Apart from the well-known site lastminute.com, “last minute” is a popular term used to describe purchases made at the last moment.
These can include holidays, flights, hotels, and even Airbnb rentals. The popularity of this purchasing method is due to the fact that prices can drop significantly as the departure date approaches.
Here, we want to share our best tips for booking last minute and saving a lot of money on your future trips.
Last-Minute Flights
Last-minute flights can be a great option for those who are flexible with their travel dates.
The last-minute flight market is constantly evolving, offering travellers the opportunity to book flights at reduced rates, often at a fraction of the normal cost. However, last-minute flights are not suitable for everyone, and it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
The main advantage of last-minute flights is the lower cost. Airlines often seek to fill empty seats at the last minute, allowing travellers to book flights at more affordable prices.
However, last-minute flights can also be more uncertain than those booked in advance. Destinations, schedules, and seats can all be uncertain, and there may be restrictions on baggage or flight changes. Be mindful of these details when making your next booking.
For flexible travellers, last-minute flights can offer an element of adventure and excitement to their trip. For those with specific travel and destination plans, it may be better to book in advance to avoid inconveniences.
Ultimately, last-minute flights are an interesting option for bold and flexible travellers. With a bit of planning and preparation, last-minute flights can provide an opportunity to save money and add an adventurous touch to your travels. However, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages and make an informed choice based on your needs and travel plans.
Our Best Tip for Booking a Last-Minute Flight
Kayak
Kayak is a flight and airline ticket comparison site. Most airlines publish their prices there.
A platform that should not be overlooked when looking for a cheap or last-minute flight.
Two options are available when searching for a cheap or last-minute flight:
- By flexible date
- Via their interactive map: a great option for those who are flexible
Last-Minute Hotels
Last-minute hotels can be an attractive choice for travellers looking to save money or who do not have fixed plans. However, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of this type of booking to make an informed choice.
As with booking a last-minute flight, the main advantage of last-minute hotels is the reduced cost. Hotels often seek to fill empty rooms at the last minute, allowing travellers to book stays at more affordable rates.
Flexible travellers may see last-minute hotels as an opportunity for adventure, with the possibility of discovering new destinations and hotels. However, for those who prefer more fixed plans, last-minute hotels may not offer the same certainty in terms of quality and location as advance bookings.
It is also important to note that last-minute hotels may not offer the same services and amenities as those booked in advance. Pools, restaurants, fitness centres, and other amenities may be limited or unavailable. Travellers should also be prepared for less flexible check-in and check-out times than those offered by hotels booked in advance.
Ultimately, last-minute hotels can be an interesting option for travellers looking to save money and who are flexible regarding their stay. However, it is important to understand the pros and cons and make an informed choice based on your needs and travel plans. Be sure to read online reviews and compare rates and amenities with hotels booked in advance to make the most informed decision for your stay.
>> RELATED ARTICLE: Booking.com: Your Best Ally for Your Next Stay
>> Need help with Booking? Read this article: Booking.com: How Does It Work?
Our Tips for Booking a Last-Minute Hotel
1. Ebookers.ch
Ebookers is an excellent and fully trusted online travel booking site.
They offer interesting hotels at reduced prices on their page. You can sometimes find discounts of up to 50% off on certain hotels.
2. Booking.com
Booking.com and its deals page, where they offer discounted stays you can book within the next 2-3 months.
Looking for a good hotel while saving money? This is the place to go!
>> RECOMMENDED READING: Booking.com: Your Best Ally for Your Next Stay
Last-Minute Flight + Hotel
Ebookers offers a combination of the two previous points: last-minute flight + hotel stays.
A must-visit place for booking your flight + hotel: Ebookers.
Last-Minute Airbnb
No magic page here, unfortunately. Accommodations on Airbnb are mostly managed by individuals or private concierge services.
However, hosts aware of their business often seek to fill empty spaces, which can lead to significant discounts on rental prices.
They have the option, in their listing settings, to offer last-minute booking discounts. For hosts, this can be set under the Pricing and Availability tab, then under Discounts:
Tips for Booking a Last-Minute Airbnb
- Wait until the last moment, between 1 and 5 days before your stay.
- Perform a precise search on Airbnb with the exact dates and number of guests.
- Filter the search results based on your criteria: price, location, etc.
- Look for strikethrough prices.
- Ask the host if they would offer a discount to fill vacancies, or try negotiating.
Conclusion
In conclusion, last-minute booking can be an effective way to save money on your travels, but it requires some flexibility and good planning.
It is important to compare prices across different options and consider various factors, such as travel dates, flight and hotel availability, and potential extra costs.
By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can maximise your savings while enjoying a memorable trip.
