If you’ve got a quiet week coming up, or just fancy a change of scenery, a last minute family holiday could be exactly what you need.

The good news is that it is easier than ever to find great deals. From beach breaks to all inclusive packages, there are plenty of websites that bundle flights, hotels and even transfers together. It takes the stress out of planning and can save you a fortune.

In this guide we’ll help you weigh it all up, including why last minute holidays can be a great idea, what to consider before booking, and which destinations tend to have the best last minute options.

Are Last Minute Holidays Cheaper?

In many cases, yes – last minute holidays can be significantly cheaper than booking in advance. Airlines, hotels, and holiday providers would rather sell a seat or a room at a lower price than leave it empty.  When departure dates are getting close and spaces haven’t been filled, prices often drop to attract quick bookings.

That means you could end up staying in a four or even five star hotel for a fraction of the usual cost. It’s not unusual to see big savings on package holidays, especially outside of peak school holiday times.

Why do prices drop?

It’s all about supply and demand. Tour operators and airlines pre-purchase a set number of flights and hotel rooms in advance. If they don’t sell them in time, they risk losing money, so they sometimes slash the prices to fill as many as possible. This often happens in the weeks (or even days) leading up to departure.

Booking last minute doesn’t mean spending hours searching. Many travel sites have dedicated pages for late deals, where you can filter by destination, budget, board basis and even your preferred departure airport.

Packages often include flights, hotels and transfers, which makes it all very simple – ideal if you just want something easy to book and easy to enjoy. It’s a good idea to check the deals regularly. as new offers pop up all the time and the best ones tend to go quickly.

To make it even easier for you, our Region Pages often have specific sections for last minute deals from your local airport. Click here to see yours!

Where Can You Go Last Minute?

You’ll find deals all over, but some destinations tend to have more late availability than others. These are a few that always seem to deliver:

Greece

Think island beaches, crystal clear water and family-friendly resorts. Places like Corfu, Kos and Rhodes are great options for a sunny break and often pop up in the last minute section.

Turkey

Great value, beautiful coastlines and plenty of all inclusive options. Turkey’s a favourite for good reason. Antalya and Dalaman often have amazing offers with lovely resorts that cater to all kinds of travellers.

Spain

You can’t go wrong with Spain. Whether it’s the Balearics, the Canary Islands or the mainland, there are usually plenty of last minute options with a mix of lively towns and peaceful beaches.

Things to Consider Before You Book

Before you jump in, here are a few quick checks to make sure everything runs smoothly:

• Passports: Make sure everyone’s is in date and valid for your destination

• Luggage: Some cheaper flights are hand luggage only, so double check what’s included

• Travel insurance: It’s always worth having this in place the moment you book

• Transfers: Many package holidays include these, but it’s good to confirm

• Flexibility: The more open you are with travel dates, airports or destinations, the better the deals you’ll find

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Ready to go on a last minute family holiday?

There’s something really exciting about a last minute family holiday. Whether it’s a quick city break or a full week of sea and sunshine, it feels even more special when it’s a bit unexpected.

If you’re feeling ready for a change of scenery, this could be your sign to have a browse and see what’s out there. You might be surprised at what you can find… and how easy it is to make a spontaneous trip happen!