20 Ways to Score Last-Minute Deals Without Stress

Last-minute vacations can be a lot of fun, they can be stressful if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re getting away for eight days or a weekend, it’s much-needed. While it seems nerve-racking, don’t sweat it (at least not until you’re on the beach, if that’s your choice). There are ways for you to find a good deal with little to no stress. It’s your holiday. Enjoy it. Take a deep breath, relax, and take it all in. You deserve it.

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Sign up for emails and newsletters

Travelzoo and their weekly Top 20 vacations immediately springs to mind, as does Groupon Getaways. Airline newsletters can also be handy, as they email deals to their most loyal customers. Imagine, not having to search the deals out. They come directly to your inbox; how easy is that?

Want more tips? Check out 20 travel booking myths - busted!

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Search for online deals

This is a give-in, but it needed to be said. You've heard the jingles, now type in the websites. From Expedia and Trip Central, to Red Tag and Selloff Vacations to Flight Centre and Travelocity, you can get everything from all-inclusives to cheap flights. And the closer to your departure date, the cheaper.

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Find ones with a price match guarantee

Just like you price match at the grocery store, you can also apply those savvy money-saving techniques to your holiday. Think Flight Network and PC Travel. Some travel sites like Red Tag also have price drop assurances, which will always put your mind at ease.

Want more tips? Read our list of 14 ways to get the best travel deals.

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Clear your browser history

That's right, those crafty travel sites are on to you so clear your history and cookies before starting a new search, or use an incognito window. Otherwise the prices can go up, making you feel the heat to book ASAP.

Woman on phone, looking at laptop with credit card out

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Use a travel agent

It doesn't hurt to call an actual human before you book. They know the ins and outs and can help save money, offer additional incentives, find you dining deals, even score you an extra excursion for the price you're already paying. And, hey, if you don't like what they have to say, you can just stick with your original plans. No harm, no foul.

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Flexibility is key

Don't be married to a particular time or resort. When it comes to scoring last-minute deals, the best way to find inexpensive options is to be open. "Somewhere hot" vs. a "five-star in the Mayan Riviera" could make all the difference.

Want more tips? Don't miss 20 ways to save on your next flight.

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Book carefully

Yes, I know I said to be flexible but you can still plan wisely. If there's a time limit, make sure you've read all the fine print so something doesn't cost you more in the long run. Double check all the details, like the cancellation policy, to what airport it leaves from, to whether or not you get food in the deal. Can't state this enough: READ THE FINE PRINT.

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Be ready to go at a moment’s notice

This is a bit of an exaggeration since last minute doesn't technically mean ASAP; typically there's a 14-day window. But that still doesn't buy you a lot of time so have some "just in case" precautions like making sure you're cleared by your work. If all goes well, it can earn you savings of 30 to 50 per cent.

Need some packing help? Don't miss 12 genius packing hacks that will change the way you travel and 10 things travellers pack but never use for more ideas.

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Pick the right time

Have an idea of when you want to travel. And travelling during peak times will only cost you. So forget any weeks during or around holidays or long weekends, and Spring Break is a definite no-no. The more off-season, the better, even when it's a last-minute decision.

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Depart midweek

Weekend departures are the busiest, which means higher prices. If you depart and arrive on a Wednesday, there are less travellers. Not only will your flight be less but so will your hotel room.

Want more insider info? Read on for 13 flight attendant secrets you ought to know.

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Be OK with crazy connections

If you want a direct flight, it'll cost you. Connecting through a different city (or cities) may be a pain but your bank account will thank you.

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Read the reviews

Everyone has a different opinion because everyone vacations differently, but reading what actual people who have been to your resort have to say will help immensely. Trip Advisor has the most extensive comments and if you sniff around long enough, you'll find some cost-cutting stuff.

It can be tougher to find this info for lesser known destinations. These are the world's most searched travel destinations.

Couple in pool next to beautiful oceanside hotel

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Find hotels that have just opened

You can research this on your own, or reach out to an agent who typically knows firsthand (or through a colleague) all the new accommodations. Try the hotel's direct site to see if they have any packages, or the agency can help you find the best deal for your price point.

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Reach out to fellow travellers

Turn to the trusty Internet for any tips and/or deals to any prospective destinations, post questions on travel message boards, forums and Facebook pages, or even click on Instagram hashtags.

A friendly hello can go a long way. There's a reason why Canadian travellers are loved abroad!

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Forget the all-inclusive packages

Hear me out. Yes, they're convenient — but that comes at a price. A higher one. It's worth taking the time to look into booking your flight and hotel separately. If that means going to one site to book one, and different site to do another, so be it.

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Airfare deals require more work

Last minute deals on flights are rare, so it takes a special kind of sleuth to sniff those out. If you do find a deal, it's usually directly from the tour operator for a last-minute charter flight to a sunny destination. And the round-trip costs might seem unbelievable but the taxes will still be excessive. Even so, there'll still be significant savings.

Now that you've really got the travel itch, here are 20 inexpensive trips to take from Canada now.

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Hunt for secret hotel deals

With discount sites like Priceline, you won't know what hotel you'll be staying at until the transaction's complete. It's a win-win, both for the hotels to sell of unbooked rooms on the down low, while customers who aren't concerned about hotel brands can snag deals.

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Only book for fun

If you require everything about your vacation to be perfect (think the most romantic honeymoon, an anniversary, a birthday, family reunion), last minute is not the way to go. A special occasion requires more thought and needs to be booked in advance. That being said, early booking bonuses do exist, so that can help you save. If it's a matter of needing to get away ASAP, last minute is definitely the way to go.

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Do everything you need to do before you go

To keep things away from a DEFCON 1 situation, there are things you can do ahead of time to get the party started. Square away things with your boss and make sure any work that needs coverage is taken care of. Remove all the tags from your suitcase and pack what you can. Make sure your clothes still fit (swimsuit, I'm looking at you), get that pedicure and, most important, have someone lined up to watch the kids and/or pets.

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Book it already!

After all that, you're ready. Don't wait. If and when you find something that seems pretty perfect, then it probably is. Hotels may have plenty of rooms available but that means the flights to that destination are nearly full so if you want to ensure your vacation actually happens, get your credit card out. Now. Go. We understand. And bon voyage!