Jet Set on a Whim
When it comes to finding last-minute resort deals, the whole process can feel overwhelming. Now that most countries have lifted their COVID-19 lockdowns, more people are traveling than in recent years.
Because of this, travel costs have skyrocketed. Everything from hotel reservations and plane tickets seems to cost more than before, so finding last-minute vacation deals can feel impossible.
However, this isn’t true. In this article, you will learn how to find last-minute vacation deals that satisfy your travel craving without destroying your budget.
The #1 Tip to Finding Last-Minute Resort Deals
When searching for last-minute vacation packages, you can’t use the same approach you would typically use to book a trip planned months in advance. To snag the most savings, you need to be flexible.
First, pick two non-negotiable criteria for your vacation. Perhaps you want to stay at a wellness resort in Mexico, or maybe you want an all-inclusive resort in May.
Once you lock in those key details, be willing to negotiate with everything else. The best deals are available to vacationers with the most flexible plans. If you’re looking to secure some serious savings, be open to different possibilities about the type of vacation you can have.
When & How to Look for Last-Minute Resort Deals
Generally, you’ll have the most luck finding last-minute resort deals if you book in the off-season. Prices at this time are usually cheaper anyway, so you might have a good chance of finding an even better deal if you book when your dream destination isn’t so busy.
However, some popular places might even have good deals during their shoulder or high seasons. Most hotels and resorts will still turn a profit if they sell an unbooked room last minute at a reduced rate, so be on the lookout for these types of deals, too.
Additionally, if you have a travel rewards card, you can search for savings in your online travel portal. Chase Travel, for example, is a great place to look for deals if you have a Chase card that earns rewards points.
Last-Minute Vacation Deals: Red Flags to Avoid
If you’re looking for last-minute getaways, you might be tempted to start punching in your credit card numbers as soon as you find an alluring resort online.
However, many poor situations come as a result of hasty decisions. If you don’t want your vacation to be a lemon, avoid these red flags related to booking a vacation deal at the last minute.
The Resort Doesn’t Have a Website
Nowadays, most hotels have websites. Resorts are no exception. If the resort you’re trying to book doesn’t have a website, it might be a scam.
You Can’t Find Any Reviews Online
If a resort doesn’t have any online reviews, it might not be legitimate. If you can’t find any reviews on TripAdvisor or Google Reviews, that’s a major red flag.
Many of the Reviews You Find are Negative
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to overlook if you want to get your vacation booked as soon as possible. Paper-thin walls or dirty common areas might seem like something you can handle now, but do you want to deal with them on vacation?
You Book on a Website You’ve Never Heard of Before
Many popular booking websites like Expedia, Booking.com and Priceline offer last-minute vacation packages or resort deals. However, when you’re searching for the best deal, you might find the cheapest price on a website you’ve never heard of before. There’s probably a reason for this. Save yourself the headache and book on a website you trust.
Best Websites to Find Last-Minute Vacation Deals
There are many different websites you can use to book travel deals last minute. Here are some of the best ones.
You can use Google to find last-minute travel deals. Simply search for the place you want to visit and when, and Google will scour the web for hotels that match your criteria.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Compare prices instantly.
- Seeing the best deal is simple.
Cons
- Must go to another website to book.
- Can’t search multiple dates at the same time.
Expedia
Expedia is another excellent resource you can use to search for resort deals. This feature is similar to Google but gives you more ways to modify your search criteria.
Pros
- Search for exact or flexible dates.
- Bundle with a rental car or flight.
- Include amenities in your results.
Cons
- This may include third-party booking fees.
- Not easy to compare hotels in different cities.
The Resort’s Website
If you already know the resort you want to visit, it’s sometimes cheaper to book directly on their site. Sometimes, booking directly is the most cost-effective option because the hotel offers discounts not published anywhere else online.
Pros
- Can include special discounts.
- Might have the option to include upgrades.
- Limited risk when booking directly with the resort.
Cons
- Must first know the resort you want to visit.
- Difficult to compare deals across different resorts.
Top Countries for Last-Minute Resort Deals
If you have a sense of the country you want to visit on your vacation, you can narrow down your search. Here are some parts of the world that usually offer resort deals in any season.
Mexico
Mexico is known for its all-inclusive resorts. However, you’re especially likely to find some great last-minute vacation packages if you search for properties around Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
Bahamas
The Bahamas is comprised of hundreds of islands and dozens of world-class resorts dotting the archipelago. You’ve got a good chance of finding one offering last-minute discounts in Bimini, Nassau or Freeport, in particular.
Dominican Republic
Most of the Dominican Republic’s resorts are concentrated on the island country’s eastern shores around Punta Cana. If you’re set on visiting this island, you might be lucky enough to reserve your spot at a world-class resort at a major discount.