Planning a holiday months in advance isn’t always possible. Sometimes, you just need a spontaneous break—whether it’s a weekend city escape, a tropical beach getaway, or a family trip. But last-minute holidays don’t have to be expensive. In fact, many airlines, hotels, and tour operators offer huge discounts to fill unsold seats and rooms closer to departure dates.

With the right tools and strategies, you can save hundreds on flights, accommodation, and all-inclusive packages—even when booking at the eleventh hour. Here’s your ultimate guide to scoring the best last-minute holiday deals in 2025.

Why Last-Minute Holidays Can Be Cheaper

Contrary to popular belief, last-minute travel can often cost less than pre-booked trips. Travel providers prefer selling unsold inventory at a discount rather than letting it go unused. This means:

• Airlines drop prices to fill empty seats.
  

• Hotels and resorts offer last-minute discounts to avoid vacant rooms.
  

• Package holiday companies slash prices to ensure full bookings.
  
  

If you’re flexible with your dates, destination, and even departure airport, you can take advantage of these time-sensitive deals.

Best Time to Book a Last-Minute Holiday

Timing is everything when it comes to grabbing last-minute bargains:

• Flights: Airlines often release unsold seats at lower rates 2–3 weeks before departure.
  

• Hotels: The best hotel discounts often appear 1–3 days before check-in.
  

• Package Holidays: Tour operators usually slash prices 7–14 days before departure to sell remaining spots.
  

• Cruises: Cruise lines heavily discount unsold cabins 30–60 days before departure.
  

Pro Tip: Avoid booking during school holidays or peak travel seasons, as demand drives prices up.

Where to Find Last-Minute Holiday Deals

Here are the top platforms and strategies for securing the best last-minute holiday offers:

1. Flight Comparison Sites

Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights allow you to search for cheap flights on flexible dates. Use their “Everywhere” search function to find the best deals from your departure airport.

2. Last-Minute Hotel Apps

Apps like HotelTonight, Booking.com, and Expedia often provide huge discounts for unsold rooms. Many luxury hotels use these apps to fill last-minute availability.

3. All-Inclusive Packages

Sites like LastMinute.com, TravelSupermarket, and TUI are perfect for all-inclusive holiday hunters. You’ll often get better value booking a package that includes flights, transfers, and meals.

4. Airline and Hotel Newsletters

Sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programs. Subscribers often receive exclusive flash sales and promo codes.

5. Deal-Focused Websites

Websites like Secret Escapes or Holiday Pirates specialize in last-minute luxury and budget deals.

Be Flexible with Destination & Dates

Flexibility is the key to finding the best last-minute deals:

• Travel Midweek: Flights are usually cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
  

• Alternate Airports: Check nearby airports for better prices.
  

• Explore New Places: Sometimes unexpected destinations have the best value offers.
  

• Stay Flexible with Accommodation: A mix of hotels, Airbnb, and boutique stays can save money.

Consider All-Inclusive Resorts

Booking an all-inclusive holiday at the last minute can actually be cheaper than DIY travel planning. Resorts often discount heavily when they need to fill remaining rooms. You’ll get:

• Accommodation
  

• Meals and drinks
  

• Entertainment and activities
  

• Airport transfers
  

Pro Tip: Choose destinations with plenty of competition like Spain, Greece, Turkey, or Mexico for better deals.

Cruise Deals: A Hidden Gem

Cruises are one of the best ways to travel luxuriously on a budget—especially at the last minute. Cruise lines often lower prices as departure dates approach.

• Look for repositioning cruises for incredible discounts.
  

• Be flexible with cabin types to snag the best bargains.
  

• Check last-minute sales directly on cruise line websites.

Use Tech to Your Advantage

Technology makes spontaneous travel easier and cheaper than ever:

• Google Flights: Track price drops and set fare alerts.
  

• Hopper: Predicts when prices will rise or fall.
  

• Airbnb: Offers last-minute availability at discounted rates.
  

• HotelTonight: Perfect for same-day hotel bookings at big discounts.

Pack Smart for Spontaneous Travel

Since last-minute trips often mean quick departures, packing light helps avoid extra baggage costs and wasted time.

• Stick to carry-on luggage for flexibility.
  

• Pack versatile clothing suitable for multiple occasions.
  

• Keep travel essentials like chargers, documents, and toiletries ready.

Travel Hacks to Save Even More

Here are practical tips to make last-minute travel even cheaper:

• Use Airline Miles & Points: Redeem loyalty rewards for free flights or upgrades.
  

• Check Flash Sales: Airlines often release unsold seats in weekend flash sales.
  

• Bundle Bookings: Booking a package (flight + hotel) often works out cheaper.
  

• Follow Social Media: Airlines and hotels often announce flash deals on Twitter or Instagram.
  

• Book Late-Night Flights: Red-eye flights are often discounted.

Top Last-Minute Destinations for 2025

Some destinations consistently offer great last-minute deals due to large numbers of flights and accommodations:

• Spain (Costa del Sol, Ibiza, Mallorca): Frequent low-cost flights and beach resorts.
  

• Portugal (Algarve): Affordable family-friendly holidays.
  

• Greece (Crete, Rhodes, Santorini): Discounts during spring and autumn.
  

• Thailand: Year-round deals on flights and luxury hotels.
  

• Dubai: Luxury resorts at affordable rates in shoulder seasons.
  

• Mexico (Cancún, Tulum): All-inclusive resorts and package savings.
  

Sample 3-Step Plan for a Last-Minute Getaway

1. Search Flexible Flights: Use a flight aggregator and sort by price.
   

2. Book Package Deals: Look for last-minute offers that include transfers and meals.
   

3. Pack Quickly & Go: Keep a go-to travel bag ready for spontaneous adventures.

Why Last-Minute Travel is Perfect in 2025

With remote work flexibility and dynamic pricing, spontaneous travel has never been easier:

• Airlines use AI to optimize prices, leading to frequent flash deals.
  

• Hotel chains offer loyalty perks and flexible cancellation policies.
  

• More destinations cater to digital nomads, making longer spontaneous stays affordable.

Final Thoughts

Booking a last-minute holiday doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality. With the right strategy, you can enjoy luxury resorts, city breaks, and beach escapes at unbeatable prices. By staying flexible, using tech tools, and taking advantage of flash sales, you can save hundreds while enjoying your dream getaway.

In 2025, last-minute holidays are all about spontaneity, affordability, and adventure. Whether you’re craving a European beach break, a long weekend in a cultural capital, or a luxury cruise at a fraction of the price, the best deals are just a few clicks away.