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Last minute travel
Added: (Fri Jul 25 2008)
You can get great deals on flights, accommodation, city breaks and package holidays if you don’t mind planning your trip at the last minute. You can take advantage of a range of getaways at great prices. Use our helpful guide to travelling smarter and cheaper at the last minute.
Where in the world?
Last minute travel has become accessible to a wider range of travellers with the arrival of budget airlines. You don’t have to book weeks or months in advance to hop on a flight from London to Dublin. You can now take your pick of a range of European cities that fly direct from a number of UK airports. If you fancy travelling further a field to a more exotic destination like Morocco, you can book a cheap flight and be there within three hours. You can even find great deals on flights to the Big Apple, New York City.
If you want to extend your holiday beyond a weekend break, you can pick up a last minute deal on flights, accommodation, off-season package holidays and charter flights on the Internet and be off the next day.
Get your timing right
Most tourist destinations have a peak and an off-season. For the best travel bargains, look for a deal in the off or winter season.
• Mediterranean - May, June and late September.
• European city breaks - January.
• Ski resorts – March.
• Asia, South America, Australia and the rest of the world – do some research on the Internet and find out when the winter seasons are. Be careful to watch out for Monsoon season in the tropics.
The best time to book
There are no rules when it comes to last minute booking. You can book a week before departure and still find an excellent range of holiday options, especially on the Internet.
When you’re searching for that perfect European city break, keep your options open. Search for any European city as opposed to searching for Paris and you will have more deals to choose from.
If you’re looking for a good deal on a last minute long distance flight, keep in mind that peak season flights at Easter, Christmas and other holiday periods tend to be more expensive. You may not find a cheap long distance flight at all during peak seasons as seats are in demand and often sell out quickly.
Check out your accommodation
Last minute booking for transport is usually fine as seats are generally of the same type and in the same class. For example, an economy seat on a flight will be the same regardless of how much you pay. However, the same cannot be said for accommodation. Before you book, do your homework. Research your accommodation on the Internet and look for detailed descriptions and photographs of where you will be staying. Rather know what you are letting yourself in for than arriving to find your much anticipated break has turned into the holiday from hell.
Watch out for ‘allocated on arrival’. It could quite literally spoil your holiday, as you have no way of checking what standard of accommodation you will be in.
Accommodation in privately owned properties is an unknown entity. Opt for the safer option of booking a package deal with a trustworthy tour operator or book a room in one of the larger luxury hotels (with a good reputation) that offer cheap off-season rates.
Stay healthy
• Europe
If you’re taking a break in Europe, you need to take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It covers you for medical treatment while travelling in the European Union. You can apply for an EHIC online at www.ehic.org.uk.
• Exotic locations
Before you leave on an exotic holiday to a distant country, check if you need any vaccinations. If you are travelling to a remote area or during the rainy season, you may need to be immunised a few weeks before you depart. For more information about country specific health issues and vaccinations, visit www.who.int/ith/countries/en/.
• Travel insurance
Whether you’re off for a week or a weekend, you should get travel insurance. Most travel insurance (www.directline.com/travel) policies include cover for medical emergencies. This can come in handy if you find yourself in a situation where you need instant medical attention.
Travel with insurance
Last minute travel doesn’t mean you should forget about getting travel insurance (www.directline.com/travel). It provides peace of mind should you get sick, lose your luggage or your gear is stolen while you are away. Most insurance companies offer a wide range of travel insurance options that will cover you and your belongings for a weekend, a month, or a year.
For a travel insurance quote and more information about the types of travel insurance available from Direct Line, visit http://www.directline.com.