How to Book Last-Minute Travel Deals: 6 Tips to Save Money and Have Fun

▲Travel on a Budget (Photo / Darzhi / Illustration)

By Rita

The booming tourism industry means that travelers can have a great time without spending a fortune if they use the right methods and do a bit of homework in advance. If you suddenly have a vacation and decide on a whim to travel abroad, you can refer to this guide compiled by gobankingrates"How to Book Last-Minute Travel Deals"—travelers may find it useful.

1. Book Directly with Hotels or Airlines
A survey conducted by Triptease found that among 2 billion data points, as much as 53% showed that prices on comparison websites were higher than those available when booking directly with hotels or airlines. Why are comparison websites sometimes more expensive than booking directly? One reason is the service fees they charge. In fact, travelers can book rooms directly with hotels, and many airlines also offer flight-and-hotel packages.

2. Look for “Last-Minute” Deals
Some online travel platforms occasionally offer “last-minute” deals. Travelers can take advantage of these opportunities to score great bargains.

3. Groupon and Costco Travel Websites
If you’re traveling to the United States, you might want to check out these two websites. Groupon not only offers domestic travel options in the U.S. but also international travel packages, which have consistently received positive reviews. Costco’s website, on the other hand, features many last-minute cruise deals, such as those with Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean cruises.

4. Use Mobile Apps
Although comparison websites tend to have higher prices, mobile apps often provide users with plenty of good deals. Before booking, download the apps of hotels and airlines to check for exclusive mobile-only discounts.

5. Compare Departure Dates and Airports
If you’re a flexible traveler, you have a big advantage because you can choose cheaper travel times and book accordingly.

6. Visit Less Touristy Destinations
Many people think that going to Las Vegas means gambling in the city center, but many rural areas also have local casinos. You can even enjoy a more rustic, countryside experience. Isn’t that nice too?