Last minute holidays

There is no real guarantee that late holidays are cheaper than those secured in advance. However, you’ll often find that there are discounts on flights and hotels if you book a getaway close to the departure date.

This will come down to your flexibility – if you haven’t got your heart set on a particular destination, date or duration, we advise waiting until the very last minute. Airlines are desperate to fill seats, so if there are still some spaces left a few days before, you could see a significant price drop. With plenty of late deals to choose from, you’re bound to find something to suit your preferences. For those who are restricted to particular dates, for instance, the school holidays, we suggest booking around the five-week mark.

If you want to find the best last minute deals, flexibility is essential. Make sure you’re open-minded when it comes to your destination, duration, airport and dates. It’s also important to weigh up all your options. You'll often find if you travel mid-week, during low season or choose less desirable flight times, the greater your chances of securing a late bargain.