There is definitely some truth to all the hype over the fantastic deals to be had on last minute getaways- you just need to keep a few things in mind when going about your search for the best travel buy.

Keep in mind that the biggest savings are typically in accommodation and package vacations – not airfare. Flights on regular scheduled airlines tend to increase in price closer to departure time, so last minute flight deals are rare.
Keep your eye out for last minute deals on charter flights, mainly to sunny destinations, but be aware that taxes can often bump up the base fare of the ticket by as much as $300.

Booking hotels last minute can be one of the biggest cost-saving measures, if you use the right tools and aren’t too particular.
Websites like Hotwire.com or Priceline.com allow you to type in the area you want, your preferred hotel star rating, and a price. You won’t know the hotel you’ll be staying in until your transaction is complete. These websites allow the hotels to quietly move unbooked rooms and, you, the consumer, to snag deals if you’re not concerned with hotel brand.

Travel mid-week if you can. Departing on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, helps you save more since most people tend to book weekend departures. Even if you’re booking in advance, flying mid- week can save you hundreds of dollars per ticket.
And one last word of advice… if you know exactly what you want and will be disappointed if you don’t get it, last minute travel might not be your thing. It’s best suited to those who aren’t set on a particular destination, hotel or even room type.
If you go in thinking “I just need to get away somewhere hot” chances are you’ll come across some great deals that will turn into a fantastic trip.

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