline.
Booking one-way flights can lead to savings of up to 30%, providing more flexibility and cost efficiency.
4. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
Flexibility is key when planning last-minute travel. Being open to flying a day earlier or later, or choosing a different destination, can lead to substantial savings.
A search on Skyscanner showed a flight from San Francisco to Bangkok costing $900 on a Friday but dropping to $650 if departing on the following Monday. This flexibility Last-Minute can save you up to 35% on airfare, and similar savings can apply to accommodation costs.
By being adaptable with your travel plans, you can find better deals and stretch your travel budget further.
5. Sign Up for Airline and Hotel Newsletters
Subscribing to newsletters from airlines and hotel chains can provide exclusive last-minute offers and discounts.
For example, signing up for a major hotel chain’s newsletter might get you a promo code for 30% off bookings made within the next 48 hours. You could book a four-night stay in a 4-star hotel in Miami for $280 instead of the standard $400.
Newsletter subscribers often enjoy savings of 20% to 40% on both Last-Minute flights and hotel stays, making it a worthwhile strategy for those looking to save on spontaneous travel.
Also Read : +44 20 3322 2305
Jason’s Take on Last-Minute Travel
Jason emphasises the potential for both adventure and savings in last-minute travel.
“Spontaneous travel doesn’t mean compromising on quality or blowing your budget,” he explains. “With the right strategies, like leveraging deal websites and being flexible with your plans, you can uncover amazing bargains and enjoy the thrill of unexpected journeys.”
He encourages readers to embrace the spontaneity of last-minute travel, reinforcing that it can be both affordable and exhilarating.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply looking to save Last-Minute money, these strategies will help you find the best deals and create unforgettable travel experiences.
