In an age of rising travel costs, unpredictable weather and shifting work patterns, the allure of the spontaneous getaway has never been stronger. Last minute holidays, those booked just days or weeks before departure, promise adventure, flexibility and potentially huge savings.
But do they really deliver? Travel experts say the answer depends on what kind of traveller you are and how you approach the booking process.
Why Last Minute Holidays Still Attract Bargain Hunters
Historically, last minute deals thrived because airlines and hotels wanted to fill unsold seats and rooms. “The traditional model was simple: empty space equals lost revenue, so companies discounted heavily at the end,” explains a travel industry analyst. “That dynamic still exists, but it’s evolved.”
Today’s last minute market is fuelled by dynamic pricing algorithms. When airlines, tour operators and hotels spot an unexpected dip in demand or too much remaining supply, they release rapid-fire discounts. These can appear at any time, often for a few hours only. The travel analyst notes, “It’s less predictable than ten years ago, but for flexible travellers, the savings can be substantial.”
One major UK travel comparison site recently confirmed that spontaneous travellers still save between 15–40% on average versus those who book months in advance. In rare cases, usually due to cancellations or overestimated demand, the savings can exceed 50%, especially on package holidays.
The Type Of Traveller Who Benefits Most
According to experts, the travellers most likely to benefit from last minute bookings fall into three categories:
- Flexible Adventurers
If you are open to multiple destinations, you are in the best position. The more options you consider—whether it’s Portugal, Crete, the Canary Islands or Croatia—the more likely you’ll find a compelling deal. - Short-Haul Sun Seekers
Last minute travel works best for quick, uncomplicated trips. A travel journalist noted that “You’re more likely to find strong discounts on Europe’s classic holiday spots than you are on long haul destinations like Bali or Mexico, which fill up far earlier.” - Off-Peak Travellers
If you can avoid school holidays, expect better availability and lower prices. Couples, retirees and remote workers are in the strongest position to take advantage.
When Last Minute Holidays Don’t Make Sense
But last minute holidays aren’t for everyone. Families tied to school schedules rarely see meaningful savings. Demand during half-term or summer holidays is consistently high, leaving little incentive for operators to reduce prices.
Likewise, travellers with specific requirements, whether that’s a particular hotel brand, a precise location or unusual dietary needs, may be disappointed by the limited choice. “The biggest misconception is that last-minute equals cheapest,” explained the analyst. “It can be, but only if you’re flexible. If you’re picky, booking early is much safer and often cheaper.”
Another downside is flight departure times. Many of the cheapest late offers involve early morning or late night flights, stopovers or limited baggage allowances. Some travellers don’t mind this; others find the trade-off too steep.
The Impact Of Current Market Trends
Post-pandemic travel trends continue to shape last-minute pricing. Demand remains high across Europe, but supply is also increasing as airlines add more routes and hotels ramp up capacity.
This has created occasional pockets of generous last-minute offers, especially to destinations where new competition has emerged. For example, Portugal, Greece and the Balearics have seen notable increases in airline capacity.
Meanwhile, volatile weather patterns—both heatwaves and unseasonal rain—have had an unexpected side effect. Travellers are booking more reactively, choosing destinations based on short term forecasts. “Weather-driven bookings actually fuel the last-minute market,” explains Heap. “People wait until they’re sure they’ll get sun. Operators then respond with timely discounts.”
Expert Strategies To Maximise Savings
If you decide to explore late holiday deals, experts recommend a strategic approach:
- Be open to multiple destinations and airports: Flexibility dramatically increases your savings potential.
- Use price-tracking tools and sign up for alerts: Flash sales often last only a few hours.
- Consider package holidays: Bundled deals sometimes drop more steeply than flight-only offers.
- Travel midweek if possible: Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to offer the best last-minute prices.
- Check the total cost: Low upfront prices sometimes hide extra fees for luggage, transfers or seat selection.
So, Are Last Minute Holidays Worth It?
For the right traveller, absolutely. If you’re flexible, spontaneous and not tied to strict dates or specific destinations, the last minute market can unlock impressive savings and the thrill of an impulsive adventure. But for those needing structure, certainty or specific amenities, booking early remains the smarter and often cheaper choice.
Ultimately, experts agree that the best approach is to understand your travel style. Last minute holidays are neither inherently better nor worse, they simply suit certain travellers more than others. If you can embrace a bit of uncertainty, they might just be the perfect gateway to your next memorable escape.