Planning a trip last minute can feel like a rush of excitement paired with a hint of panic. It’s thrilling to pack up quickly and hit the road or jump on a plane last-minute, but the cost? Not so thrilling. You might find yourself staring at sky-high ticket prices or pricey hotel rates and wondering how to make it work without blowing your budget. Luckily, there are plenty of smart ways to save money and still enjoy spontaneous travel adventures. This guide will break down actionable tips that real people can use to cut costs on last-minute travel.

Look For Flights at Odd Hours

One of the quickest ways to save on flights is by searching outside of peak browsing times. Airlines often adjust prices late at night or early in the morning when fewer people are actively booking. Setting an early alarm or staying up a bit later for flight shopping can uncover deals you wouldn’t see during regular hours.

Midweek searches, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to reveal cheaper fares. Airlines release discount tickets on specific days, and these often sell out fast. Taking advantage of this timing can help you scoop up tickets at a fraction of the price.

Use Flight Comparison Tools

Using an aggregator like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak allows you to compare multiple airlines at once. These tools highlight the cheapest options and even suggest alternative dates or times if it will save you money. Don’t just settle for the first price you find; compare across several platforms to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Book Budget Airlines

Flying with budget carriers like Spirit, Frontier, or Ryanair isn’t everyone's first choice, but they can save you a bundle in a pinch. The trick is understanding how to work with their rules. Budget airlines often charge for extras like seat selection, carry-ons, or snacks. Keeping your luggage to one small personal item and skipping unnecessary add-ons can help you avoid surprise fees while maximizing your savings.

Last-Minute Hotel Deals

Hotels hate empty rooms. Unfilled spaces mean lost revenue, so many offer deals to snag last-minute travelers. Apps like HotelTonight or Priceline’s Express Deals cater specifically to people booking within days of their arrival. Discounts on these platforms can sometimes go as high as 70%.

Another hack is calling hotels directly. Speaking with the front desk instead of relying on third-party sites can occasionally land you a better rate. Mentioning you noticed their competitors’ deals might even prompt them to offer a match or a discount.

Consider Alternative Accommodations

Swapping hotels for Airbnb or vacation rental properties is another way to cut costs. Hosts with unbooked rooms often drop their prices to attract last-minute stays. Using search filters for “instant book” on platforms like Airbnb can make the process quicker and stress-free.

If all else fails, hostels are worth considering. They’re not just for backpackers or students; many modern hostels offer private rooms at lower rates than hotels, along with added perks like free breakfast or social events.

Flexible Destinations Equal Big Savings

Spontaneous trips don’t have to mean inflexible destinations. Focusing on destinations with low travel demand can make a big difference. Instead of aiming for a highly popular city in peak season, checking nearby smaller towns or less-visited destinations often unlocks significant discounts.

Search engines like Google Flights have an "Explore" feature that allows you to filter by budget instead of location, letting you snag great deals to lesser-known spots.

Pack Light and Save on Fees

Packing efficiently can save you cash. Airlines frequently charge hefty fees for checked baggage and even large carry-ons. Fitting everything into a personal-sized bag saves not only money but also time since you can skip the baggage check-in counter.

Investing in versatile clothing items, like reversible jackets or quick-dry fabrics, can help you pack smarter. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them increases space, too.

Use Credit Card Rewards

Frequent-flyer miles or credit-card points can be lifesavers for spontaneous travelers. Many cards offer last-minute redemption options for flights, hotel stays, or upgrades. Double-check expiration dates on your rewards points to make sure none are going to waste.

Travel cards often include added perks, like travel insurance or credits on checked bags, that you can use towards unexpected needs. Even cards with higher annual fees can pay off in these situations if the perks outweigh the costs.

Don’t Dismiss Package Deals

Booking flights and hotels bundled together can sometimes be cheaper than purchasing them separately. Websites like Expedia or Travelocity offer last-minute vacation packages that cut significant costs.

Additionally, some companies provide mystery deals where you don’t know the exact hotel or airline until after booking. While this may sound risky, these secret packages often include high-quality options at discounted rates.

Leverage Social Media and Email Alerts

Travel deals move fast, but following airlines and travel companies on social media can help you catch discounts as soon as they drop. Many brands announce flash sales or promo codes exclusively for their followers.

Signing up for email alerts from airlines, hotels, and travel apps can also uncover valuable offers. With last-minute plans, staying informed is half the battle. Just be prepared to act quickly since some deals are gone within hours.

Traveling By Bus or Train

Driving or flying isn’t always the cheapest or most sustainable option on short notice. Switching to buses or trains for shorter trips can save you quite a bit. Companies like Megabus and FlixBus often list tickets for as low as $1 when you book close to the departure date. Amtrak also periodically runs sales for last-minute travelers. You also avoid airport hassles like long lines and security checks, making the experience smoother and less rushed.

Traveling With Friends

Splitting travel costs with a group is another excellent way to lower expenses. Ride-sharing apps like Turo, which let you rent cars directly from owners, become much more affordable when shared among friends. Similarly, vacation rentals or large Airbnb properties designed for groups can often be split at a fraction of the cost per person compared to hotel rooms.

Coordinating expenses in advance can prevent misunderstandings and make budgeting easier. Apps like Splitwise allow you to track shared costs effortlessly.