Here’s What You Need to Know

Sometimes, the best trips are the ones you didn’t see coming. Whether it’s a spontaneous long weekend or a sudden break in your schedule, a last-minute vacation can be exactly what you need to reset. But while booking close to your travel date can be exciting, there are a few key things to consider before diving in.

1. Be Flexible With Your Destination or Dates

When booking last minute, flexibility is your best friend. You may not get your dream room at your dream resort, but you can score amazing deals or open up options you hadn’t considered.

Being open to different locations, flight times, or even travel dates can make all the difference.

2. **Have Travel Requirements in Order**

Even for a last-minute trip, the details matter. Make sure your passport is valid (many countries require at least six months’ validity). For international travel, double-check entry requirements—like visas or vaccinations—especially in destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, or Asia-Pacific. And if you're heading to a theme park, know that reservations and park passes may be required.

3. Know What Kind of Vacation Works Best Last-Minute

All-inclusive resorts, cruises (especially closer-to-home sailings), and theme park vacations often have last-minute availability. On the other hand, certain bucket-list destinations and peak-season travel may not have as much flexibility.

So much of this will depend on the time of year that you are looking at, but we can always make something work depending on the timing that you have available.

4. **Use a Travel Advisor (Of Course!)**

Even last-minute travelers benefit from expert help. I can quickly check real-time availability, steer you away from options with hidden fees or long layovers, and make sure you’re getting value—not just a deal.
Plus, I’ll handle the logistics so you can actually *relax*.

5. Understand the Final Payment Dates and Cancellation Policies

Depending on soon you want to go, many vacations may have to be paid in full at the time of booking. Because of this, you want to make sure that you know what the cancellation policy is for your upcoming vacation. As a travel advisor, I ALWAYS suggest travel protection for my client’s vacations, but even more so for last-minute getaways

Travel Protection not only protects you from certain cancellation reasons, but it also protects you while you are ON your vacation. Even if you know that you are going on your vacation, you never know what can happen while on it.