12 Last-Minute Travel and Vacation Tips

Travel experiences are in high demand. Whether it is adventure-starved explorers or families traveling to create special memories, highways, airports and train stations are experiencing more travelers. This means hotels, flights and rental cars can sell out quickly at certain times of the year. However, if you’re a last-minute planner, don’t worry! You can still satisfy your travel cravings, but you may need to be more flexible on dates and times. Here are 12 last-minute planning tips.

Last-Minute Travel Tip #1: Be Flexible

Adaptability is key to snagging worthwhile last-minute travel deals. Being flexible can encompass:

Destination: Consider visiting a different beach, city or country than your usual choice. You might end up in a less popular location or a U.S. National Park that offers similar amenities to more-frequented spots.

Travel dates: Opting to travel midweek rather than over the weekend can lead to more affordable flight options.

Travel times: Prime flight times and ideal layover durations are often taken are often in high demand, resulting in significant price differences between early morning or late-night flights and those at peak times.

Last-Minute Travel Tip #2: Planning

Okay, so you didn't plan out this last-minute trip, but you can quickly do some planning with the help of tools like Trip Canvas, which is powered by AAA Travel. This site allows anyone to see offers, discounts and savings on vacations and tours, hotels, cruises and more. In addition to this resource, AAA Travel Agents can assist you in all-inclusive resort, cruise and guided vacation options. Easily schedule a convenient, virtual appointment with a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent.

Last-Minute Travel Tip #3: Cost Savings

Booking at the last minute can significantly cut your costs. Airlines and hotels often lower their rates drastically to fill vacant seats and rooms. With spontaneous travel, you can take advantage of these discounts and enjoy a fantastic vacation at a fraction of the original price.

In addition to saving money through reduced rates, last-minute bookings can lessen the impact on your wallet if your plans change unexpectedly like with unforeseen work commitments, relationship changes or other life events that could disrupt your travel plans. 

Last-Minute Travel Tip #4: Curiosity Can Save You $$

If you're searching for flights and only finding options with long layovers or high prices, don't give up. Instead, dig deeper and consider a few key alternate flight options.

For instance, some flights to Europe may have extended layovers in hub cities like New York or Atlanta. This allows you to explore these cities for a few hours or even overnight before continuing your journey.

Another strategy is to look for flights to neighboring destinations. For example, flying into nearby Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami may be a less expensive option, and it’s easily accessible from Miami via public transportation.

There’s almost always a more affordable way to reach your destination than what you initially find. It pays to explore various flight combinations and itineraries to find a price and route that works best for you.

Last-Minute Travel Tip #5: Alternative Destinations

When most vacationers flock to the beaches and theme parks during the last weeks of summer, head in the other direction. Summer reservations in popular destinations—such as Florida, Hawaii, Alaska and many of the U.S.National Parks—fill up quickly. Consider off-the-beaten-path alternatives instead.

For example, many state parks offer national park-caliber scenery—without the crowds. (Think wildlife spotting in South Dakota's Custer State Park instead of Yellowstone National Park, or shoreline hiking in Minnesota's Tettegouche State Park rather than Maine's Acadia National Park.) If it's a beach you can't do without, consider heading to a lake instead of the ocean. The Great Lakes, for example, offer sandy shorelines, climbable dunes and blue-water horizons.

Also, if you do decide to travel to a crowded resort, a popular music venue or somewhere you know will be congested with people, be sure to look ahead for restaurants in the area where you might find a good meal or place to relax indoors, away from the hot sun or chilly temperatures. Using popular restaurant apps can help minimize the amount of time deciding where to go or what might be available at certain times.

Last-Minute Travel Tip #6: Hotel Options

Typically, last-minute vacation planning advice includes staying on the outskirts of town, where you could save money and have more choices for hotels. However, you may find that hotel rooms in the heart of the action are more affordable than you think. Choosing a city where it's easy to get around on foot or via public transportation might be a smart idea.

Be sure to search the thousands of hotels with AAA Diamond Designations to find the right hotel at the right price for you. AAA Diamonds give you and your family peace of mind when selecting a hotel or restaurant. Whether a last-minute decision, an overnight stay or a family vacation, the properties' Diamond designations will help you know what level of service and amenities to expect.

Last-Minute Travel Tip #7: All-Inclusive Resorts

Travel dreams that involve leaving the country might be a bit harder to plan last minute, but don't worry, it is possible to find great options. One possibility for international travel: an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or Mexico. 

Last-Minute Travel Tip #8: Cruises

Many people believe that cruising is an expensive vacation option. Truth is, it can actually be quite affordable, providing the opportunity to explore incredible destinations. Depending on your travel plans, you may find discounted cruise rates are often less expensive than staying in hotels and traveling overland from one place to another. This is especially true for Caribbean destinations, where flights and accommodations can be quite pricey.

The optimal time to book a cruise is generally 60 to 90 days before departure, since this is when most cruise lines allow cancellations without penalties. During this period, cruise companies adjust their remaining cabin prices based on availability, which can lead to either price increases or decreases. While peak season deals are rare, being flexible with your dates, ports and destinations can help you find significant discounts. Alternative ports include Jacksonville, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and even places like New York and New Orleans.

Last-Minute Travel Tip #9: Checklist

Amid the rush to secure last-minute bargains, remember to take care of all the other essential tasks to ensure a smooth departure. Confirm that your dog walker is available. Arrange a hold on your mail. Refill any necessary prescriptions and stock your children's devices with books, games and in-flight entertainment.

We suggest creating a checklist of all the tasks you need to complete to avoid boarding your flight with concerns about forgetting your reading glasses or unlocking the gate for the lawn service.

Last-Minute Travel Tip #10: Plan a Staycation

Perhaps the easiest choice for your last-minute summer “vacation” is to plan a staycation. We spend so much time crisscrossing our hometowns with errands and activities that we often don't get enough time to enjoy where we live. A staycation lets you explore your own city, try a local AAA Diamond restaurant (and save on your meal) or take a day trip to a part of your state you've never visited. Don't know where to go? Get inspiration for attractions and activities in your local area from AAA TripCanvas.

Last-Minute Travel Tip #11: Sign Up for AAA Travel Deals

AAA Members have access to exclusive travel deals around the clock on our Travel Deals website. Whether you're the spontaneous type who loves snagging last-minute bargains or someone who prefers to plan meticulously in advance, you'll find a treasure trove of discounted rates waiting for you. From affordable rental cars and cozy hotels to luxurious cruises and all-inclusive vacation packages, there's something to suit every traveler's taste and budget. 

Last-Minute Travel Tip #12: Work with a Travel Agent

With so many travel sites and booking engines, travel agents can be overlooked. However, these professionals offer a personalized experience and utilize their industry connections to secure undisclosed discount packages. By booking directly with travel suppliers and using their reservation systems, agents have access to many exclusive deals that might not be available online. With years of experience, they can also provide specialized insights that other providers can't match.

AAA Travel Agents’ experience and insider connections are vital to putting together a trip that could take many hours for you to plan on your own. Plus, your AAA Travel Agent can help you choose the right travel insurance—important to have in today's fast-changing world—and help you take advantage of member-exclusive benefits and savings.