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How to Get Best Last-Minute Travel Deals

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Last-minute travel can be exciting — a sudden, unexpected chance to go someplace fun, see old friends or spend time with loved ones. But that thrill can fade fast the minute you start looking at costs. Airfare, hotels and rental cars are usually a lot pricier when you book last minute, and choices can be extremely limited.

To avoid getting gouged, you need to put in some extra effort. Here’s how to get the best deal possible on that last-minute trip.

Tips to get the best last-minute travel deals

Search lots of booking sites.

Those multi-search booking engines that promise to check rates every place under the sun all at once — they do. Yet their best rates can differ substantially. Try multiple multi-search engines including Trivago, Expedia, goSeek, Kayak, Hotels.com and any others you’ve had success with in the past.

But don’t stop there. Compare their rates with prices offered directly by the airline, hotel or car rental company. This late in the game, you just can’t know who’s most eager to earn your business. The only way to find out is to check.

Check different hotel dates before booking a flight (and vice versa)

If that big, beautiful beach resort you’ve been drooling over seems unusually expensive, search for slightly different travel dates. A hotel that costs $250 a night from Oct. 1 through Oct. 7 might cost $175 a night from Oct. 2 through Oct. 7, simply because a big convention at the hotel wraps up on Oct. 1.

If your dates are flexible, you’re in a better position to save money. But even if they aren’t, check a few different date ranges to find out whether unknown variables could be affecting your rate.

Check bundle deals

If you’re lucky, packages that include both a hotel room and a flight can offer amazing last-minute travel deals. That’s because of wholesaling, in which large blocks of hotel rooms are purchased or reserved by a company that tries to resell them to you at a profit. If they buy too many, they may start slashing rates at the last minute.

Check the “vacations” or “package deals” option on airline websites, as well as with online travel agencies like Pleasant Holidays, Costco, Travelocity or Orbitz.

Don’t forget about vacation rentals

Sites like VRBO.com and HomeAway.com offer a comprehensive, searchable database of privately owned vacation rentals that might be booked up by the time you’re planning a last-minute trip. But you won’t know until you look. And if they still have openings, private owners may be willing to cut their rates to fill rooms.

» Learn more: Beyond Airbnb — your guide to peer-to-peer travel platforms

Know your airline’s 24-hour cancellation policy

Unless you’re willing to pay a premium, most airfare is nonrefundable. But did you know that “nonrefundable” often doesn’t kick in until 24 hours after you’ve made your purchase? All major U.S. airlines will let you cancel for a full refund within 24 hours (they’re subject to rules from the Department of Transportation, which other booking sites may or may not follow).

Since last-minute travelers are navigating a landscape of wildly fluctuating prices, you might as well check fares one more time 23 hours after you book, just in case you find a better deal.

Don’t assume award redemption rates mirror cash rates

If you’re thinking of using points or miles to avoid a high last-minute fare, check out your options first. The formula airlines use to decide when to make saver-level award seats available is famously opaque. Sometimes the airlines can offer well-priced redemptions when you least expect them — like at the last minute. If you have miles to spend, check cash prices vs. redemption rates; the better option may surprise you.

Look at seating charts, available rooms and car rental options

By the time you’re reserving a last-minute flight, there may be only two seats on the plane: a middle seat for you in row 20 and a middle seat for your travel companion in row 39. You’ll want to know that in advance, and decide whether it’s worth paying extra to sit together on another flight or in an upgraded cabin.

For hotels, regardless of where you book, check the hotel website to see what room categories are still available. If they’re down to just one room type, that means you probably won’t be able to change rooms if you’re unhappy since they’re almost at capacity. You may get a better rate at a property that still has many empty rooms.

Definitely reserve a car as soon as you can. You don’t want to arrive at your destination airport to learn there are no rental cars available. And just because you’re able to make a reservation online doesn’t necessarily mean the car rental company has vehicles available. Call ahead to be sure, and ask about any active discounts.

Peruse restaurant and activity reservations online

If you’re headed to a ski resort, theme park, spring break hot spot or other likely crowded destination, restaurants could be booked weeks in advance. If you envision a sit-down meal or two, take a quick peek at OpenTable or Yelp Reservations to make sure you’re not left wandering around hungry. You can also check the availability of many tours, spas and activities online by playing with their reservations tool to select various dates.

Get to know your credit card’s travel concierge

If you have a travel rewards card, you may have a personal travel assistant right in your wallet. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , The Platinum Card® from American Express , the Citi Prestige® Card and Mastercards with the World Elite logo come with complimentary 24-hour concierge service. Terms apply.

This means real humans are standing by to help you find everything from hotel rooms to Broadway tickets. When better to tap their expertise than when you’re looking for last-minute deals? If you’re not sure exactly what the concierge can do, they can help you with that too — just ask.

Get your house in order

In the scramble to find last-minute deals, don’t forget all the other things you must do to get out the door fast. Make sure the dog walker is in town. Put a vacation hold on your mail delivery. Get your prescriptions filled and load the kids’ devices with books, games and in-flight entertainment.

We recommend making a list of every task you need to complete, to make sure you’re not boarding a plane and wondering if you remembered to pack your reading glasses or unlock the gate for the landscaper.

Last-minute travel deals, recapped

When looking for vacation deals at the last minute, make sure to review your options, use the resources available and remain flexible. But bbove all, have fun. Last-minute travel can be a great adventure when you’re doing your best to both save money and experience something new.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Last-Minute Vacation Ideas to Create Lifelong Memories

Do you have the chance to plan a last-minute vacation? Check out our favorite places that offer great accommodations and activities on a last-minute basis.

Here at Let’s Roam, we know how exciting it can be to go on a last-minute vacation. From the thrill of booking a ticket for just a few days in advance to looking up the exciting activities you’ll do, you may begin to feel like you don’t have enough time to organize everything. To help you with your planning and to give you some inspiration on where to go, we’ve put together this great guide on last-minute travel destinations. 

Last-Minute Activities from Let’s Roam

If you’re planning a last-minute vacation and need some last-minute activities , consider these fun-filled and engaging scavenger hunts from Let’s Roam. No matter where you go, we’ve got scavenger hunts in hundreds of cities, so you’ll always have something to do in your new destination. Download the app to learn more!

Fantastic Last-Minute Vacation Ideas

Below you will find some of our favorite destinations for a last-minute getaway. These have been hand-picked by our in-house travel experts based on the accessibility, the possibility of last-minute travel deals, and, of course, all of the awesome things that there are to do there!

1. San Diego, California

 With gorgeous, wind-swept beaches, a walkable downtown, historic sites, and charming beach suburbs, San Diego is a great vacation destination for a last-minute vacation. The airport is located close to the city, meaning that you don’t have to waste a lot of time getting in and out of the city. There’s also an Amtrak station here where you can hop on a train to Los Angles if you want to continue your California dream.

During your visit, you can spend the afternoon lounging around on the beach in La Jolla or Isla de Coronado followed by a San Diego pub crawl. The next day, head over to Balboa Park to unleash your inner culture vulture at a few of the many fabulous museums located there.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Las Vegas seems to rise out of the desert like a beacon for weary travelers. Sin City offers pretty much everything that a traveler could want. From slot machines to swimming pools, this is a good choice for a weekend getaway. Besides the myriad of things to do here, one of the best reasons to go to Las Vegas last minute is that you may be lucky enough to take advantage of the many last-minute deals that you can get on flights, hotel rooms, and even entertainment, allowing you to save money for fun activities.

If you want to do a great day trip while you’re there, you can always head out to the Grand Canyon National Park as part of a guided tour or even by helicopter. This massive canyon is a wonderland for history buffs and adventure lovers thanks to the millions of years of geological evolution that you can explore. While standing at the canyon rim, you can enjoy sweeping vistas unlike anywhere else on earth. 

3. Napa Valley, California

Located just a short drive from San Francisco in northern California, Napa Valley is dotted with world-class wineries, adorable towns, and mouthwatering restaurants serving farm-to-table delights. While it’s possible to explore the countless wineries in Napa on your own or as part of a guided tour, one of the best ways to explore America’s premier wine region is via the Napa Valley Wine Train . This vintage train traverses the valley and allows you to imbibe in style!  Wine tours range from two to six hours and there’s even a Murder Mystery Tour if you want to add more excitement to the experience!

There are many different accommodation options throughout Napa Valley to cater to all types of travelers, and where you decide to stay has a big impact on your overall experience. From cozy cottages to upscale resorts, there’s something for everyone here. 

4. New York City, New York

Few cities in the world have appeared in more TV shows and movies than New York City. As a result, this fantastic place needs little introduction. From strolling through central park marveling at the skyscrapers to the bright lights of Broadway where you can catch some of Hollywood’s biggest stars on the stage, there truly is something for everyone in New York.  

Insider tip: When planning a last-minute vacation to New York City, make sure you check the availability of hotel rooms.  There are many citywide events such as the New York Marathon that can fill up a lot of the city’s hotel rooms, so you may find prices skyrocketing. This can quickly offset any cheap deals that you get on flights. If you’ve already booked your flights and find that there are no accommodations available in Manhattan, you can always check places in New Jersey that are accessible by public transport. You could even consider Brooklyn or Queens. Keep in mind though that some of the hotels in the outer boroughs may be nearly as expensive as what you would find in the city, but a fraction of the quality. It may also take a considerable amount of time to get to them and a comparable property in New Jersey could even end up being closer and easier to get to.

5. Sedona, Arizona

Nestled in the rolling hills of red rock country in northern Arizona, Sedona is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. The surrounding area is crisscrossed with hiking trails and sliced dramatically by breathtaking canyons, which makes this an amazing spot for outdoor activities. This area has long been a hotbed of spiritual activity and it’s home to a number of energy vortexes that you can visit either on your own or as part of a guided tour. Aside from hiking and healing, you can also take off-road tours deep into the desert. One of the best things about visiting Sedona as a last-minute travel destination is that everything lies just a short drive from one another. This means you can pack in a few different hikes each day or easily do a hike and a jeep tour without having to drive long distances.

Besides being home to spectacular scenery and great activities, Sedona also boasts a wide range of hotels featuring everything from family-friendly resorts to upscale boutique hotels. There is no real “budget” accommodation per se, but you can snag some great deals if you visit during the off-season. Try to avoid hiking in the heat as it can be exhausting and dangerous. It’s also important to always make sure you bring a lot of water with you as the desert heat can be intense, and there are very few places to refill water bottles when you’re out on the trails. I made this mistake and had to cut a hike short as I didn’t have enough water to finish it. 

6. Cleveland, Ohio

While Cleveland doesn’t usually top the list of vacation ideas, it is actually a wonderful place for a long weekend. Located right on the edge of Lake Erie, this former “Mistake on the Lake” got its start thanks to some heavy industrialization that was based here. This explosion of wealth in the early 20th century led to a flurry of construction, and today, you can find plenty of art deco architecture, sprawling Victorian mansions, and brick industrial buildings that have now been converted into restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. 

Some of the most popular family-friendly sites include the massive Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and the West Side Market where you can get a ton of great artisanal food and drinks to take home with you. Cedar Point, one of the best amusement parks in the country, featuring some of the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters and an adjacent waterpark, is located just an hour away. As you head west out of the city, you will find some beautiful beaches that are so large you may be tricked into thinking that you’re actually on the Atlantic Ocean! 

It’s important to keep in mind that Lake Erie is a hugely popular summer vacation spot, so you will definitely need to book a hotel well in advance if you plan on visiting in July or August. Otherwise, be prepared to pay high room rates for lackluster accommodations. 

7. Denver, Colorado

Denver has been a ringleader in progressive policies, and this youthful city is a joy to explore. The downtown area is easily walkable and offers a ton of great restaurants and bars to visitors. Just outside of the city, you can find interesting attractions such as the breathtaking Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and the city’s botanical gardens.  When you start feeling a little thirsty, you can even jump on the Denver Beer Trail Tour which takes you through some of the Mile High City’s best and oldest microbreweries. 

If you have some extra time and are looking for a well-rounded family vacation, Denver also serves as an excellent gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park as well as charming mountain towns which are located just a few hours’ drive away. This stunning national park has more than 77 mountain peaks stretching more than 12,000 feet into the sky. It’s also got miles of hiking trails and the highest paved highway in the United States, the Trail Ridge Road.

Denver is the hub of one of America’s most popular low-cost airlines, so it’s easy to get inexpensive flights there from destinations across the United States. Just make sure to pack lightly as the cost of luggage can quickly send your ticket price soaring!

8. Oahu, Hawaii

Although Hawaii may seem a little far for a last-minute vacation, you really can’t beat it when it comes to beach destination spots. From the swaying palm trees and cerulean water to the colorful coral that lies just off the coast of Oahu, there are plenty of opportunities for some fun in the sun. Meanwhile, history lovers won’t want to miss the memorial at Pearl Harbour or the touching remnants of Hawaii’s monarchy.

You can either base yourself in Honolulu and take a day or overnight trip out to the surrounding attractions, or you can rent a car and drive around the island to spend the night at different places along the way. This is probably the best option if you have a lot of time and want to see as much of Oahu as possible. While the initial outlay of cash may seem like a lot when you look at the prices of rental cars and gas, keep in mind that accommodations and food are very expensive in Hawaii, and having your own set of wheels can make some of the less touristy and less expensive parts of the island a bit more accessible.

9. Los Angeles, California

While the City of Angels may not be as angelic as the name suggests, it certainly is diverse with plenty of fascinating neighborhoods and attractions to check out during a last-minute trip. During your visit, you can spend a day at Disneyland or Universal Studios, check out the upscale neighborhoods of Beverly Hills and Bel Air, or head out to the beach towns of Manhattan Beach or Venice Beach to soak up the sun-loving vibe.                                                                           

One of the best things about visiting LA is how easy it is to get there. There are direct flights from most parts of the U.S. and you can easily include it in a longer California road trip. You can also hop on a train from San Francisco or San Diego and sit back and relax as you watch the world go by. When you’re looking at driving times, don’t forget to consider Los Angeles’ notoriously horrendous traffic as this can easily lead to hours and hours spent sitting in traffic jams if you don’t plan your day properly. If you are planning on sticking around the city, you may even want to leave the car behind and rely on public transport.  

10. Detroit, Michigan

Once one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S., Detroit fell on some hard times in recent decades. However, it has risen out of the ashes of the Rust Belt and is once again a vibrant city full of interesting things to do. The downtown area has some particularly impressive turn-of-the-century architecture while just outside of the city center, you can find a plethora of museums.  

Detroit is a wonderful last-minute destination for anyone with an interest in the industrial history of America or simply who wants to explore an up-and-coming city full of friendly people. Accommodation options are surprisingly limited so try to shop around for good deals or you may find yourself paying a small fortune for a place to stay. Flights can also be unexpectedly expensive so you may want to consider driving to Motor City!

11. Portland, Oregon

With a laid-back atmosphere and walkable downtown, Portland is the perfect antidote to massive cities like New York and Los Angeles. This makes it the perfect destination for someone looking for all the activities and attractions of a big city without many of the hassles associated with visiting them. The best place to start any trip to Portland is at Pioneer Square, the city’s de facto living room. This is where you can find the bulk of Portland’s food trucks, public events, and the beautiful Pioneer Courthouse, the second oldest state building west of the Mississippi River!

If you want to learn more about the city’s history, make sure to head over to Chinatown to see how this important community helped shaped Portland into what we know and love today.  Bibliophiles will also not want to miss a visit to Powell’s City of Books, one of the largest independent bookstores in the entire country. 

When it is time to burn off some of the calories that you consumed at the mouthwatering array of food trucks, you can head out to Mount Hood, Oregon’s highest mountain, or the Silver Falls State Park which features more than 9,000 acres of mountains, forests, and waterfalls. 

12. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago has fantastic architecture, a picturesque river, and is home to a great location right on Lake Michigan. What more could you ask for? How about we throw in tantalizing deep-dish pizza, great nightlife, and a slew of attractions? Centrally located in the Midwest, Chicago is a great last-minute vacation spot for people coming from both the West Coast and East Coast and everywhere in between.   

During your trip, you can take a boat ride along the river to learn more about the history of Chicago’s most iconic buildings, join a food tour to try some of the Windy City’s best bites, or simply roam around the streets of the Loop, Chicago’s downtown area.

Although accommodation in Chicago tends to be expensive, you can sometimes get some great last-minute deals on hotels, and depending on where you’re coming from, you may be able to get some surprisingly inexpensive flights.

13. Fredericksburg, Texas

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country near San Antonio and Austin, Fredericksburg lets you have a taste of German culture without having to leave the great state of Texas. The town offers its own German Marktplatz which is the location of the town’s annual Oktoberfest. Strangely, Fredericksburg is also home to the National Museum of the Pacific War where you can learn more about the battles of the Pacific theaters of World War II.

If you want to venture out a bit, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers some of the Hill Country’s most beautiful landscapes surrounding a 425-foot-tall pink granite dome. You can climb to the top of the dome to check out the sprawling countryside, and make sure to stay until it gets dark when the night sky twinkles with stars.

14. Miami, Florida

With sweeping Art Deco architecture, beautiful sandy beaches, and a jumping nightlife scene, it probably comes as no surprise that Miami is a great destination for a last-minute vacation. While people have been rushing to Miami Beach for decades to enjoy the city’s vibrancy, charm, and beaches, there is much more to this little corner of Florida.

During your visit, you can check out some of the ethnic neighborhoods to try authentic food, take Insta-worthy photos in front of the city’s iconic street art, or down a few craft beers at one of the many brewpubs that have popped up in recent years. Accommodation costs can really add up in Miami Beach, especially if you want to stay at one of the trendy beachfront hotels, but there are many low-cost accommodation options out there that include Airbnb and hostels.

15. New Orleans, Louisiana

From the lively French Quarter to the dignified Garden District, New Orleans is a city that wears its long history on its sleeve. The city has changed hands many times throughout its lifetime and you can see remnants of this everywhere you go. The French Quarter is full of Spanish and French colonial architecture, and here, jazz fans can find some of the best live music in the country. Meanwhile, the grandiose mansions of the Garden District give visitors a little peek into the lives of the rich and famous residents of New Orleans during its prime.

Out of everything that it has to offer, New Orleans is arguably the most famous for its Mardi Gras celebration. While it’s highly unlikely that you will find any great last-minute travel deals during this period, you can still get a taste of it by visiting the Mardi Gras Museum.  

16. Niagara Falls, Canada

Boasting one of the biggest and most voluminous waterfalls on the planet, Niagara Falls has been enthralling visitors for well over a century. Although it’s possible to visit the New York side of the falls, the Canadian side is arguably much more impressive and is well worth grabbing your passport for. Due to its proximity to cities like New York, Buffalo, Albany, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh, Niagara Falls is a lovely destination for a last-minute long weekend trip. 

17. The Dominican Republic

With all-inclusive resorts, a crumbling colonial city, and laid-back beach towns, the Dominican Republic is a pleasant surprise for any island-weary visitor who wants a bit more excitement than what you find at some of the other Caribbean islands. Many people start their journey in Punta Cana which is home to a lot of the country’s all-inclusive resorts, but you can also fly into Santo Domingo, a charming city with an interesting array of historical sites. 

There are frequent, inexpensive flights to Punta Cana from east coast cities. Private transport between destinations can be surprisingly expensive, but you can also take public transport between many of the most popular destinations. 

18. Mexico City, Mexico

Although many visitors flock to Mexico’s Caribbean coast to take advantage of the all-inclusive resorts, there are many other fantastic destinations you can visit that are full of culture, attractions, and, of course, fantastic food! Located just a short two to three-hour flight from many destinations across the U.S., Mexico City is one of the best places to visit to get a feel for 21st-century Mexico while still getting a taste of what colonial Mexico has to offer.  

With its wide boulevards, hipster-approved neighborhoods, and youthful ex-pat scene, you can easily spend a few days hopping between vegan taco shops, craft beer bars, and high-end boutiques after visiting its ancient Aztec temples and historic quarter. Despite its not-so-great reputation, Mexico City is an excellent last-minute vacation destination. Flights can get a little pricey depending on where you are coming from, but accommodations are inexpensive and food can be downright cheap which helps offset the slightly higher cost of getting there. 

19. London, England

Although most people wouldn’t consider a quick jaunt across the Atlantic to be a good “last-minute vacation destination,” this doesn’t mean that you can’t! London is just a six-hour flight from many east coast cities. Believe it or not, you can often find cheaper flights there than you can find to Houston! When you are there, take a stroll through Picadilly Circus, admire the elegant architecture and statues of Trafalgar Square, and check out the markets and boutiques of Notting Hill. You might also be able to squeeze in a West End show or down a few pints at a historic pub.

One of the great things about going to the UK is that many flights depart in the evening and arrive first thing in the morning the next day. This means that you’ll be flying through the night, which helps you save a night of accommodation and have the whole day ahead of you when you arrive! When you depart, you are likely to leave in the mid-afternoon or evening and then arrive back at home at night. Like most big European cities, accommodations tend to be very expensive, but there are hostels and guest houses where you can find an inexpensive, albeit basic, place to lay your head for the night.  

Ready to roam?

We hope that this guide for last-minute vacation ideas has left you inspired to pack up your bags for a spontaneous trip.

If you need more information on the destinations listed above, make sure to head over to our travel blog or download the Let’s Roam app . This app is full of great user-generated info that will help you plan the ultimate last-minute vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are looking to spend some time on the East Coast, New York is a fantastic destination for a last-minute vacation.

If you have the chance to plan a last-minute vacation, first pick a great destination . You can also plan a scavenger hunt to ensure you have something to do once you get there.

This depends on you! You can find more information on great destinations and local activities by downloading the Let’s Roam app .

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Discover some of the top last-minute vacation deals in 2024

Whether planning a spontaneous romantic break for 2 or an impromptu trip with the whole family, Expedia helps you effortlessly find last-minute vacation deals. Explore a wide selection of last-minute vacation packages and book your flights, accommodation, car rental, and activities in a few swift clicks. Discover cheap last-minute vacations in top destinations across the USA , from California to Florida , New York , Las Vegas , and more. Claim your spot in the sun with last-minute all-inclusive vacation deals on sun-soaked destinations like Mexico and Hawaii . Head over to Europe for a spot of tanning on the beach in Spain and Italy or get to know some of the world’s best ski domains in the Alps . 

Making last-minute vacation plans doesn’t need to be expensive. Expedia can help you find fantastic deals if you plan around 6 weeks ahead of departure and are flexible with your travel dates. You may even find incredible deals on last-minute vacations up to 1 week before you plan to travel if you are flexible with your destination. You may sometimes find large discounts on luxury vacation packages, from Caribbean cruises to beachfront villas, particularly when the destination you are searching for is out of season. From budget-friendly breaks to vacations that are all about pure indulgence, find it all and then some more with Expedia. 

Top destinations for last-minute vacations 

From the incredibly diverse landscapes and travel experiences of Europe to big city trips in New York and well-deserved breathers in sunny Florida, discover some of the top last-minute vacation packages with Expedia. 

Live the high life in Europe 

Head across the Atlantic to explore Europe, a destination that offers everything from the sun-kissed beaches of Spain and Croatia to peaceful Italian villages alive with local traditions and grand old cities like Paris, London , and Rome , where centuries of history are waiting to be uncovered. June to August is peak travel season across most of Europe, but you can often find cheap last-minute vacation packages in the months that bookend peak season. 

Experience the New York classics 

With its towering skyscrapers, world-famous monuments, and vibrant local culture, New York is an iconic destination like few others. Catch a hit Broadway musical, lose yourself among the crowds of Times Square, stroll through leafy Central Park, and grab a deliciously cheesy slice of New York pizza along the way. Christmas in New York is a particularly magical experience, with Christmas markets galore and streets shining bright with lights. 

Soak up the Florida sun 

Fantastic weather, beautiful beaches stretching as far as your eye can see, and world-class amusement parks: it must be Florida. The Sunshine State is a classic destination for last-minute beach vacations thanks to its easy-going atmosphere, fantastic accommodation options, and wide range of activities. A classic destination for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and couples who prefer to work on their tan with a cocktail at hand. 

Live out your California dream 

It is incredibly hard to run out of ideas in California. The Golden State is home to Los Angeles , San Francisco , Yosemite National Park , Lake Tahoe , and an incredibly vast array of seaside towns, beaches, and natural beauty. Enjoy a mix of classic attractions like a visit to Alcatraz Island or Disneyland and pair them up with off-the-beaten-path adventures such as wine tasting in Sonoma County or hikes on the Lost Coast. 

Top cheap last-minute vacation destinations 

You don’t always need to break the bank when booking last-minute vacations. If you are flexible with your travel dates and open to discovering new destinations, you can often find cheap travel deals. Mexico is a favorite for fans of cheap travel, and you can find plenty of hidden homegrown gems in the US, from quaint mountain towns to high-rolling entertainment meccas such as Las Vegas. 

Partake in the glitz of Las Vegas 

Las Vegas is famous the world over for dishing out all the fun, luxury, and extravagance that you can handle and then some more for good measure. Vegas caters to a wide range of crowds, from solo travelers on a party weekend packed with trips to clubs and casinos to subdued and budget-friendly family vacations, where enjoying good food and relaxing by the pool of your hotel are your top priorities. And with Death Valley National Park and the Grand Canyon just a short drive away, adventure seekers will also have plenty on their plates. 

Roam free across the USA 

The USA offers a wonderful range of last-minute vacations for travelers on a budget. Discover a new part of the country on a city break to Detroit , Phoenix , or Houston . Strap on your hiking boots and head off on an adventure in Yellowstone or Glacier National Park, or simply rent a car with Expedia and embark on the road trip of a lifetime as you drive the historic Route 66 that takes you all the way from Los Angeles to Chicago. 

Enjoy the unique charm of Mexico 

From the resorts of Cancun to the beachside villas of Tulum , Mexico is a favorite for travelers chasing budget-friendly sun, fun, and great food. Explore last-minute vacation packages in some of Mexico’s most famous coastal gems, from Playa del Carmen to Acapulco . Spice up your trip with a stay in Mexico City , one of the world’s most exciting capitals, where culture, history, authentic cuisine, and entertainment converge. 

Top last-minute all-inclusive destinations 

Not only are last-minute all-inclusive vacation deals convenient, but they can also be a great way to save money if you are open to traveling to destinations outside of the busier tourist seasons. Hawaii and the Caribbean are 2 incredible island getaways that continue to appeal to the distinguished traveler, while San Diego offers a different but just as wonderful a type of coastal haven experience.  

Get a taste of the good life in Hawaii 

With its pristine beaches, stunning tropical landscapes, and relaxed pace of life, the volcanic archipelago of Hawaii offers a unique island experience on US soil. Water sports and outdoor adventures are firm favorites on the island. Golfing is also popular, with more than 70 golf courses spread across the territory. Make the most of deals on last-minute all-inclusive vacations on seafront resorts for an unforgettable experience. 

Play it cool in the Caribbean 

From Aruba to Saint Martin , Jamaica , and Antigua , the Caribbean boasts some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches and resorts, where all-inclusive is typically the name of the game. Spend your days relaxing in style on the beach or sipping on cocktails from the fabulous vantage point of your hotel’s swim-up bar, before enjoying exciting evenings filled with delicious local cuisine and traditional entertainment. 

Get in on the fun in San Diego 

With miles of immaculate beaches, fantastic weather, and a wide range of family-friendly attractions, San Diego is deserving of its nickname of America’s Finest City. Explore last-minute all-inclusive vacation deals on the fantastic resorts and boutique hotels that line the coastline of the city and make the most of thrilling activities as diverse as whale watching in the Pacific Ocean, craft beer tasting in the hip bars of North Park, or visiting the world-famous Legoland . 

Everything you need to know about last-minute vacations 

When is it best to book last-minute vacations.

Prices for last-minute vacation packages are usually at their lowest between 8 and 4 weeks before you plan to travel. You may find extra discounts 1 or 2 weeks before your travel dates when hotels, airlines, and car rental companies are trying to book their remaining seats, rooms, or cars.

Is it cheaper to book last-minute vacations?

Being flexible with your dates and destination is often the key to finding great last-minute vacation deals. But even though prices may become lower in the weeks preceding your departure, it is usually cheaper to book your travel in advance, particularly if you are traveling outside of the US. And regardless of the time of the year, Expedia is your 1-stop shop for booking your entire vacation, from hotels to flights, car rental, activities, and more. Stay safe in the knowledge that your last-minute vacation package is covered by ATOL protection.

How can I find some of the best last-minute vacation deals?

Expedia has one of the widest selections of last-minute vacation deals at some of the best prices on the market. Use the filters to select your preferences and find the last-minute vacation packages that are right for you. Filter your search results according to price, hotel class, guest ratings, and more. For a vacation where convenience is your priority, search for properties that offer deals on last-minute all-inclusive vacations. Bundle your accommodation with flights, car rental, and more, and all you need to do when you arrive at the airport is sit back, relax, and let the fun begin.

What are some of the best destinations for last-minute vacations in the US?

Some of the best destinations for last-minute vacations in the US include the neon-lit strip of Las Vegas, the pristine beaches of San Diego, and the lively vacation hotspot of Florida with its world-famous amusement parks. And if you’re planning a romantic trip for 2, there aren’t many destinations that can beat New York.

What are some great destinations for last-minute weekend breaks?

A city trip is a fantastic option when you just have a weekend to spare. California is home to fantastic cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. San Francisco features stunning vistas, world-class museums, and iconic streets. In LA, it’s all about having fun on the beach during the day before hitting up a wide range of entertainment options in the evening, while hopefully rubbing shoulders with a famous actor or two. Expedia helps you find last-minute vacation packages for some of the most exciting cities in the US and around the world.

What are some of the best destinations for a last-minute all-inclusive vacation?

Nothing says all-inclusive vacation more than a luxury resort on a tropical island like Hawaii or one of the many Caribbean islands. Make the most of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fantastic weather, and let Expedia help you iron out the details when booking your upcoming last-minute beach vacation.

Where should I go for cheap last-minute vacations?

Mexico is home to incredible seaside resorts that are as stunning as they are friendly on your wallet. Explore a wide selection of cheap last-minute vacations in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Puerto Vallarta and prepare yourself for a fun and lively vacation where delicious food, stunning beaches, and vibrant local culture are the stars of the show. 

Can I book last-minute vacation packages with free cancellation and/or flexible dates?

You can find last-minute vacation packages that are covered by a free cancellation policy or that allow you to rebook your travel dates by adjusting your search filters to show accommodation and car rental where cancellations are permitted. When booking vacation packages that include flights, please make sure to check the cancellation policy of your airline before you book

Why should I book my last-minute vacation packages with Expedia?

Expedia is your 1-stop-shop for booking all the ingredients that make up your last-minute vacation package, from flights to accommodation, car rental, activities, and more. By booking all the elements of your vacation together, not only do you enjoy Expedia’s competitive prices, but you also unlock extra savings on the total cost of your vacation.

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The Best Sites and Apps for Finding Last-Minute Travel Deals

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Last-Minute Flight Deals

Google Flights

Google Flights is a search engine that gathers fares from other travel sites. According to CNET, it bests other travel search sites , due to the fact that it's super speedy (plug in your dates, departure, and arrival destinations, and flights pop up almost instantaneously). If you can be flexible, leave your destination blank and then scroll through the list of cities that pop up to find the cheapest flights for your upcoming dates.

Cheapoair.com

Cheapoair.com is all about discounted flights. Click on its "Last Minute Flights" tab to find the absolute cheapest rates (if you're interested, book it as soon as possible before it goes up!). A recent sweet deal was a roundtrip flight from Philadelphia to Orlando starting at $81 (2 weeks out from departure date). There's also a toll-free number to call to hear about unpublished fares.

Vayama.com focuses on international flights, and there are always good last-minute deals to be found right on the homepage, so you don't have to go clicking around. A recent search saw an American Airlines offer from New York to Casablanca, Morocco, starting at $676 (2 weeks out from departure date). Also, check out its "Trending Deals" section for the most up-to-date offerings.

Last-Minute Hotel Deals

HotelTonight

While this app lets you book up to a week in advance (or 100 days in advance for stays up to 14 nights), it's really geared to last-minute bookings, so if there's a hotel you've had your eye on, this is your chance to stay there at a reduced rate. Deals go live each day at noon, and there are thousands of hotels to choose from, including the Mondrian in Miami. Download for iTunes and Google Play .

Another last-minute hotel-booking app is One:Night, which lists its same-day offers starting at 3 p.m. Though operated by Standard International — the parent company behind Standard Hotels, which are listed already — it also has several other stylish hotels, such as New York's Gramercy Park Hotel and LA's Viceroy L’ermitage Beverly Hills. Download for iTunes and Google Play .

While this last-minute hotel-booking app got its start as a website in England in 1999, it now has access to more than 200,000 properties around the world (but it offers more U.K. hotels than anyone else, including places like London's Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton and the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton in Scotland). Download for iTunes and Google Play .

Last-Minute Travel Booking Site Deals

LastMinuteTravel.com

With a site called LastMinuteTravel , you can expect prime deals for spur-of-the-moment travelers. The site offers deals on everything from flights and hotels to car rentals and packages, so you're sure to find something. A recent search found a four-star Berlin hotel for $96 per night. Other sites to check out include LastMinute.com and GoLastMinute.com .

Priceline.com

Priceline basically offers one-stop shopping: Not only can you book your hotel room, but your flight, rental car, and cruise as well. It still has the "Name Your Own Price" feature for choosing hotels, which offers steep discounts (if you don't mind not knowing where you'll be staying until you book). Its app has app-only hotel deals, including super last-minute deals with its "Tonight Only" feature.

Expedia allows you to save big when you bundle a trip — meaning book your hotel and airfare together — and often has great last-minute prices, but for its most up-to-the-minute offerings, check the Unreal Deals tab. A recent search turned up a 4-night trip to Vegas, with a stay at The Palazzo tower (within the The Venetian), including airfare, from $605 per person (2 weeks out from departure date).

Last-Minute Vacation Package Deals

Gate 1 Travel

Gate 1 Travel has vacation packages to almost every corner of the world. It offers escorted travel packages, as well as independent trips. A recent independent vacation to Milan, featuring airfare, 4 nights of accommodations, and daily breakfast was going for $769 a month out. While there are always good deals on the site, you can also check its "Last Minute" section for the latest offerings.

CheapCaribbean.com

Who doesn't want to save money on a tropical getaway to the Caribbean or Mexico, perhaps places like Aruba and Cancun ? Find all the latest affordable last-minute deals under CheapCaribbean's "Nice Packages" tab — a recent offering for an all-inclusive resort on Mexico's Riviera Maya for 3 nights, including airfare, was going for $599 (down from $1,229) 2 weeks out.

Last-Minute Cruise Deals

CruiseCompete.com

If cruises are your thing — or even if you are a first-timer — you can get quotes from multiple travel agencies to get awesome last-minute deals through CruiseCompete.com . Check its Super Cruise Specials, where a recent deal included a 7-night Mediterranean cruise from Miami, starting at $445 (one month out). You can also get special deals, such as two-for-one cruises and select sailings where kids cruise free.

Under Cruise.com's Last Minute Cruises section (in the Cruise Deals section), you'll find lots of discounted sailings, including a 4-day Western Caribbean cruise from $279 per person departing from Miami, less than a week out. There was also a 4-day Bahamas cruise for $378 per person a month out.

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Best Websites to Book a Last Minute Vacation

Megan Johnson

Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.

Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two young children, and their dog, Indiana Bones (Indy).

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Sometimes you just need to getaway. If your wanderlust gets the best of you and the traveler inside is itching to hit the road, there are plenty of websites and apps out there to help—fast. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a full-blown vacation, these sites can help you find great last minute travel deals.

Best Websites for Last Minute Flights

Finding flights can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be! There are loads of ways to find cheap flights from your favorite airline, even if you are going away in the near future.

1. Google Flights

One fun way to find last minute flights is to plug your departure city and travel dates into Google Flights , leaving your destination blank. The resulting map shows you the lowest available prices to cities all over the world, letting you find deals in places you might not have ever thought to go.

Kayak’s Explore feature is a similar tool. You can enter exact travel dates or a certain month, then see which fares are available from your home gateway. 

3. Secret Flying

You can get alerts when fares go down when you sign up at Secret Flying , or, use their search tool to find great last minute deals on flights. Simply input your departure city, keep the arrival as “anywhere” and put the current month as the time you are looking to fly. Perfect for when you just want to get away, but you don’t care where to. Secret Flying also finds “mistake” fares, so be sure to sign up to get notifications so you can book them before they are gone! 

The 12 Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare

Where to Find Last Minute Hotel Deals

You’d think that every hotel would have cheap rooms last minute, but that isn’t always the case. These sites will help you find a room that won’t break the bank with a spur of the moment trip! 

1. Hotel Tonight

A perennial favorite app among SmarterTravel editors, HotelTonight has been finding travelers’ deep hotel discounts since 2010. The app allows travelers to book same-day accommodations across the globe at discounts of up to 50 percent. If you don’t want to leave things until the literal last minute, though, the app also lets you book dates a little further out. The well-designed booking engine serves up clever recommendations and insider info—plus those remarkable markdowns. Keep an eye out for the Daily Drop, the biggest discount of the day (which you only have 15 minutes to book).

The site is known for discounted restaurant meals, fitness classes, and beauty services also has a last minute deals section that typically includes discounted hotel and resort stays. On the day I checked, options ranged from a $69 hotel near Niagara Falls to a four-star Times Square hotel for $77 a night.

3. Trip.com

Trip.com is your basic hotel booking site, and is great for finding a last minute deal. While they feature hotels all around the world, it’s particularly great for deals on hotels in Asia, so when you grab an amazing last minute flight to somewhere in Asia, head to trip.com to book your hotel! 

4. Last Minute Travel

As its name suggests, Last Minute Travel is dedicated solely to last minute travel deals. This wide-ranging site offers bargains on hotels, car rentals, cruises, transfers, and activities. Their hotel deals are amazing.  In a sample search, I found top-rated hotels in Paris from just $54 per night for a trip about two weeks out. The site has a Last Minute Travel Club for deeper discounts and rewards points to use toward free hotel stays. Membership is $50 per year.

The 15 Best Hotel Booking Sites

Amazing Last Minute Vacation Packages

Sometimes, booking a vacation package is the cheapest way to go for last minute travel. These sites are the best for one-stop shopping.

1. Airfarewatchdog

SmarterTravel’s sister site Airfarewatchdog has a nifty Weekender tool that lets you find a flight/hotel vacation package for upcoming weekends, just click the link and let the site do the rest of the work. 

2. CheapCaribbean.com

If you have a specific destination in mind, your best bet is often to focus on a website that deals with one region specifically. CheapCaribbean.com has last minute deals , many of them short-lived flash sales. Though you can’t hem and haw about whether or not to go, you’ll often have plenty of time to plan. For example, a four-night air/hotel package to the Dominican Republic might start at $509 per person for travel four to six months from now—but it must be booked in the next four days.

3. FunJet Vacations 

Book your flight and hotel together at FunJet Vacations . If you have a place in mind, enter the dates you want to go and the destination, and it will give you the best flight and hotel deals available. Their sales are great if you are open to where you want to go, and often have dates for travel within the month. 

The 14 Best Vacation Rental Sites for Travelers

Affordable Last Minute All-Inclusive Deals

A vacation where everything is paid for in advance may seem a luxury to some people, but it is actually quite affordable. These sites will help you find the best all-inclusive deals, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the sun! 

1. Sandals Resorts

Sandals resorts has great deals for last minute travel. You often can get one night free, and when you start the booking process, have the option of booking your flight as well. You may even find availability for travel within the week. 

2. Club Med

When it comes to all-inclusive, Club Med usually comes to mind. Like Sandals, they often have fantastic last minute deals for when you are looking to book without much time to plan. Club Med has locations all over the world, including Mexico, Canada and all over the Caribbean – perfect for a cheap getaway.

3. Travelzoo

This venerable travel site offers last minute deals on just about everything, but their all-inclusive search is one of the best as far as the bigger sites go. When I searched, I found a package for an all-inclusive stay in Cabo, including airfare, for $739, for travel next week. 

Ditch the Hotel: 10 Cheaper Ways to Save

How to Find Great Deals on Last Minute Tours

If you prefer having an itinerary made for you, and, let’s face it, if you are taking a last minute trip, it might be nice to not have to plan the entire trip, there are some great sites to book a last minute tour on. 

1. TourRadar

Book a tour of your destination as well as accommodations through TourRadar . There are several ways to search, including destination, adventure styles (food & culinary, active adventure, health & wellness, etc.), and date. Search for tours for travel in the next two weeks, or multiple months in advance. 

2. G Adventures

From Iceland to Turkey, G Adventures has tours to inspire and excite. They have available dates for travel throughout the year, but most are available to book for tours within a week or two. They have themed tours like the Northern Lights in Iceland, and Hiking the Azores—whatever, wherever you want to go. I found a four-day hiking tour of the Inca Trail in Peru for $881 departing within the week.

3. Contiki 

Contiki has a wide variety of tours to choose from, and the site has a handy last minute trips option to find a tour when you need one. When I searched, there was an Egypt and the Nile tour for $1,772, starting in just four days from when I searched! Most tours include accommodation, meals, transportation, admission to sites, and tour guides. 

The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies

Popular Getaway Deal Destinations

You may think it is hard to find deals to some of the top destinations, but as we have been mentioning, there are several options out there, no matter where you are going. Here are some sites that will help you plan your next getaway to some of the top spots.

Europe Deals

Lastminute.com .

Netherlands-based LastMinute.com also covers a range of last minute trip options, including flights, hotels, Eurostar train tickets, vacation packages, car rentals, theater tickets, and experiences. A Paris search turned up several highly-rated hotel options at $75-$85 per night at press time. This site also allows you to filter by hotels that offer free cancellation, a great perk if your travel plans change last minute. LastMinute.com also has “top-secret hotels” available for opaque booking, though in my Paris search they were actually a bit more expensive than the named hotels in my results.

Caribbean Vacations

While we love Sandals, we also love their sister company, Beaches . Beaches features two resorts in Jamaica and one in Turks and Caicos. Their last minute travel deals are similar to Sandals, where you can get one free night, and are able to book with just a couple of days in advance. 

Trips to New York

Chances are, if you are heading to NYC, you are going to want to see a Broadway show. Your best option for great last minute seats is TKTS . Download the app for your phone to see that days discounted tickets, and you can decide whether it is worth making the trek to the booth. Beats running out early in the morning to wait in line, and you are sure to get some deeply discounted tickets. 

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Best Last Minute Travel Apps for Your Phone

Most people tend to do everything on their phones, from booking restaurants, reading the news, and of course, booking travel. These apps are our favorites for booking last minute travel.

Elude is more than an app, it is an experience for the well-seasoned traveler. Not only does it let you search trips from your departure city to anywhere in the world, it gets to know you so you’ll find out about the best deals catered to your interests. Keep tabs on your trips, where you’ve been and what you’ve done. Their search feature allows you to put what your budget is, and what dates you want to travel, then showing you details for trips that fall under your criteria. When I searched, I found a trip to Prague leaving from New York City in two weeks for $1374 including airfare and hotel. 

With Snaptravel , you can search for hotels conveniently on your phone. Once you sign up, you will receive exclusive deals over your message service of choice (SMS, Facebook Messenger, iMessage etc..). You can also do a simple search with the days you want to go, and where you want to go. You can filter by price, hotel stars, amenities and more. The perfect app for booking that last minute hotel anywhere in the world. 

Heading to the Airport? Use This Preflight Checklist

These days, vacation rentals are all the rage, and finding a last minute travel deal for accommodations can be tricky if you don’t want to break the bank. That’s where apps like VRBO come in. You can search rooms, apartments and houses available to rent wherever you are going. Often, owners who have had a cancellation or just want the place booked will discount the price last minute as to not totally lose out on making any money. You might just find a unique stay, like a treehouse or secluded cabin. 

Travelocity

Everything is better with time, and Travelocity is not excluded. Founded in 1996, they have adapted to the ever-changing tech world, and their app shows they are good at what they do. Search for hotels, vacation packages, flights—you name it—and all of your bookings will stay on the app for easy access. Looking for the perfect trip to Las Vegas last minute? Travelocity has your back.  When I searched for a trip to Vegas in two weeks, I found hotel and airfare for under $1,000 for a five night stay. 

Editor’s Note: All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated with the latest information. Genevieve S. Brown and Dara Continenza contributed to this story.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The 25 Best Websites and Apps to Find Last-Minute Travel Deals [2023]

Alex Miller

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With so many travel websites out there, it’s tough to know which ones are worth considering when searching for that last-minute travel deal. If you’re looking for a beach vacation , some websites bundle flights, accommodations, and a rental car or transfer into a package deal that can be cheaper than booking the components individually .

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute cruise that includes bonus onboard credit or a late availability small group tour with 20% off the standard price, you’ll be sure to bag yourself a great deal using these recommended websites and apps.

Best for Last-Minute Vacation Deals

Customers can book just about anything on the Expedia platform and mobile app, including vacation packages, flights , hotels , car hire , cruises , and excursions.

Sign up to the One Key rewards program to earn 1 OneKeyCash per dollar spent on hotels, flights, car rentals, and more. OneKeyCash can be redeemed for travel on Expedia as well as through Hotels.com and Vrbo.

Search for your vacation package by defining the destination, departure airport, and trip duration. You can filter your results using a variety of options such as guest rating, hotel amenities, and distance from downtown. Expedia displays Unreal Deals in the search results that are combined package savings equivalent to 1 night’s free accommodation .

Hot Tip:  Customers can book via the Expedia app to receive double reward points!

Pros and Cons of Expedia

• One Key Rewards Program
• Book your vacation package, rental car, and excursions all in 1 place
• Change and cancellation policies differ for individual hotels and airlines; check your small print before booking
• You might miss out on room upgrades by not booking directly

Hotel location is often one of the most important factors when booking a vacation, and Priceline has a great map   to see where the accommodation is located, as well as a pop-up telling you the hotel star rating, price, and customer rating for quick browsing.

If hotel inventory is low for a particular property, Priceline displays when there is 1 room remaining , to ensure you don’t miss out. You can stick with the lead-in package price if you’re happy with the room type and flight times, or you can customize your package with changes/additions (usually at a cost).

Priceline has Express Deals on hotels with up to 60% off for flexible travelers . These opaque deals don’t display the hotel brand until after you book, but you will know the star rating, guest rating, and the general area of the hotel.

Pros and Cons of Priceline

• Detailed map view for hotels
• Express Deals with up to 60% off accommodation
• No rewards program

Orbitz has several search options for vacation bundles, including combinations of flights , hotels , and car rental . From the main search box, you can specify whether you’re looking for direct flights or require accommodation for part of your trip.

Within your search results, you can filter by hotels that offer free cancellation, or by specific amenities such as a swimming pool or all-inclusive board. Register for Orbitz Rewards  and you’ll earn Orbucks to spend on hotel stays . 1 Orbuck can be redeemed for $1 and are earned on the following purchases:

• 1% on flights and packages
• 3% on hotels
• 5% on hotels booked via the Orbitz app

Pros and Cons of Orbitz

• Easy to book packages with or without car rental
• Orbitz Rewards Program
• Orbitz Rewards Program is not as generous as Expedia’s reward program for redemption value

Travelocity is another site where you can book everything together, or add-on elements, such as excursions, after you’ve booked. Travelocity searches over 400 airlines and 1 million properties worldwide to display the best deals for your vacation.

It’s quick and easy to register for a Travelocity account , and doing so will unlock an extra 10% off selected hotels . If you find a hotel, flight, cruise, or car rental at a lower price elsewhere, Travelocity will refund you the difference with its price match guarantee . This is up to 24 hours after you’ve booked for most travel components — for hotels, the price match is right up to the day before you’re due to arrive.

Pros and Cons of Travelocity

• Book everything in 1 place
• An extra 10% off hotels for Travelocity members
• Price match guarantee
• No loyalty program

Travelzoo is a travel aggregator that rounds-up the best deals from multiple websites and links you through to the appropriate website to book. As Travelzoo has a huge database, these deals have been negotiated specifically to promote to members and are time-limited.

Although you can search for deals departing on specific dates with Travelzoo, it pays to be flexible and let the deal dictate your dates. Head over to the Top 20 Deals page that changes weekly to reflect the very best offers tested and verified by the Travelzoo team.

Pros and Cons of Travelzoo

• Exclusive offers negotiated specifically for Travelzoo members
• Fully refundable deals available
• Limited-time offers and often only a set number available at the special deal price

Best for Last-Minute Flight Deals

Kayak is a metasearch engine, finding and returning flights that match your search criteria, without actually booking with Kayak. The best thing about Kayak is how many filters you can use to narrow your search , saving you time trawling through irrelevant results. Filter by direct flights only, carry-on or checked luggage, take-off or landing times, airline alliances, and much more.

Sign-up for Kayak Price Alerts to receive email notifications when prices change based on your search criteria.

Pros and Cons of Kayak

• Lots of filters to refine your search
• Booking direct with an airline so any frequent flyer points can be earned
• No loyalty program since bookings are not with Kayak

CheapOair is an online travel agent with bookings made directly with CheapOair. When searching for a flight, the results page tells you if a price is valid on a limited number of tickets to ensure you don’t miss out on that price.

The CheapOair rewards program gives members up to 20% off flights and up to 55% off hotels . For signing up, members receive 500 points and a further 500 points for their first booking. After you’ve booked once or spent $1,000, you’ll move to the Silver tier, where members earn 1 point per $1 spent. Gold and Platinum tiers provide higher point earnings. 1 point = 0.5 cents, so 200 points would be required to redeem $1 in travel credit.

Pros and Cons of CheapOair

• Rewards program with member discounts and reward point earnings
• CheapOair credit card available with 7 points earned per $1 spent
• Charges a booking fee (although occasionally has money-off promo codes for the fee)

Hot Tip: Download the award-winning CheapOair app and receive 2 points per $1 spent when booking through the app. 

Secret Flying is constantly on the lookout for pricing errors and super cheap flash sales , which it says saves its customers, on average, 90% on flights. If you’re flexible on dates and destinations, you’re in for a treat, but you can also bag a bargain on a set destination. Download the Secret Flying app and receive notifications with flight deals to your chosen city, country, or region.

Pros and Cons of Secret Flying

• Cheap airline error fares are often honored by the airlines
• Push notifications with flights matching your criteria
• Deals aren’t as helpful for travelers inflexible with destination or travel dates

Google Flights has a clean, simple interface and some handy tools to find cheap flight deals. If you’re flexible on destination and are just interested in the best deal, you can input your departure airport and use the map view to view prices around the world .

If you know your destination but are flexible on the date you travel, take a look at Google’s price graph that displays the cheapest and most expensive days to fly .

Pros and Cons of Google Flights

• Bookings are directed to the airline, so you can earn loyalty program points
• Price graphs to identify the cheapest travel dates
• Doesn’t always display the cheapest flights that might be available with a small online travel agent
• Occasionally displays a price that no longer exists

Hot Tip:  Check out our dedicated guide on how to use Google Flights to find cheap flight deals. 

AirfareWatchdog employs real people to scour thousands of sites for the best flight deals, including error fares . If you’re looking to jet off last minute, or are flexible with your date of travel , that’s when you can really bag a deal with AirfareWatchdog. Prices are also tracked over time, so you can be confident when AirfareWatchdog flags a great deal as it knows the best time to book.

Sign-up for airfare alerts and you’ll receive updates to your email inbox when flight prices increase or decrease .

Pros and Cons of AirfareWatchdog

• Real people search and flag the best flight deals
• Price alerts that help you decide the best time to book
• Only compares flights and hotel prices, so you’ll need to search elsewhere for car rental and excursions

Best for Last-Minute Accommodation Deals

Booking.com is the go-to accommodation booking site for millions of travelers, providing a seamless search and booking experience. Travelers can browse hotels, apartments, and other unique properties all over the world, with many offering free cancellation.

When you complete 2 stays within 2 years, you’ll automatically receive Genius level 1 status to benefit from 10% off selected properties. Members that complete 5 stays within 2 years will receive level 2 status, with up to 15% off, free breakfast, and free room upgrades with selected properties.

Pros and Cons of Booking.com

• Automatic enrollment in the Genius loyalty program
• Free cancellation is offered on many properties
• You won’t earn hotel loyalty points because you are not booking directly with the hotel

Last Minute Travel lives up to its name by providing excellent deals on last-minute hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises , and more. Flexible travelers will love the Undercover Hotels feature, where super low offers keep the hotel’s identity a secret until the booking is completed. You’ll know the hotel’s general location, star rating, guest review score, and board basis to help make your decision.

Join the Last Minute Travel Club to benefit from exclusive member-only deals and to earn points towards free travel . Membership is $50 per year, and if you don’t save the cost of your membership through your exclusive deals, you’ll receive a voucher to cover the difference.

Pros and Cons of Last Minute Travel

• Undercover Hotels provide up to 65% off, revealing the hotel name after booking
• Filter hotel results by Tripadvisor review scores
• $50 membership fee for the Last Minute Travel Club
• No map to search for hotels in a particular area

Hopper is a clever little app that predicts hotel and flight prices up to a year in advance with 95% accuracy . You could save up to 40% on your hotel by booking with the app. Hopper will send you push notifications about recent searches and alert you to price rises and increases for particular properties.

The color-coded calendar displays what dates have the cheapest rates using green, amber, and red highlighting. Once you’ve searched for a destination, you can choose to “watch” specific hotels to receive push notifications with hidden deals  that can’t be found anywhere else online.

Pros and Cons of Hopper App

• Intelligent predictions on the best time to book
• Hidden deals that are not available anywhere else
• You can’t contact Hopper’s customer service team by telephone — this must be done through the app

Hundreds of thousands of hotels, apartments, and holiday rentals are available to book on Hotels.com in over 200 countries and territories. You can book via its website or app and sign up to receive emails with secret prices for email subscribers only .

You can filter your search by the usual star rating, guest review rating, price, etc., but also by proximity to key landmarks or by accommodation theme, such as luxury, historic, and romantic.

Hotels.com participated in the One Key rewards program, which allows you to earn and use points on travel booked through Hotels.com, Expedia, and Vrbo.

Pros and Cons of Hotels.com

• Secret prices for email subscribers
• One Key rewards program

Tripadvisor might be your first port of call to check reviews for just about anything travel-related, but you can also search for hotel deals . When selecting your stay dates, Tripadvisor highlights the cheapest days in orange on the calendar, so you’ll know what days to avoid. Your search results can be filtered by your minimum and maximum budget, amenities, and distance from popular landmarks, in addition to many other options.

Alerts tell you if the price is a certain percentage lower than usual , so you’ll know whether you’re getting a good deal. As bookings are not made with Tripadvisor, your search results will tell you which website the deal is available with and displays comparison pricing against alternative websites.

Pros and Cons of Tripadvisor

• Color-coded calendar reflecting cheapest dates
• Alerts flagging if a specific price is cheaper than usual
• Prices displayed often don’t include taxes and fees

Best for Last-Minute Cruise Deals

Keep an eye on last-minute offers with CruiseDirect.com , where a cancellation may mean you can get your hands on a prime stateroom at a fantastic price . Check back regularly as prices fluctuate depending on how long is left before a cruise departs . Bonus inclusions and offers are displayed with little icons indicating free onboard spending, discounted shore excursions, or low deposits.

There are no booking fees with CruiseDirect.com, and the company has a price match guarantee if you find the same offer elsewhere.

Pros and Cons of CruiseDirect.com

• No booking fees
• Offers are generally not exclusive, so you could book them with any other cruise provider

Cruise.com gives customers access to special pricing and extras that can’t be booked anywhere else . Visit the Last Minute Cruises page and filter by cruise duration to see available deals, including cashback offers, onboard credit, and free gratuities.

If you know what cruise line you want to travel with, you can head straight to the individual deals page for the company, or if you know where you want to go or where you want to depart from, Cruise.com also features destination and port-specific deals pages. You can also register with Cruise.com to receive exclusive rates and discounts .

Pros and Cons of Cruise.com

• Dedicated last-minute cruise page with special offers
• Register with Cruise.com to receive exclusive rates and discounts
• The website is very busy and cluttered.
• No price guarantee is offered

CruisesOnly prides itself on its industry-leading expertise, with all agents having been professionally certified by each of the cruise lines. So you can bag yourself a last-minute deal while speaking to a cruise expert that can tell you which cruise liner will best suit your needs.

CruisesOnly has a price match guarantee , where it will refund you 110% of the difference if you find the same offer on another website. After your second booking, you can join the CruisesOnly Loyalty Club to receive free onboard credit or an Amazon gift card.

Pros and Cons of CruisesOnly

• Price match guarantee refunding 110% of the difference
• Loyalty program rewarding repeat customers
• The site can be very busy, making it hard to narrow down to the cruise you really want to take

Cruisewatch is a metasearch site that monitors over 25,000 cruise deals and holds pricing data from the last 5 years to analyze when the best time is to book . Take a look at the Cruise Price Drops page to see how pricing has fluctuated over the last 90 days and to check predictions on when to expect the best price.

When you’ve found the perfect deal, you have several options for how to book. Either click Book Now and you’ll be directed to a partner website to complete your booking, fill out the online booking form to be contacted by Cruisewatch, or call a customer service agent to book immediately.

Pros and Cons of Cruisewatch

• Analyzes historical pricing data to predict the best time to book
• Price alerts to keep up to date with price changes
• Confusing booking process with multiple options

Costco Travel is available to Costco members only, with membership costing $60 or $120 depending on whether you go for Gold Star or Executive level. Like Costco’s warehouse merchandise, only top quality cruises are promoted with Costco Travel, and Executive members benefit from an annual 2% reward with all travel purchases .

Some cruise offers include bonuses such as Costco Shop Cards or onboard credit .

Pros and Cons of Costco Travel

• Executive members benefit from a 2% annual reward on travel purchases
• Some offers include Costco Shop Cards or onboard credit
• Offers are only available to Costco members

Hot Tip:  To view more popular websites for booking cruises at the lowest price, check out our dedicated article .

Best for Last-Minute Tour Deals

Intrepid is a B Corp accredited tour company that considers its corporate social responsibility as much as its bottom line. It runs sustainable small group tours all over the world and caters to solo travelers with shared rooms to avoid single supplements .

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking to explore a new destination alongside your creature comforts, Intrepid has a tour to suit you. Itineraries and inclusions are clear on the tour page, and you can secure your place on the tour for 5 days until you’re ready to pay your deposit . Check out the Travel Deals page for discounted and last-minute offers.

Pros and Cons of Intrepid

• Shared room options for solo travelers to avoid single supplements
• Clear itineraries and inclusions with optional extras
• Some tours are combination trips, so your travel companions may change midway through a tour

Gate 1 Travel provides small and large group escorted tours to all 7 continents. Visit the Special Offers page to see flash sales, last-minute deals, and featured destinations with extra savings . It’s always fun sharing the experience with a friend, and existing Gate 1 Travel customers can refer a friend to both receive $50 off a future booking .

Tours come in a range of travel styles, including Value, Classic, Deluxe, and Express, so you can choose the tour that best suits your travel style.

Pros and Cons of Gate 1 Travel

• Dedicated page with flash sales and last-minute deals
• Refer a friend program
• Supplement applies for solo travelers

Trafalgar offers over 300 tours , ranging from sightseeing and safaris to family and solo travel. You could save up to 15% on last-minute trips or plan in advance for 10% off early bird bookings on selected trips . Tours are focused on seeing bucket list icons, connecting with locals, and staying in accommodation with local heritage.

Order a free brochure to start planning your trip or check out the great customer reviews .

Pros and Cons of Trafalgar

• Up to 15% off last-minute bookings
• Wide range of tours and a great customer review rating
• Optional tour extras, such as excursions, can be pricey

TourRadar is an online travel agent, so it’s a great place to compare prices between a variety of tour operators . Over 40,000 tours are featured online, including large providers such as Intrepid , Trafalgar , and G Adventures . Bookings are made directly with TourRadar, who have a 24/7 support team via phone, email, or online chat.

TourRadar offers last-minute deals, early bird offers , and a selection of tours that are buy 1 get 1 free . It doesn’t get much better than that!

Pros and Cons of TourRadar

• Last-minute deals and buy 1 get 1 free offers
• Bookings are not made directly with the tour operator, so you won’t benefit from any repeat customer deals

Contiki offers tours for travelers from 18 to 35 years old to 6 continents (just missing Antarctica to get the full house). Contiki strives to provide sustainable travel , protecting the local communities and wildlife that form part of its tours.

Discounted tours are featured on its deals page, and customers can be book confidently with the knowledge that they can change their booking up to 30 days before the departure and move their flexible deposit to another tour or date .

Pros and Cons of Contiki

• Free changes up until 30 days before your tour and a flexible deposit
• Great for solo travelers with room sharing
• Free onboard Wi-Fi is limited

The key to bagging yourself a fantastic last-minute deal is flexibility. If you know the destination you want to travel to and the exact date you want to depart, chances are your choice will be limited. Opaque hotel deals can save you money on your accommodation if you can handle not knowing the hotel brand until after you’ve booked.

Many online travel agents have loyalty programs, so in addition to your great last-minute offer, you can collect points towards free future travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best site for last-minute vacation deals.

Expedia, Priceline, Orbitz, Travelzoo, and Travelocity are great for finding last-minute vacation packages. Searching for a deal is easy and you can filter your results to the packages that suit your criteria.

Do last-minute holidays get cheaper?

Last-minute travel can often be cheaper as travel companies discount their inventory to fill spaces and cover operational costs. Sometimes, last-minute flights can be more expensive as seat prices increase depending on demand.

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Last-minute vacations in every state.

Planning a trip on the fly? These destinations boast numerous accommodations and plenty of things to do.

(Getty Images) |

From cities to national parks to beach towns, the U.S. is home to getaways for all types of travelers.

Alabama: Gulf Shores

Alaska: Skagway

Arizona: Sedona

(Courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism) |

Arkansas: DeGray Lake Resort State Park

California: San Diego

Colorado: Beaver Creek

Connecticut: Hartford

Delaware: Wilmington

Florida: Sarasota

Georgia: Tybee Island

Hawaii: Honolulu

Idaho: Sun Valley

Illinois: Chicago

(Courtesy of Holiday World) |

Indiana: Santa Claus

Iowa: Okoboji

Kansas: Kansas City

Kentucky: Bowling Green

Louisiana: New Orleans

Maine: Kennebunkport

Maryland: Ocean City

Massachusetts: Plum Island

Michigan: Traverse City

Minnesota: Minneapolis and St. Paul

Mississippi: Biloxi

Missouri: Branson

Montana: Bozeman

Nebraska: Omaha

Nevada: Las Vegas

New Hampshire: Portsmouth

New Jersey: Ocean Grove

New Mexico: Los Alamos

New York: Niagara Falls

North Carolina: Asheville

North Dakota: Devils Lake

Ohio: Hocking Hills

Oklahoma: Blackwell

Oregon: Portland

Pennsylvania: Pocono Mountains

Rhode Island: Newport County

South Carolina: Myrtle Beach

South Dakota: Black Hills

Tennessee: Nashville

Texas: Uvalde County

Utah: Park City

Vermont: Burlington

Virginia: Virginia Beach

Washington: Spokane

West Virginia: Harpers Ferry

(Courtesy of Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau) |

Wisconsin: Wisconsin Dells

Wyoming: Cheyenne

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

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8 easy ways to make a last-minute vacation happen

by Jason Heidemann & Martina Sheehan | Jul 15, 2021 | 1 comment

Note:  All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips. 

You’re tired of traffic, over your inbox, and sick of staring an empty fridge. A last-minute getaway sounds amazing right about now, but you could never make it happen. Or could you? If you’re the kind of traveler who thinks planning a spur-of-the-moment escape is more stressful than leading a choppy Zoom meeting, we’re here to tell you it can be a cinch! Follow these tips for making a last-minute vacation dream a reality.

RELATED: Packing tips for families, from families

Take a road trip

One of the best parts of road tripping has always been the flexibility—you leave when you want to leave, you stop as much you want along the way, and you come home when you’re ready. If you don’t have much time to plan and book a plane ticket months in advance, a road trip will be a great way to get away without spending a fortune. You’ll find great deals on rentals right here on Travelocity.com , plus you can add to your savings by using a gas-price app like GasBuddy .

Pounce on low-cost flights

Ever notice how certain cities almost always have fantastic airfare deals, even at the last minute? Orlando and Las Vegas are two that come to mind, and we think they’re both great options for last-minute getaways. Be sure to sign up for Travelocity deals emails so that you’ll always be the first to know about last-minute fares, or keep checking our Flights Under $200  deals.

Visit a city instead

No matter the time of year, many folks make a beeline for beaches and National Parks. But thanks to pent-up demand, many National Parks now require reservations well in advance. Similarly, it might be difficult to secure a reasonably-priced. hotel or condo that’s right on the beach at the eleventh hour. Meanwhile, many cities empty out in summer and on holiday weekends as locals head to the hinterlands, making it a perfect time to secure a good deal and check out a new attraction. New York City, for example, just unveiled Little Island, an urban park floating in the Hudson River while Chicago gave its Willis Tower Skydeck a multi-million dollar facelift. And if you don’t think cities offer quality beaches, head to the Chicago lakefront or to the Rockaways in NYC and prepare to be amazed.

Look for Last Minute Deals on Travelocity

We understand that you can’t always plan ahead, so Travelocity runs regular Last Minute Deals on flights and hotels. Sign up for Travelocity emails so you’re always in the know, or check back regularly on our Last Minute Deals page.

Visit friends or family in their home city

Catching up with friends and family is always a treat, but the secret bonus is that when you visit loved ones, you hardly have to do any of the research or planning. Because your friends and family are locals, they’ll know exactly where to go, what to do, and where to eat. Heck, they’ll probably even be happy to drive you around, too.

Book a hotel locally

By now you’ve heard the term “staycation” so often you probably never need to hear it again. But you’ve probably also been told that a staycation means literally staying home and tending to your garden or putting together a puzzle. How about a staycation where you book a posh hotel or resort close to home and spend a weekend visiting new restaurants in your metro area and checking out museums and cultural attractions you frequently recommend to visitors, but have never actually tried yourself? In the same way that the simple task of rearranging a couple pieces of living room furniture can completely shake up your home, playing tourist in your own town offers a great way to see your city with fresh eyes.

Leave on a Saturday (and come back on a Tuesday)

It makes sense that a last-weekend getaway might be something short and sweet like a weekend trip. Of course, that’s what everybody does. The loophole in beating costly Friday and Sunday airfares is to leave on a Saturday and return on a Monday. Flights are cheaper on Saturday and this way you can kick back and relax on Friday without having to make a rush hour run to the airport. An even better idea is to return on a Tuesday when flights are similarly cheaper. Sure, this means extending your trip by a day and incurring an extra night’s hotel cost, but imagine all you can do with an extra day free of other tourists, plus how quickly you’ll breeze through security at an empty airport.

Pay up front

Remember how we said road trips are a great last-minute travel idea? Well, the most cost-effective way to take one is to pay for your rental car up front. The vast majority of rental cars available through Travelocity are 100% refundable, but if you’re looking to save money, you will notice that top search results include a non-refundable “pay now and save option.” While this may not make sense for a vacation that requires flexibility, it is an ideal option for last-minute travelers who are ready to fully commit and looking to save money along the way. Plus, paying in advance means less money you have to shell out during the trip itself. Think about how good that will feel!

• Latest Posts

Jason Heidemann & Martina Sheehan

Latest posts by jason heidemann & martina sheehan ( see all ).

• 8 easy ways to make a last-minute vacation happen - July 15, 2021
• Need a sabbatical? How to plan an extended stay away - April 12, 2021
• 8 ways to ease back into travel—when the time comes - May 12, 2020

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Fall is around the corner, but there’s still time to take the kids somewhere special..

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Arty Laguna Beach in Southern California is perfect for fun-filled beach days.

Photo by lulejt / Shutterstock

Summer is in full swing and it’ll be gone in the blink of an eye. Make the most of these long days and balmy nights by taking the kids to one of these nine special family-friendly places in the United States.

Laguna Beach, CA

With scenic beaches and a longstanding arts heritage, this sunny SoCal beach town makes for a fun family getaway. Hike the El Moro Canyon Loop trail at Crystal Cove State Park; explore tidepools at Treasure Island Beach; or wander about Laguna’s compact downtown, chock full of cafés, boutiques, and art galleries.

Where to stay: The oceanfront 258-room Montage Laguna Beach, which got a refresh in 2019, is a family favorite with connecting room, suite, and villa configurations. Nearby, the ecominded Ranch at Laguna Beach is tucked into the canyons but still close to the beach. Book one of the Ranch’s two-story, two-bedroom cottages.

Stay at the Montage: from $1,421/night, expedia.com ; stay at the Ranch at Laguna Beach: from $525/night, expedia.com

Finger Lakes, NY

Formed by glaciers millions of years ago, New York’s Finger Lakes are simply gorgeous during the summer months. Choose from dozens of waterfall hikes, spend the day on the water (sailing, kayaking, or paddleboarding) and finish with afternoon winetasting (grape juice for the kids). For a dose of history and culture, pay a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass or Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls.

Where to stay: Book the Premium Lake Double Queen at the 124-room Lake House on Canandaigua, which opened last year. Or consider Seneca Sol’s glamping tents tucked into 25 acres of forest.

Stay at the Lake House on Canandaigua: from $357/night, expedia.com ; stay at the Seneca Sol: from $537/night, senecasol.com

Santa Fe, NM

Historic and artsy, this high desert town is more family-friendly than most would think. Hit the revitalized Railyard district, the site of Santa Fe’s lively farmers’ market and breweries; stop by the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum with some colored pencils and notebook to inspire your young artist; and drink cinnamon and chili-laced chocolate at Kakawa Chocolate House. Don’t miss an excursion to the slot canyon at Tented Rocks, too.

Where to stay: Walkable to the city’s downtown plaza, adobe-style La Posada de Santa Fe has a central location, but it still boasts exceedingly spacious rooms, a pool, and several restaurants. For more of a secluded resort, check into Auberge’s 100-room Bishop’s Lodge, set on 317 acres.

Stay at La Posada de Santa Fe: from $324/night, expedia.com ; stay at Bishop’s Lodge: from $1,039/night, aubergeresorts.com

Edutainment options abound in Denver.

Photo by Kit Leong / Shutterstock

With its outdoorsy and casual vibe, it’s hard to go wrong with a family visit to any part of Colorado. Start in Denver and road-trip from there: Both Colorado Springs and Vail are under a two-hour drive. See dinosaur bones at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science; run and jump on the outdoor play structure at the awesome Children’s Museum; and spot marmots in Rocky Mountain National Park before moving further into the surrounding mountains.

Where to stay: With floor-to-ceiling windows, marble baths, and pine paneling, Kimpton Born has a modern aesthetic, but also takes cues from Denver’s natural surroundings. The legendary 784-room Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs needs no introduction. Or for more space, consider one of Turnkey Rentals ’ 470 vacation homes throughout the state.

Stay at the Kimpton Born: from $358/night, expedia.com ; stay at the Broadmoor: from $428/night, e xpedia.com

Oregon Coast

Everyone knows about Portland, but what about the seaside towns along the Oregon Coast ? Sleepy coastal towns such as Seaside, Manzanita, Cannon Beach, Gleneden Beach, Coos Bay, and Bandon dot Oregon’s 363-mile coastline with dramatic, jagged rocks in the distance. Comb beaches for sea glass, hike several rugged cliffside state parks, and watch for whales and seals. If time allows, tack on a few days in Bend and at Crater Lake National Park.

Where to stay: Options include the 205-room Salishan Coastal Lodge, which boasts an on-site zipline, tennis courts, and a golf course, and the newish Bay Point Landing in Coos Bay, a glamping-style resort with Airsteams and minimalist cabins.

Stay at the Salishan Coastal Lodge: from $381/night, expedia.com ; stay at Bay Point Landing: from $149/night, expedia.com

White Mountains, NH

Explore hiking trails, enjoy tubing down lazy rivers, and drive the 34-mile Kancamagus Highway in northern New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Don’t miss the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in Kinsman Notch, a one-mile boardwalk through a striking gorge with caves to explore along the way. Kids will love panning for gemstones too.

Where to stay: At the base of Mount Washington, the recently opened 68-room Glen House is big news for the area. With its own indoor water park and sprawling rooms, the Red Jacket Mountain View resort, in North Conway, is also a family favorite.

Stay at the Glen House: from $267/night, expedia.com ; stay at the Red Jacket Mountain View: from $371/night, expedia.com

Big trees are better than small screens.

Photo by My Good Images / Shutterstock

Humboldt County, CA

Marvel at towering redwoods in one of California’s northernmost counties. Families will enjoy driving through a tree along the 31-mile Avenue of the Giants, hiking in Prairie Creek State Park, and spotting Roosevelt elk. At Sequoia Park Zoo, in the coastal town of Eureka, walk 100 feet above the forest floor along its newly opened Sky Walk. Don’t miss the red pandas either!

Where to stay: Within walking distance of Eureka’s old town, the charming Carter House Inns is a perfect base for exploring the area. Or consider a rental through Trinidad Retreats.

Stay at Carter House Inns: from $235/night, expedia.com

Asheville, NC & Blue Ridge Mountains

In western North Carolina, Asheville wins for its laid-back vibe, charming downtown, and arts and music scene. And with the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in its backyard, Asheville is a choice base for exploring the surrounding nature. Or take a day trip to the small town of Black Mountain, with its vibrant Main Street lined with breweries, cafés, and bookstores.

Where to stay: A former bank turned boutique hotel, the 128-room Kimpton Hotel Arras is a newer arrival to Asheville’s hotel scene. For some more space and a fully equipped kitchen, Asheville Cottages ’ 16 vacation rentals are a great option.

Stay at the Kimpton Hotel Arras: from $284/night, expedia.com

Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN

With fantastic museums, bookstores, gardens (don’t miss the Walker Art Center), parks, and lakes, the Twin Cities come alive during the summer. Ride around town on bikes from Wheel Fun Rentals , or make a day of exploring 53-foot Minnehaha Falls. (Take provisions from one of the city’s farmers’ markets along for a picnic.)

Where to stay: In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the 251-room Loews is right next to the light rail. The hotel also offers everything from a discovery kit for kids to baby proofing services. Or for family-friendly rentals, search Minnestay , a premier vacation rental company.

Stay at the Loews: from $162/night, expedia.com

>> Next: Hotels With Truly Genius Kids’ Amenities

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

• Destinations

31 Last Minute Weekend Getaways & Cheap Vacations

Last Updated By VI on February 5, 2024 in Weekend Getaways

Weekend Getaways - East Coast

Last minute vacations - west coast, last minute trips & weekend getaways for couples - midwest, more cheap vacations & weekend getaway ideas.

• Complete List & Map

Head to Florida , famous for its sandy beaches and warm weather, visit the parks in North Carolina and enjoy the beaches of South Carolina .

The state of Oregon , offering many cheap vacations, is home to beautiful beaches and unique towns and cities , including Eugene , Seaside , Astoria , and other romantic spots . For more last minute travel deals and getaways near me, look at Washington State which is well known for its islands, wineries and pristine nature.

Last minute travel deals usually include room specials, unique amenities like free massages, or free dining credit.

Plan a romantic trip to the Southwest , whether you enjoy golf, shopping or art on your weekend trips. Sometimes you can find great last minute deals on flights to Hawaii, letting you experience magical Oahu , Kauai or the Big Island at a fraction of the coast. Keep reading for more getaways near me.

Fun Family Weekend Getaways

On a sunny day, take the whole family to scenic spot and take that perfect Christmas card photo, followed by a lunch at one of the local eateries tasting new cuisine. In the evening, see a famous musical, opera, concert or a theatre performance after a fun family dinner. Keep reading for more fun weekend getaways and last minute vacation packages.

Quick Getaways: Jacksonville

This is also the place for an incredible urban dining experience. Find Things to Do in Jacksonville or keep reading for more cheap weekend getaways.

Fun Weekend Getaways: Palm Springs

Lucky last minute getaways could coincide with Palm Springs International Film Festival or Coachella Valley Music Festival. Keep reading for more inexpensive vacations and cheap weekend getaways for couples. Things to Do in Palm Springs

Places to go near me: Columbia, MO Getaway

Keep reading for more cheap vacations, last minute vacation packages and weekend getaways for couples near me. Things to Do in Columbia

Inexpensive Vacations: Greenville, SC

Nature tours explore the wilderness of Jocassee Gorge, Lake, and waterfalls, a Saturday sunset cruise on Jocassee Lake, and an adventure tour of Lake Jocassee’s wild rivers, swimming holes, and waterfalls. Other impromptu must-do activities include exploring nights outsuggestions like dueling pianos at Jack n’ Diane’s, or comedy dinner theater at Café and Then Some. Find Things to Do in Greenville or continue reading for more cheap weekend getaways for couples.

Last Minute Vacation Deals: Cincinnati Getaway

More things to do in: Alabama , Alaska , Arizona , Arkansas , California , Colorado

Fort Lauderdale Getaway Deals

More things to do in: Connecticut , Delaware , Florida , Georgia , Hawaii , Idaho , Illinois

Cheap Vacations This Weekend: Nashville

More things to do in: Indiana , Iowa , Kansas , Kentucky , Louisiana , Maine , Maryland

Places to go near me: Phoenix Last Minute Getaways

More things to do in: Massachusetts , Michigan , Minnesota , Mississippi , Missouri , Montana

Great Pittsburgh Last Minute Vacations

More things to do in: Nebraska , Nevada , New Hampshire , New Jersey , New Mexico , New York

Fun Weekend Getaways: Fire Island

More things to do in: Upstate New York , North Carolina , North Dakota , Ohio , Oklahoma , Oregon

More things to do in: Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , South Carolina , South Dakota , Tennessee , Texas

Fredericksburg

More things to do in: Utah , Vermont , Wisconsin

Cheap Vacation Last Minute: Taos, NM

More things to do in: Wyoming , Virginia , Washington

Vacation Spots Near Me: Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a top New England destination for couples booking a last minute getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts can jump right in biking, hiking, or riding horseback along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. The 22-mile paved trail connects to many of the island’s natural highlights, including Cape Cod National Seashore at trail’s end. The Marconi portion of the 40-mile coast has spectacular sand cliffs and epic views. Much of the coastline is pristine beaches. History buffs should make their way to Provincetown where they’ll find the Pilgrim Monument commemorating the site of the Mayflower landing.Cape Playhouse in Dennis is the country’s oldest summer theater, perfect for a night out. Things to Do in Cape Cod

Couples looking for a last minute getaway in Sacramento could spend their entire time on the Delta King Riverboat, permanently moored on Sacramento’s Riverfront, or use it as their base of exploration. Couples who dig street art can use a Sacramento Mural Map on their tablets or smartphones and peruse all 685+ of the city’s murals with Instagram links to 80% of them. Couples looking for a relaxing stroll should head to Discovery Park where they can also play Frisbee, fish, and bike. There’s no shortage of incredible restaurants in Sacramento. Foodies could eat somewhere new at every meal and never be disappointed. Keep reading for more getaway deals. Things to Do in Sacramento

Last Minute Weekend in Panama City Beach

Eco-conscious couples will appreciate St. Andrews State Park, and Panama City Beach Conservation Park.Dining and shopping enthusiasts will love the oceanfront Pier Park. Things to Do in Panama City Beach

Albuquerque Last Minute Travel

Albuquerque is the hot air ballooning capital of the world, so couples opting for this last minute getaway will want to take advantage of that fun fact. Located in New Mexico’s high desert, there are a host of other outdoor activities too. Couples can hike the Sandia Mountains, bike the popular Paseo del Bosque Trail, or grab a seat on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. Historic Old Town and Historic Nob Hill are must-see neighborhoods for couples wanting to explore the history and culture of Albuquerque. A visit to Acoma Pueblo and Sky City Cultural Center will offer traveling couples insights into pueblo culture. Couples who are kids at heart will have a blast with the Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Keep reading for more cheap vacations. Things to Do in Albuquerque

Portland Last Minute Vacations

Couples looking for a little romance on a last minute getaway to Portland, Maine, may want to explore Casco Bay, which offers an array of fun things to do like exploring the art scene, kayaking, biking, or taking the ferry to Peaks Island, known as the Coney Island of Maine. Other outdoor experiences include touring the city’s six lighthouses, taking a tour devoted to Portland’s maritime history, orlobstering with Lucky Catch Cruises.Old Port provides couples with a quaint, yet upscale shopping and dining experience. For a quirky way to spend some time, couples can make the 12 minute ride to Scarborough to visit Lenny, the 1,700 pound chocolate moose at Len Libby Chocolatier. Find Things to Do in Portland, Maine or keep reading for more last minute getaways.

Lenox Last Minute Travel

Lenox, Massachusetts, is a thriving New England town that serves as the gateway to the Berkshires . It’s the perfect last minute getaway for couples who appreciate nature and history. Couples can commune with nature and each other walking or biking the trails of Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. During summer, the Boston Symphony Orchestra makes its home in Tanglewood, which includes Lenox. Historic downtown Lenox is a quaint, walkable village with a few architectural landmarks like the Lenox Library. The village food scene thrives on locally grown farm-to-table fare.Fall provides an explosion of color during peak fall foliage in October, and winter skiing abounds on local downhill resorts. Keep reading for more last minute travel deals and weekend breaks.

Last Minute Romantic Weekend in Harrisonburg, VA

Harrisonburg affectionately referred to as both “The Friendly City” and “Rocktown,” is a vibrant, diverse, and contemporary city featuring a passion for libations and delicious local food. It is also a cutting-edge culture and arts town with historic roots. The stunning Shenandoah landscape, remarkable mountain ranges, and wide array of outdoor recreational spaces are some of the biggest draws for couples and nature enthusiasts. It is also home to Virginia’s first recognized Arts and Cultural, and Culinary Districts, a 40-block area filled with architecture, views, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. Top attractions include the Valley Turnpike Museum, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, and the Hillandale Park.

More in Miami Package

Honeymoon package in the seychelles, family getaway package at the houstonian, full day spa package in pennsylvania, in-room spa package in oxford, md, midweek package in cape may, nj, island babymoon package, artful miami package, the breakers palm beach package, water park ideas, tips for travelers.

• From Los Angeles - cheap vacation ideas : Plan a last minute weekend getaway from the city to relax, unwind and reconnect with your friends and family in a beautiful setting. Shutters on the Beach is an oceanfront weekend getaway from LA, set on a sandy beach in Santa Monica. Santa Monica is a Southern California vacation destination offering visitors numerous activities, shops and restaurants. Bike paths let you explore the area by bike, there are many concerts and theater. Couples can visit galleries or head to a nightclub. The Huntley Hotel , also in Santa Monica, offers luxury amenities such as private chauffeur service in an exclusive Maserati QuattroPorte. If you are looking for last minute weekend getaways in Monterey, Hyatt Regency Monterey offers renovated guest rooms and a new spa. Monterey offers shopping, wine tasting, surfing lessons and golf. Cannery Row is features a collections of shops, local artists' galleries, restaurants and attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium. You can rent a bike and follow the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail to explore the town. Monterey is about 6 hours from Los Angeles. If you are taking the scenic Highway 1 through Big Sur, the trip usually takes an additional hour. San Ysidro Ranch has 41 individually-decorated cottages set on 500 acres, ideal for romantic walks and plenty of privacy. Get a taste or Europe on your vacation at Les Mars Hotel in Sonoma. The hotel offers Swiss-trained staff and 16 guest accommodations decorated with 18th century antiques.
• From New York City : Last minute weekend getaways from New York include romantic inns, full-service resorts with spas, beach getaways and more. Elm Court is a romantic historic getaway in Lenox where you can book a suite with a whirlpool and a fireplace. Berkshire County in Western Massachusetts is a famous fall foliage weekend getaway where you can go apple picking, take a scenic drive or rent a canoe. Or take advantage of the Berkshires 4 Theatre Collaborative designed to make theatre more affordable for residents of and visitors to the Berkshires to see two or more different plays in the area. Shakespeare & Company, based in Lenox, offers a number of different performances year round. The White Elephant Hotel on Nantucket is a weekend getaway with a spa, ocean views and a gourmet restaurant. Plan a last minute vacation in the off season and enjoy this charming island without the summer crowds. Visit the lighthouses, take photos on one of the beaches and try local beer at Cisco Brewers. The Daffodil Festival in April features 3 million bright yellow blooms. In the winter, enjoy Nantucket Noel and the Christmas Stroll. Wequassett Inn Resort & Golf Club overlooks the ocean in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, offering stylish oceanview accommodations and golf privileges at Cape Cod National Golf Club. Or plan a last minute weekend getaway to A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay which has just nine guest bedrooms.
• 1. Weekend Getaways - East Coast
• 2. Last Minute Vacations - West Coast
• 3. Last Minute Trips & Weekend Getaways for Couples - Midwest
• 4. More Cheap Vacations & Weekend Getaway Ideas
• 5. Fun Family Weekend Getaways
• 6. Quick Getaways: Jacksonville
• 7. Fun Weekend Getaways: Palm Springs
• 8. Places to go near me: Columbia, MO Getaway
• 9. Inexpensive Vacations: Greenville, SC
• 10. Last Minute Vacation Deals: Cincinnati Getaway
• 11. Fort Lauderdale Getaway Deals
• 12. Cheap Vacations This Weekend: Nashville
• 13. Places to go near me: Phoenix Last Minute Getaways
• 14. Great Pittsburgh Last Minute Vacations
• 15. Fun Weekend Getaways: Fire Island
• 16. Asheville
• 17. Fredericksburg
• 18. Cheap Vacation Last Minute: Taos, NM
• 19. Vacation Spots Near Me: Cape Cod
• 20. Sacramento
• 21. Last Minute Weekend in Panama City Beach
• 22. Albuquerque Last Minute Travel
• 23. Portland Last Minute Vacations
• 24. Lenox Last Minute Travel
• 25. Last Minute Romantic Weekend in Harrisonburg, VA

Many vacationers decide to plan their trip last minute and there is a great selection of destinations and cheap weekend getaways and vacation ideas to choose from. Look for getaway deals nearby to save time and money - last minute travel is one of the best ways to get a great deal. Although last minute booking can mean less choice in the type of accommodations and activities, it can be a great way to book cheap vacations.

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Cheap Moscow Vacation Packages

You’re on the hunt for a steal of a deal on your Moscow vacation package. You’ve got your list of things you want, and you’re checking it twice: a ballin’ (on a budget) Moscow hotel, a champagne poppin’ flight (for a knock-off beer price), and maybe even a super-nice car rental (for a borrowed bike fee).

Think it’s all just a dream? Not when you book your Moscow vacation deal with Hotwire.

Are you for real with these vacation package deals

Daydreaming is even better when wildly good deals become your reality. Scoring hotel and flight deals to Moscow for a price that works with your budget is realer than real when you book your package with Hotwire. Ready to get all of your wildest dreams fulfilled (for way less than you expected)? Don’t sleep on these Hotwire deals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vacation Packages

How much is a vacation to moscow.

When you want to book the very best Moscow getaway, but you aren’t looking to empty your bank account on planning your trip, cheap vacation packages are the way to go. You can jump into an incredible vacay to Moscow for as low as  and keep your cash for the necessities—like the dreamiest fun times in town.

When is the best time to book a vacation package to Moscow?

Looking to save some extra cash on your Moscow vacation? Try going on your getaway in , which is the off-season, and avoid the most popular time to vacation in the month of . Want to get away now-ish and still save? Book a last-minute vacation package with a Hot Rate hotel deal. You could save up to 60% off on your hotel versus booking a listed rate two weeks earlier.

How to get the best vacation package deals to Moscow?

If scoring the very best deal on your Moscow vacation is at the top of your to-do list, book your package with Hotwire and prepare to get way more bang for your buck.

What is the cheapest day to book a vacation package?

Reserving a Moscow vacation package on a Tuesday is the cheapest day to book, or you can save more any day on Hotwire, with packages as low as .

Can I vacation in Moscow right now?

With recent COVID-19 closures and reopenings, many people are wondering, “Is it safe to travel to Moscow right now?” When it’s time to book your vacation package, be sure to check out the most up-to-date information on all safety measures, any restrictions, and  guidance on traveling during the coronavirus  pandemic.

What does Hotwire Moscow travel package include?

When you book a package deal on Hotwire, you can expect a Moscow vacation package with airfare and hotel. Want a rental car too? No biggie‚ you can add it to your package. Everything you need for an amazing trip? Check.

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Book your Moscow Vacation

6 Last-Minute Travel Tips for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

I n less than a month, people will look to the sky as the moon passes between the sun and the Earth in a celestial event known as a total solar eclipse . The phenomenon is set for April 8, 2024, and the next one that can be seen from contiguous United States will be August 2044 , so it's unsurprising that eclipse fever has gripped the nation. Between 1 and 4 million people are predicted to travel to the path of totality, joining the 31 million people already living within it.

Among the tours, cruises, hotels, and even scenic flights offering their own spin on the total solar eclipse experience, here are six tips that last-minute planners should keep in mind for the special day.

1. Figure out where you want to go

There are 13 U.S. states on the path of this year's eclipse: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine (small parts of Tennessee and Michigan are also in the path). Among all of these states, totality will occur in two national parks-Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas and Cuyahoga National Park in Ohio-and they're expected to get crowded. Instead, consider one of the more than 100 state parks along the path, some of which are more off the radar. If you're more of a city dweller, you can also experience totality in big cities, including San Antonio, Austin, Cleveland, and Rochester.

Consider the weather, too. According to NOAA 's past weather records, April weather seems to bring more chances of rain-meaning more potential for cloud coverage-in the Northeast than in the South.

2. Consider the length of totality

Aiming for a destination in the path of totality is a no-brainer, although the amount of totality you'll get depends on where you go. The closer to the center of the path of totality an area is, the longer the total eclipse lasts. Take Austin and Dallas: While both are on the path of totality, Austin will get 1 minute and 46 seconds of totality, while Dallas will get 3 minutes and 52 seconds of totality. The longest duration you can get for totality is about 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Particularly traveler-friendly spots to maximize your time in the dark are Texas Hill Country towns like Kerrville (which will receive around 4 minutes and 24 seconds of totality and is partnering with NASA) and Fredericksburg (which is set to get 4 minutes 23 seconds of totality). Texas Hill Country is also one of AFAR's best places to go in 2024 .

3. Consider camping

If you want a solar eclipse experience surrounded by nature rather than people, camping may suit you better. But booking developed campgrounds at state parks and well-known nature spots will likely be difficult at this point. As an alternative, check for privately owned land through platforms like Hipcamp or look for dispersed camping sites in a national forest, like Ozark National Forest or Green Mountain National Forest . While backcountry spots may not have amenities, they can be perfect for those seeking solitude.

In addition, be sure to check the capacity of a park when it comes to handling the influx of visitors for April 8. As an example, Erie's tourism board is discouraging visits to Presque Isle State Park to prevent bottleneck traffic from its one entry and exit point.

4. Look into a town, festival, or last-minute tour

Plenty of places within the path of totality are putting their own spin on the solar eclipse with dedicated festivities. Get an educational experience at Rochester Museum & Science Center's ROC the Eclipse Festival , a three-day event that includes talks titled "Frontiers of Plasma Physics" and "The Search for Earth-Like Planets" from science experts. Or lean into grandeur at the four-day Texas Eclipse Festival in Burnet, Texas; its lineup includes music performances, yoga sessions, and immersive art experiences. (If you're heading to Texas for the eclipse event in general, check out this interactive map of special activities happening across the state.)

If the mere thought of navigating trip logistics brings a headache, check for the availability of some solar eclipse tours. Some tours still have availability, like Holland America Line's whopping 22-day Solar Eclipse cruise tour through North America. Others, like Travel Quest's Mexico's Copper Canyon Total Solar Eclipse tour , only have wait-list spots. But don't give up hope: As last-minute cancellations roll in, a quick call could secure you a place.

5. Try to get a last-minute spot at hotels in the path of totality

Hotels are leaning into the solar eclipse experience too, and properties are throwing celebrations and dedicated solar eclipse events just for the event. Miraval Austin Resort and Spa is hosting a viewing session with its astrologer, while Hôtel Swexan in Dallas is offering solar eclipse wellness activities on the evening of April 8 that includes meditation, a sound bath, and a Reiki healing session.

Keep in mind that a last-minute booking may cost a premium. Properties all across the band of totality are recording sky-high prices -even budget hotels . Similar to booking tours, do your due diligence and call to check for a cancellation.

6. Come prepared

Of course, you should wear solar eclipse glasses to prevent permanent damage to your eyes. If you're going to an event, check to see if they will be provided or if you'll need to bring your own. If you don't want to buy them, you can use household materials like cardboard to make your own pinhole projector , a contraption that allows you to see the sun change shape as the moon crosses in front of it.

In addition to bringing materials for the day of the event, anticipate what happens next. The length of totality is less than five minutes, but the traffic afterwards may disrupt your plans for hours. If you're coming from a crowded park or city, be on the safe side and come prepared with extra snacks and water.

7 hikers arrested for attempting dangerous Hawaii hike before its permanent removal

People are flocking to Hawaii’s arguably most infamous – and illegal – hike , the Stairway to Heaven, before it is removed for good. Arrests and dozens of citations have immediately ensued.

Just two weeks after the announcement of the infamously dangerous Oahu hike’s permanent removal, the Honolulu Police Department on Thursday reported that seven hikers had been arrested for trespassing and 56 had been cited. Over the weekend, around 60 warnings were issued.

Second-degree trespassing is considered a petty misdemeanor and requires a court appearance, HPD said. 

The hike, also known as Haiku Stairs, has been illegal since 1987. Nevertheless, hopeful hikers have continuously trespassed – while causing disturbances – through residential neighborhoods and private property to ascend the nearly 4,000 World War II-era steel stairs for a panoramic view of Oahu. Due to the inclement weather and steepness of the hike, it’s not uncommon for people to have to be rescued, often by helicopter.  

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The City and County of Honolulu announced on April 10 that the aging stairs would be removed forever in a project Honolulu Major Rick Blangiardi called “long overdue.”

Residents who live by the hike said more people than ever before are trespassing onto their property to access the hike since the announcement, according to KHON2 .

“Be good people and understand it’s not about you and don’t be selfish,” said District Four Commander Maj. Randall Platt in a press conference on Monday, according to KHON2. “Think about what you’re doing to the work people, the environment, it’s all of thise, tracking invasive species in on top of putting the work people at risk on top of putting yourself at risk, it’s really not pono (righteousness) is really what I want to say, it’s not right.”

Ian Schuering, spokesperson for the City and County of Honolulu, told USA TODAY the entire stairway is considered an active work site and extremely hazardous for anyone attempting the hike. 

HPD reminds the public that it is “illegal and unsafe to access Haiku Stairs.” 

As crews are currently preparing the stairs for removal, the first set of stair modules will be flown off the mountain within the next couple of weeks, Schuering said. 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .