If you are looking for a last-minute vacation but don't want to overpay, here are some tips for keeping costs down when making last-minute reservations
Although it's impossible to avoid autumn now, there's still time to take a last-minute, low-cost vacation before the colder months arrive.
A short vacation before Christmas might be exactly what you need if you've already enjoyed a luxury cruise, a cycling staycation, or a trip to one of the best islands this summer.
We examine the best places to visit and how to plan an inexpensive, last-minute vacation.
The most sought-after last-minute vacation spots.
Given how close Europe is to the UK, you won't be shocked to learn that most British people get the best deals when traveling there.
Whether it's short flights, easy connections, food and culture, or more sunshine for those looking for winter sun, lastminute.com data shows the top five destinations for last-minute vacations.
1. In Amsterdam
A view of Amsterdam, Holland's canal. Canal, bicycles, and the Amstel River.
The name "Venice of the North" makes it easy to understand why so many British people visit this place. With its quaint canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and even the bustling Jordaan neighborhood, Amsterdam provides a picturesque getaway. For those looking for a quick escape, there are plenty of options: take a canal cruise to watch the sunset, visit a coffee shop (which is different from a caf), stuff yourself with stroopwafels, or sample one of the many fried foods at one of the many well-known breweries.
2. Italy
Italy's St. Peter's Basilica and the Tiber in Rome.
Rome, the epicenter of Western civilization, is a convenient vacation destination for anyone looking for a historical adventure or hearty Italian cuisine because of its pleasant climate and short flight from the UK. Numerous famous sites, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and even Vatican City, are affordable to visit. You can walk or take public transportation to get around the city, but make sure to reserve your attractions in advance to avoid missing out on anything or standing in line.
3. Malta
An image of Malta's Saint Julian.
Malta is a new destination for British tourists looking for calm scenery and sunshine. The tiny island nation, which is sandwiched between North Africa and Sicily, is a powerful force because of its prehistoric temples, pristine waters, diving spots, and natural beauty. It's also well-known for serving as the setting for numerous TV series and movies, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Murder on the Orient Express, and more recently, Jurassic World: Rebirth. As a result, it's a favorite among fans worldwide.
4. The Krakw
Krakow's Wawel Cathedral.
Known for its rich artistic and cultural legacy, this Polish city borders the Czech Republic. One of the first areas to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site was its Old Town, which was designated as such in 1978. Krakw was designated the European Capital of Culture in 2000 and is also a UNESCO City of Literature. You can visit Auschwitz for a day, explore the Wawel Castle, or savor Polish pierogi and craft beer in one of Europe's biggest medieval market squares for a more affordable vacation.
5. Paris
. Paris's streets and Eiffel Tower in the springtime in France.
Paris is a short hop from the UK and a popular vacation destination for many Britons because of its frequent flights and quick Eurostar connections. You can spend a few hours at the Louvre, enjoy croissants and coffee while admiring Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower, or take a leisurely stroll along the Seine.
How to plan a last-minute, low-cost vacation.
We examine the strategies you can employ in order to find a good deal.
1. Choose a city getaway
Last-minute short-haul flights will still be less expensive than long-haul flights, despite the fact that you will likely pay more. Therefore, a city break might be the ideal solution if you're hoping to travel soon. You can do a lot of your sightseeing on foot or by public transportation if you live in one city for the majority of your trip.
2. Save money by flying
While using flight comparison websites such as Skyscanner is always a good idea, it also pays to check the apps of individual airlines. Flash sales are frequently held by low-cost airlines like Ryanair and easyJet, but you won't be aware of them unless you have their apps or have subscribed to their mailing lists.
You might be able to find a one-way ticket for as little as 15 for travel within Europe. The Virgin Holidays and British Airways apps are worth downloading if you're looking for a luxury vacation package.
3. Go during off-peak hours
It should come as no surprise that flights increase dramatically during the busiest times of the year, so it could be wise to change your plans and go during shoulder season, which is the period between the busiest travel times and the off-season. It might be the start of the ski season, the end of the summer rush, or autumn.
Not only will there be fewer people around when you travel during these times, but it will also be less expensive. In our guide to the ideal time to take a vacation, we go into great detail about this.
4. Allow the train to bear the burden
Flights aren't always your only option; you can take the Eurostar to get to some of Europe's most visited cities, including Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
Prices usually start at 39 one way, and if you're flexible with your travel schedule, you can use Eurostar Snap to save up to 50% on your train ticket.
If at all possible, try to wait for a Eurostar sale, which occurs at least every two months and typically offers the lowest fares, advises Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel.
5. Avoid taking direct flights for extended distances
Since long-distance vacations are frequently costly, making last-minute reservations can be costly. However, you could choose indirect flights if you're prepared to endure a longer trip.
We used Google Flights to look for flights from the UK to Dubai for a three-week vacation. A direct return ticket from London Heathrow to Dubai International Airport at the time cost 724 and took about seven hours to complete.
The cost of a flight with a stopover was 491. You take a flight to Qatar from London Heathrow, and then on to Dubai. You will be traveling for just under nine hours total, including an hour and twenty-minute layover at the Doha airport. Even though it takes a little longer, you save a little more than £200 in the end.
6. Use reward points and loyalty programs
It can be very beneficial to join travel loyalty programs. Look for deals they have, like a complimentary hotel night or a discount on your stay, if you accrue points with hotel groups or websites like Booking.com and Hotels.com.
Additionally, now is a good time to use any reward points you have accrued. A few well-known reward cards are the Hilton Honors debit card, American Express credit cards, British Airways tier points or Avios, and hotel loyalty cards.
How does making a reservation in advance compare to taking a last-minute vacation?
Make sure you consider all of the costs before making a last-minute reservation.
There isn't much of a difference between making last-minute and advance reservations if you're traveling during popular holiday seasons, like the school breaks, according to Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at Eurochange. Another thing to think about is that other vacation expenses, like transportation, activities, and car rentals, can go up during peak times, especially if they are last-minute reservations.
The ideal time to book a flight, according to Expedia data, is 1321 days in advance for international travel and 170-180 days in advance for domestic travel.
In order to compare the costs of booking short-haul and long-haul flights in advance and at the last minute, just one week prior, BFIA used Skyscanner. London to Amsterdam is the short-haul flight, and London to New York is the long-haul flight.
Prices are subject to change and are accurate as of September 30, 2025.
The fact that autumn is an off-peak season may also make it less expensive to purchase tickets at the last minute for short-distance travel. Pricing, however, may be less predictable if you're looking to fly to a more distant location. You run the risk of being hit by exorbitant expenses if you wait until the last minute.
But that doesn't mean you can't find a deal for a last-minute trip to a distant location. It all depends on where you go, when you go there, and whether you keep an eye out for when tickets are less expensive.
Leave a comment on: Six strategies for an inexpensive last-minute vacation