Posted on: Dec 27, 2018

Updated on: Oct 10, 2024

You might have forgotten to make travel plans. Perhaps you were so busy that you did not make any holiday arrangements. Or maybe you had plans, but your travel buddies cancelled on you. Or, you had to change your plans because you ended up not having enough time to travel. Whatever the case maybe, all hope is not lost! Use one of these last-minute vacation ideas to save your holidays, take advantage of your long weekends or make the best out of your paid-time off!

1. Be a Local Tourist

Did you know that most people do not visit their own hometown? Perhaps it’s time to change that. If you don’t have any other travel plans, visiting your own town for a day (or two) is a great idea for a last-minute adventure. And it comes with extra perks: it is easier for you to find your way around (than if you were in a different country), you are familiar with the country, and you get to save on accommodation!

2. Travel within the Region

Traveling nationally and regionally is also a form of travel, and if you are looking for last minute travel ideas, this is a great option to consider. If you live in the USA or Australia, book a flight to another state that you have always wanted to visit? Live in France? Take a train to Switzerland (or any other neighboring country) and see what they have to offer! Live in Cameroon? Book a last-minute flight deal to Congo (or another country in the central/west African region) and escape for a few days! Regional travel is a great last-minute travel idea because compared to international travel, flights are shorter, cheaper and it requires a lot less planning.  

3. Book a Short Cruise

A lot of cruise line companies offer weekend getaways and week-long travel adventures to many destinations, including Caribbean islands. This would be the perfect option if you are really looking for last-minute travel ideas, and you don’t want to do any planning at all! Provided that you have the required visa for whichever island or country you decide to go to, hoping on a getaway cruise is the perfect solution.

4. Snatch a Last-minute Flight Deal

I do this a lot, when I don’t have travel plans. I remember the time I traveled to Brussels from Switzerland. I had worked tirelessly for the entire week, had the weekend off and my body, mind and soul were longing for a breath of fresh air! That Friday night after work, I went on Google Flights, and browsed through their best deals for Belgium. The next morning, I was devouring Belgian waffles at the Grand’ Markt. Perks of using Google Flights? It gives you suggestions of the best dates and times to travel to get the cheapest deals.

5. Organize a Staycation

Book a hotel for the weekend in the city where you live. Escape to the country side and spend the night at a refreshing cottage. The choice is yours. Staycations are great if you 1) don’t want to leave the country, the state or even the town, 2) if you are on a tight budget, 3) if you’re looking for last-minute travel ideas for travel with kids. Another perk of a staycation is, you get to design your itinerary and activities where you are, and you are “almost” guaranteed to get to work on time the next day! Plus, you avoid all the occasional hurdles that come with flying: airport travel, baggage fees, security lines, flight delays, etc. You name it.

Whether your travel plans got cancelled, changed or where never made, there are at least 5 last-minute travel ideas out there for you! So opt for the one that is best fitted for your schedule, budget, travel style and family situation. Don’t give up on an amazing vacation because you were too busy “adulting”.

What last-minute vacation ideas have you used in the past? Share them below, I would love to know!