While planning a holiday in advance has a plethora of benefits, such as reduced stress, cheaper deals, and better availability, this may not always be possible. For example, we may be unsure about our future plans or the trip may be spontaneous.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t organise a successful and memorable holiday. Who knows? You may even come across some last-minute discounts on your hotels and flights. To ensure your spur-of-the-moment holiday is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, read on for our top tips.
Be flexible in your choices
Flexibility is highly important when planning last-minute travel as this will allow you to secure the best deals. This means researching different countries and dates to see the various options that are available. You may be required to change these plans due to unexpected surprises so keep an open mind and be prepared for new experiences.
Your best bet would be to fly from one of the major airports in the UK, given their extensive range of destinations and numerous flight options. This includes the likes of Manchester Airport, London Gatwick, and London Heathrow.
If you don’t fancy sorting all of this yourself, consider reaching out to a travel specialist. Not only are they an informational hub of travel tips but they are usually good at finding you great last-minute offers. Alternatively, you could join an organised group. These excursions are pre-planned and are great ways of meeting like-minded individuals.
Choosing your accommodation
Depending on where you plan to travel, finding accommodation may be tough – especially if you’re adhering to a pre-set budget. Travel comparison websites are useful tools for quickly booking your hotel and tend to offer competitive pieces.
You may also consider utilising other options such as Airbnb, guesthouses, or hostels in order to secure suitable last-minute bookings at a reasonable rate. Just be sure to check the reviews beforehand to verify that all is what it seems.
Organising all transportation required
You’ll also need to organise transport to and from the airport. With the trip being so spontaneous, you may struggle to pre-book taxis, particularly when flying early in the morning.
One way of reaching the airport without worrying about availability is to drive there. When doing this, consider the route you will take beforehand, accounting for traffic and potential delays. Ensure you also have parking arrangements at the airport to avoid last-minute stress.
If you decide to travel from one of the major airports, you’ll be able to book your parking online before you travel. For example, London Heathrow has a Park and Ride and Meet and Greet service and there is parking located at Manchester Airport Terminal 2, one of Manchester Airport’s busiest terminals.
Knowing what to take with you
While packing the right clothes is highly important for any trip, what’s essential is making sure that you take all the necessary documents. Organising a trip close to the departure time means there is a higher chance of you forgetting to bring these, which can be catastrophic.
Ensure that your passport is kept in a safe and secure location, either on your person or in your carry-on, and that it has more than six months left until the expiration date. You will also need your boarding passes and any visa or entry requirements.
For additional peace of mind, purchase a robust travel insurance policy. This will help to protect you should any issues arise related to your luggage and belongings or if you become injured during your trip.
