5 Ways to Plan a Last-Minute Getaway Without Going Broke

Consider a last-minute getaway for your next trip!

Jetting off on a quick last-minute getaway is incredibly underrated. First, it’s a great way to escape the daily stress, relax, and unwind on a whim. Second, long weekend trips also have many benefits.

Imagine exploring a new destination without spending a fortune, traveling even with a 9 to 5 job, and seeing the lesser-known gems in the US. This all sounds really great, but how do you go about it?

While planning a quick adventure might seem like an easy task, it actually involves a bit of work. You’ll still need to consider your budget, where to stay, what to pack, food, and, most importantly, how to keep your luggage light!

However, it doesn’t compare to planning a long trip a year in advance. We’ve decided to give you some killer tips to help you plan the best quick getaway.

These are the basics people usually forget while planning a trip at a moment’s notice, but considering them when planning your fun trip will make a massive difference in your overall enjoyment of the journey!

Click next to learn about the best smart tips on last-minute getaways!

Last-Minute Getaway Tip: What KIND Of Trip Do You Want?

Start by thinking about your travel goals and why you want to visit a specific destination. Do you wish to go “off the grid” so you can forget about your everyday life for a few days, or are you looking to visit a location you’ve always wished to see?

When planning a last-minute getaway, think about what kind of trip you hope to go on. This will help you narrow down selecting a destination and get your creativity flowing.

Once you know what type of trip you want to go on, come up with a list of destinations, whether it’s small towns, cities, or countryside getaways.

Last-Minute Getaway Tip: For Hotel Deals

Hotel prices depend entirely on the destination and the availability of last-minute deals. In New York City, for example, average hotel prices are just below $180 if you’re booking three to four months ahead.

But booking within 10 to 15 days of your arrival, you’ll find that those numbers drop to about $160. Las Vegas has even more significant discounts last minute, with hotel deals averaging $140 vs. $180 a night if booking ahead.

Though this doesn’t apply to beach and leisure destinations like Miami, where prices rise steadily in the four months before the check-in date, starting at about $140 and rising to nearly $200 on average.

Midweek stays, though, provide noticeable value if you’re flexible. For instance, starting your hotel reservation on a Thursday rather than Friday can save you 25% on an extended weekend stay.

Last-Minute Getaway Tip: For Rental Cars

For an upcoming last-minute getaway from Brooklyn, the cheapest car available on Expedia is an economy option from Hertz for $65 a day.

On the same dates, with short notice, the new platform Kyte has the same style of car for $55 per day, delivered straight to your home address. There’s a nominal fee for convenience at each end: $23 total on my booking.

Still, it’s more than worth it to spare the time and hassle of lining up at a random rental car place, with or without your luggage, on an already-hectic travel day. And maybe, even then, get stuck without a car.

Currently active in 14 cities across the country, Kyte adds to a landscape of alternative car rental businesses, including Turo and luxury option Silvercar.

Last-Minute Getaway Tip: For Flights

These days, last-minute flight deals are nonexistent, and prices only tend to go up once you’re a few weeks away from your departure. But some tools will ensure you get the best price possible.

Expedia has introduced a Price Match Promise feature that’ll automatically refund you the difference if the flight you’ve booked drops in cost. The price fluctuates depending on the fare.

If you have the flexibility and like using Google Flights, a new option lets you find fares to your destination on “any dates” by toggling a slider switch after your first search parameters have been filled in.

And if the price is the make-or-break factor for where you go, there’s always Kayak’s Explore tool. It lets you scan the globe with actual flight prices for every destination.

Adjust your search for how much you want to spend, how far you’re ready to go, or what type of trip you want to take, and it’ll show you the relevant options.

Last-Minute Getaway Tip: Plan Your Stay

No last-minute getaway is complete without finding the proper accommodation. One of the most essential things you need to think about is finding the best and cheapest room for your last-minute getaway requires some effort.

Here are some valuable tips to help you decide and choose a suitable place to stay:

• Romantic Getaway: To create some unforgettable memories while on your trip, consider staying at a luxurious suite in a 4-star hotel or villa. If you’re planning a hike for your next outdoor adventure, try glamping or turn your tent into a fantastic staycation.
• Beach Getaway: To maximize your time, stay near the beach to reduce the time traveling from your room to the beach.City Break: We recommend staying within walking distance of some main attractions so you won’t have to rely on public transport.
• Family Getaway: If you’re traveling in a group or with your family, go camping or book an apartment-style hotel or Airbnb so kids can move around. Apartment-style hotels with kitchens and hostels are great for anyone looking for a friendly atmosphere with friends.

No matter where you choose to go or what you want to do, just remember to unwind and have some fun! And our #1 tip as always? DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!!!

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