Last minute holidays
Looking for a last minute holiday? Sunny breaks, ways to beat the winter blues and sensational trips to far-off climes are yours for the taking. We have thousands of holidays departing in the next eight weeks with up to 70% off the brochure price. Browse our destinations below to see our latest deals.
Last minute Summer 2021 deals
What is a last minute holiday?
Last minute holidays are cut-price package holidays, often travelling within the next eight weeks. Hotels, airlines and holiday companies want to give you the great experiences you deserve, although sometimes they are left with cancelled bookings or seats still available on soon-to-take-off flights.
That’s what makes these deals last minute – prices fall to let you take advantage of this trend, so you can enjoy fantastic value at some of the best destinations worldwide.
Deals leaving soon
Last minute All Inclusive deals
Go All Inclusive – it gives you far less to worry about and you’ll make big savings. The price you pay will include flights, accommodation and all meals. Make sure you check each deal, because sometimes even your transfers are included along with drinks from the hotel bar.
Knowing that everything’s paid for and you’re good to go is a massive advantage when you’re looking for a last minute escape, so All Inclusive deals are always popular with holidaymakers seeking a quick getaway. Take a look for yourself at the All Inclusive deals ready to whisk you away.
How to book cheap last minute holiday deals
Smart holidaymakers always know how to compare the best deals and get the most value for their holiday spending, but even if this is your first last minute break, all it takes is a few tips to keep you savvy.
Read up on a range of destinations – whether you’re looking for a wild week away to party or a quiet 10-day break to a beach resort, there will be plenty of last minute deals in a range of destinations that fit your requirements. Keep an eye out for activities available nearby and study which board basis is best for you – an All Inclusive experience is worlds apart from Self Catering.
Remember how peak times work, in the same way as trains and buses. Peak times like weekends lead to more pricey flights, and even the time of day can be a factor. Being flexible on the dates you fly out and the airports you fly from will really help you secure some fantastic savings.
Don’t be afraid to compare – a five-day break in one resort may be more expensive than a seven-day All Inclusive an hour south. Be flexible and compare a range of deals over a few destinations. You never know, you could be on your way to the ideal holiday in a destination you never thought you’d consider.
Make sure you don’t get caught up in the excitement and miss something out. Are you going as a family? Look for a resort that offers plenty of activities. Is this a couple’s retreat? Find the destination that moves away from noisy resorts. Keep your needs in mind while you shop.
Ready to find your last minute deal?
It’s easy and fun to find your ideal destination, plan your holiday and make the step to book your break. Follow these handy steps and you’ll soon be ready to fly.
In the holiday search tool on the left of the website, find your favoured destination from the drop-down list, then specify your ideal dates and the number of people going.
Click ‘Search’, which allows our system to work its magic in finding something to match your needs.
Compare the search results, depending on if you need a cosy retreat or a lively resort, as well as if you’ll be travelling All Inclusive, Half Board, Bed and Breakfast or fully Self Catering.
Feel free to mix up departure airports, destinations and travel times and dates to find what best suits you.
When you’ve found your winning combination, all you need to do is click ‘View Details’ to see everything you’ll need to know about that particular deal.
Next, either click ‘Add to Shortlist’ and keep searching – you can later compare your shortlist to find your ideal holiday – or, if you’re ready to book, click ‘Continue’ which will take you to the booking pages.
Top tips for booking your last minute holiday
Double check the availability of those you are travelling with and if they have any special requirements for the journey.
Compare deals to ensure your trip completely matches what you want your holiday to be.
Make sure you’re as flexible as possible so you don’t miss the best deals.
Keep an open mind about your chosen destination, and don’t be afraid to try somewhere new.
Visit our holiday extras page for all those little bits that you may have forgotten about, such as airport parking and travel money.
Last minute holiday packing tips
Make a quick list of the essentials – passports, travel documents, medicines etc. Tick the items off as you place them in your suitcase. This way you can be sure you’ve packed all of your vital belongings and it’ll save you second-guessing yourself later on.
When you’re booking at the last minute, it’s always a good idea to travel light, so pack your essentials but don’t go overboard – that third pair of jeans can stay behind.
Always keep an eye on your luggage size and weight, and if there’s anything you can get at the destination instead, then do so. This includes suntan lotion and other cosmetics, and even travel plug adaptors.
Popular Last Minute Holiday Destinations
Spain
Classic and cultural, yet hot and modern, Spanish resorts match every budget and are only a two-hour flight away. Take a closer look at Costa Del Sol for unrivalled beaches and delicious Spanish delicacies. Temperatures in Spain stay above 20°C all year round, climbing well above 30°C in summer months.
Portugal
Sitting on the western edge of Europe, Portugal is certainly a firm favourite when it comes to short haul holidays. It’s packed with a fantastic combination of beautiful beaches, picturesque fishing villages and lively nightlife. If you love a round of golf, the Algarve can offer some of the best courses in Europe. As for the temperature, you can expect around 18°C in the winter months, rising to a toasty 29°C in the summer months.
Bulgaria
If you’re looking for a good value for money holiday, Bulgaria certainly delivers. Sunny Beach is the main party hub, whereas Obzor and the UNESCO – protected old town Nessebar offer you a more peaceful holiday and lots of history to discover. Bulgaria’s main season runs from May – mid-October and temperatures can reach a high of 29°C in the peak summer months.
Greece
Where culture, cuisine and charisma collide. Only a two and a half hour flight away, Mykonos is perfect if you want quiet beach days followed by party nights, whereas Crete is the place to go for culture, history and stunning landscapes. Mainland Greece is a little cooler than its islands – think 25°C as a yearly average. Across the islands things heat up, with highs of 30°C in the summer.
Cape Verde Islands
Expect rustic tradition and sunshine in these secluded Atlantic islands, perfect for a couple’s getaway and only a five and a half hour flight away. Sal is the spot for you if you’re looking for constant sun and white beaches. Temperatures stay above 20°C all year round in Cape Verde, thanks to its position on the globe. August is the hottest month, when you can expect temperatures of up to 30°C.
Canary Islands
Whichever of the Canary Island’s you choose, you’re guaranteed some warm sunshine. Tenerife is the largest and the liveliest of the islands, and has been the number one choice for us Brits for many years. Gran Canaria is closely followed in popularity and its sweeping sand dunes are one for the bucket list. Fuerteventura is the number one spot for windsurfers and is close enough to take a day trip to Lanzarote. Temperatures can reach around 23° in the winter, rising to 28° in the summer months.
Mexico
The sunniest shores in Central America are just an eight-hour direct flight away, where you can taste authentic cuisine and explore mystical historic sites. Temperatures are cooler in the east of Mexico than the west, but across the board you can expect over 20°C in winter and rising well over 30°C in summer.
Dominican Republic
A nine-hour flight away, the Dominican Republic is home to pristine Caribbean beaches and stunning interior landscapes. There are many watersport opportunities for active holidaymakers, and beaches galore for those who prefer a relaxing break. The temperature remains constant for most of the year, with the average annual temperature at 25°C.
Jamaica
With its laid-back vibe, it’s true what they say, Jamaica welcomes its tourists with open arms. You’ll find lots to discover like the famous Blue Mountains and Dunn’s River Falls. Of course no trip to Jamaica is complete, without sampling some tasty jerk chicken whilst soaking up the sun on one of its many white sandy beaches. Temperature wise, there’s no need to worry, you can expect a very warm average of 30°C.
Can you get last minute holiday deals?
It’s always possible to grab last minute holiday deals. A last minute holiday usually refers to one that’s booked up to eight weeks before departure. Travel operators want their flights and cruises to depart carrying as many passengers as possible – this means they’ll offer last minute discounts to fill the last few seats or berths.
The same is true of hotels, who will also lower their prices last minute to make sure rooms are occupied. You’ll be able to grab last minute holiday deals to lots of different destinations across the world, catering to groups of friends, families and couples. They’re easy to find if you know where to look – most travel websites offer a last minute section where you can search and compare holiday deals.
What are the best last minute holiday destinations?
You’ll be able to grab last minute holidays to some really great short-haul, mid-haul and long-haul destinations, especially to popular tourist hotspots where accommodation is never in short supply. If you’re looking for a sunny European beach break, destinations such as Spain and Bulgaria top the bill. In Spain, head to the sun-kissed Costa Brava for miles of golden beaches, family-friendly activities such as water parks, and towns with quaint historic centres.
Meanwhile, on Bulgaria’s stunning Black Sea coast you’ll find a range of nightlife hotspots, family friendly resorts and numerous Blue Flag beaches. If you’re thinking of heading further afield, the Canary Islands are a great place to score a last minute holiday deal. Fun-loving Tenerife is particularly popular, thanks to its golden bays, striking volcanic landscape and lively resorts.
The sun shines year-round here, so there’s never a bad time to go. During the winter months, escape with a last minute holiday to the Caribbean. With its world-class beaches, reggae and rum bars, mountains and waterfalls, Jamaica is one of the best places to banish the winter blues.
Is it cheaper to book last minute?
It can often be much cheaper to book last minute, as many tour operators lower their prices to fill spaces. In some cases, you could stand to save hundreds of pounds, which leads to particularly big savings for families. And to save the most money, be as flexible as possible – choose a few destinations you’re interested in visiting, not just one.
Search for different holiday lengths, too – sometimes you’ll find a seven-day break that’s cheaper than a five-day break in a nearby hotel. Your last minute holiday will also be much cheaper if you book outside peak times (such as school holidays). Even the day of the week you fly can affect the cost, as flights are much cheaper mid-week than over the weekend. In other words, if you experiment with different holiday destinations, dates and durations, you’ll definitely find a cheap deal.
How do I find last minute family holiday deals?
There are several ways to find last minute family holiday deals. For a start, you can check out the Top Deals section on our family holidays. Or, you you can use the holiday search tool on the left-hand side of the website. Select your chosen destination and remember to add the right number of adults and children in your party. If you do this, the search results won’t list any adults only hotels.
Click ‘view details’ to find out more about each holiday, such as the types of activity on offer, whether there’s a kids’ club or a children’s entertainment programme at the hotel.
Below the name and photo of each hotel, you’ll also sometimes see extra descriptive labels, explaining the type of holiday on offer. Look out for SplashWorld, Holiday Villages and TUI Family Life – these are all holidays geared up towards families.
Can I book an all inclusive last minute holiday deal?
You can easily find and book last minute deals for all different holiday types, ranging from self-catering to All Inclusive. Begin by choosing your desired destination in the holiday search tool on the website, then specify the ideal dates and number of people travelling. You’ll end up with a long list of search results, while on the left of the webpage will be a search box entitled ‘Refine Results’.
Underneath the heading Board Type, you’ll find a list of different holiday types. If you untick all the boxes except for All Inclusive, then click the button saying Update Results, you’ll be provided with a list of All Inclusive breaks. To find more choices, mix up your departure airports, travel dates, and destinations. You can click View Details to find out more about the holiday, and either Add to Shortlist or Continue on to the booking pages.