A growing trend has taken the travel world by storm recently also known as last-minute travel
Embrace the thrill of spontaneous travel with this innovative vacation approach that appeals to both the adventure-seeker and the budget-conscious explorer. By eschewing traditional travel planning in favour of spur-of-the-moment getaways, more people are discovering the joy of embracing spontaneity and experiencing new destinations on a whim. Deal-saving experts from Bountii speak to BMM about five invaluable tips for maximizing the benefits of last-minute travel.
This exciting approach to vacationing caters to both the adventurous spirit and the budget-conscious traveller, offering the promise of spontaneity and significant savings. As traditional travel planning gives way to impromptu getaways, more and more people are discovering the joys of seizing the moment and exploring new destinations on a whim.
These strategies not only add to the excitement of impromptu trips but also help travellers secure incredible deals. Discover how to transform a spontaneous journey into a remarkable and budget-friendly adventure. Here’s how you can turn a spur-of-the-moment trip into a memorable and affordable adventure.
Utilise Deal Websites
By leveraging travel websites like Going, Skyscanner, and Last Minute, you can save a substantial amount on travel costs. These platforms compile and display various deals from airlines, hotels, and vacation packages, allowing you to easily compare prices. For example, on Going, you could discover a round-trip ticket from New York to Paris for only £350, which is significantly cheaper than the usual £600 fare. Utilizing these deal platforms can result in savings of 20% to 50% on your travel expenditures, making impromptu getaways more cost-effective and attainable.
Follow the 24-Hour Flight Rule
Monitoring airfare prices within a day of your intended travel date can result in significant cost savings. Airlines frequently reduce prices in order to fill remaining seats at the eleventh hour. An illustration of this is securing a flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo for £400 when buying the ticket only 24 hours prior to departure, which is a considerable markdown from the typical £800 fare. This approach has the potential to slash airfare costs by as much as 50%, particularly for international flights, rendering it a beneficial tactic for budget-conscious travellers.
Book One-Way Flights
It is beneficial to check flight prices 24 hours before your intended departure as airlines frequently reduces prices to fill vacant seats at the last minute. By utilizing this tactic, you could potentially secure a flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo for £400, compared to the standard £800 fare. This strategy can result in savings of up to 50% on airfare, particularly on international flights, making it a valuable option for budget-conscious travellers.
Instead of booking round-trip tickets, consider purchasing one-way flights from different airlines. This approach allows you to mix and match airlines and take advantage of the best available rates for each leg of your journey. For instance, booking a one-way ticket from Chicago to London for £200 and another one-way ticket from Rome back to Chicago for £220 can save you over £200 compared to a round-trip ticket from a single airline. Booking one-way flights can lead to savings of up to 30%, providing more flexibility and cost efficiency.
Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
Flexibility is key when planning last-minute travel. Being open to flying a day earlier or later, or choosing a different destination, can lead to substantial savings. A search on Skyscanner showed a flight from San Francisco to Bangkok costing £900 on a Friday but dropping to £650 if departing on the following Monday. This flexibility can save you up to 35% on airfare, and similar savings can apply to accommodation costs. By being adaptable with your travel plans, you can find better deals and stretch your travel budget further.
Sign Up for Airline and Hotel Newsletters
Subscribing to newsletters from airlines and hotel chains can provide exclusive last-minute offers and discounts. For example, signing up for a major hotel chain’s newsletter might get you a promo code for 30% off bookings made within the next 48 hours. You could book a four-night stay in a 4-star hotel in Miami for £280 instead of the standard £400. Newsletter subscribers often enjoy savings of 20% to 40% on both flights and hotel stays, making it a worthwhile strategy for those looking to save on spontaneous travel.
The experts also clarify that last minute travel doesn’t mean compromising on quality or blowing your budget,” he explains. “With the right strategies, like leveraging deal websites and being flexible with your plans, you can uncover amazing bargains and enjoy the thrill of unexpected journeys.”
Credit: Tahira Khan/ Bountii
Image Credit – Simon Ray, Unsplash
The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.
