The Cost of Last Minute

The prospect of throwing together a last minute getaway should not make you sweat. With an open mind and some good organization behind you, your “escape” could be virtually seamless. Last minute once translated into long hours on the telephone checking flight schedules, hotel availabilities and rental car rates. The age of e-commerce has delivered online travel sales, discounted vacation packages, even scores of last minute bargain vacations right to the consumer’s internet portal.

Set on your destination?
The state of your travel on short notice to your favorite destination depends on factors such as fuel prices, airline security and economic stability, the season, and market demand. One or two of these factors might be consistent enough to forecast, such as the season and potential market demand for a destination, but others that lead into bigger economic, political and social scopes are much more variable.
If you’re on a budget, compare the most current travel costs—flight, hotel, car—at a website such as Travelocity, Expedia, or Hotwire. These sites make it their business to offer attractive options in all vacation categories. Most notably, the price. Typically, they offer easy navigation to explore cruise specials, all-inclusive travel packages and even “Last Minute” deals. Flexible? Choose one of the low-cost alternative getaways to a smaller US city such as Nashville, TN or Charleston, SC, or Portland, OR, depending on the season. Lots of secondary cities are in competition with their bigger competitors for a slice of the tourist trade. They offer small-town personality with big-town versatility.

Fly frequently? If you have “frequent flyer miles” you might consider using those towards a flight.

Look into a site such as Priceline, to “bid” for upscale hotel stays, among other things. Many luxury hotels would rather sell a room at a discounted price than let it sit vacant. Excellent deals can be found in many cities.

Cost no object? Then go for it. Strapped for time and still at the office? Let your travel agent handle the plans. Providing flights and hotels are still available, you should have no problem with getting away to your first choice of destinations.