Last minute holidays! Where to find the cheapest offers for this summer
We’re already in the middle of summer, and you haven't prepared your holidays yet? You're in luck! If you're one of those who waits until the last minute to plan your getaway, in this article, we'll tell you where and how you can find the best deals for your summer holidays.
Although it may seem impossible, finding last-minute bargains for your holidays is feasible, and if you search well and use our tricks, it can even be economical!
Ready to start the search?
A trick… use VPN!
Using a VPN to search for holiday deals is a clever strategy to save money. By simulating your location from another country, you can take advantage of price differences and find better deals.
Travel companies and airlines use a pricing strategy known as "price discrimination". This means they adjust their rates based on various factors, including geographic location, local demand, user search history, etc. By changing your location with a VPN, you can access prices offered to residents of other countries, which can sometimes be lower.
For good results:
- Clear cookies and use private browsing mode. By clearing them and using private browsing mode, you can avoid websites adjusting prices based on your search history.
- Try different locations. Try connecting to servers in various countries to compare prices and find the best deal.
- Check policies and restrictions. Don't forget to read the policies and restrictions of the tickets or bookings using this method, as they may be subject to specific conditions.
The key is flexibility
Being willing to change your destination, adjust your travel dates, or travel during off-peak hours can open the doors to incredible deals. Use tools like Google Flights that allow you to explore different dates and destinations to find the best prices. Being flexible is key!
The best apps and websites to find deals
Take a stroll through the apps and websites specializing in hotel, flight, and holiday package deals; you can find real treasures.
Some we recommend are:
- Lastminute.com: Here you can find hotel deals, flights, and hotel+flight or train+flight packages.
- Holiday Pirates: Holiday Pirates does the work for you. Their team of experts scours the web every day to find the best value travel deals.
- Hotel Tonight: An app that allows you to book quality hotel rooms at very affordable prices (including luxury hotels).
- Travelzoo: They also scour market deals, and have a “Test Booking center”. This means their team of experts checks all the deals and only publishes the best ones.
Prepare a nice cold coffee while you take some time to explore these pages and review their latest offers. If you see something interesting, don’t hesitate, make your reservation!
Sign up for newsletters, subscriptions, and deal alerts
Subscribing to newsletters from travel agencies and airlines will keep you updated on the latest promotions and discounts. Additionally, setting up price alerts on platforms like Airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner will notify you when there is a significant drop in the price of the flights you're interested in.
Choose all-inclusive packages
Can you imagine a holiday where all you have to worry about is enjoying yourself? That's exactly what you get when you book an all-inclusive package. Besides the convenience of not having to worry about anything because your entire holiday is managed, the price is very attractive.
With all-inclusive packages, you pay a fixed price upfront that covers all aspects of your trip: accommodation, meals, drinks, and often activities and entertainment. This allows you to have complete control over your budget, without any surprises at the end of your holiday.
Book during the week
The timing of your holiday booking can significantly impact the final cost. Just as summer prices tend to rise due to high demand, bookings made over the weekend are usually more expensive for the same reason. Therefore, to find the best deals, it is recommended to search and book during the week. Various studies suggest that the optimal days to make reservations are Tuesdays, Friday nights, or Sundays. These times frequently offer lower prices due to fluctuations in demand and companies' strategies to fill their rooms.
So now you know, booking on these days can help you save on your holidays!
Last minute, it works!
If you don't care where to go or even want to be surprised, as a last resort you can take a chance at the last minute. Airlines and hotels often offer exciting discounts to fill unoccupied seats and rooms.
We hope these tips help you find your summer trip at a good price… without breaking the piggy bank!