Note flexible options. Flexibility is vital to last minute planning, especially when money is tight. For example, you may need to travel by a specific day. Book a flight in the early morning or rest during the day and grab a red eye flight. If you find that a nearby airport has lower fares, use that airport instead of the better-known hub. Then drive or take public transportation to your final destination. Stay at a motel rather than a hotel or forgo a private bath. Making small financial concessions can add up to big savings.
Research online. Online travel consolidators can be the last minute deal seeker's best friend. An online travel consolidator is a website that gathers a list of travel possibilities in one convenient place. For example, many have search engines that allow you to book flights, rent a hotel and find a car rental in a single place. Type in a few facts about your desired trip. Once you fill in the fields, a list of potential flights or hotel rooms will come up. Compare the merits of each one. After a cancellation, a hotel manager or airline may put up available rooms or seats at a bargain.
Act quickly. If you see a deal listed, read it carefully and then move on it. Airline prices and hotel room rates can change from day to day and even from hour to hour. Sometimes a company will allow you to reserve the deal at a certain price for a period of time. Contact the company directly to find out if this is possible.
Read the fine print. A deal that looks good may have hidden fees. Double check that there are no hidden additional costs for baggage, airport taxes or convenience charges. Know all fees in advance. Get in touch with the the company directly and get the quote in writing via email.
