by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Thu August 6, 2026
As summer begins its slow fade into fall, many travelers decide it’s time to book a last-minute trip before winter comes.
Yet while many last-minute travelers think booking travel on the fly is a better way to save money, that’s no longer the case anymore—at least, not for every type of travel.
We asked travel advisors how to score the best last-minute travel deals, what types of challenges travelers might face, and where to travel to save more on last-minute trips.
Booking Backward
Travelers looking for a last-minute trip will have to plan their trips differently and use different methods than those who book a year or so out. One advisor explained it as “booking backward.”
“We are planning backward,” explains Angela Hughes, CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel. “Instead of choosing a destination first and trying to force everything into place, we look at where the best cruise, airfare and hotel availability exists and build the trip from there.
“Flexibility is everything with last-minute travel. If you are open to different dates, airports, itineraries and cabin categories, there are still some terrific opportunities. You also have to be ready to make a decision because the option available today may be gone tomorrow.”
Some tips include pricing out airfare, a major cost factor, at the start of your planning process; understanding that your desired destination or itinerary might not be available or affordable last-minute; and being open to choosing something that is.
Those who are booking hotels and cruises should note that last-minute all-inclusive resort deals or cruise promotions might want to fill up room categories or cabin categories that you wouldn’t prefer, but if you’re alright with a higher hotel category or a lower cruise cabin category, then you’ll be able to find some deals.
When working with a travel advisor, the best piece of information to know is to not waste their time by waiting too long on a deal: lock it down immediately, as prices shift practically daily. Get with the program, be serious about booking, and honor your travel advisor’s time.
How to Get Last-Minute Deals: Resorts, Cruises & More
When it comes to getting the best deals for last-minute travel, flexibility is key.
So many travel advisors told us this: whether it’s being flexible on travel dates or destinations, or cruise itineraries or hotel categories, last-minute travelers are likely to have fewer options to pick from, so they shouldn’t be too worried or demanding about a specific experience.
With that being said, last-minute travelers can snag the best deals by booking brands like all-inclusive resort stays (which are typically cheaper during Hurricane season anyway) and ocean cruises, which may offer deals to entice travelers into filling unsold room categories.
“Cruising is where I am seeing some of the best last-minute opportunities. Explora Journeys has had some amazing offers in Europe, including attractive solo pricing on select sailings. We are also seeing last-minute availability in Alaska and Iceland,” said Hughes. “Late-summer ocean cruises are worth watching, particularly in the Mediterranean, Alaska and Iceland. Travelers who are flexible with their dates, itinerary and cabin or suite category may find exceptional value.”
“Late summer is a great time to find deals on all-inclusive resorts, especially in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, where hotels are trying to fill empty beds,” explained Jennifer Kellum, President & Destination Specialist at Neverland & Main Travel. “It’s also a good time to look at cruises, particularly Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas, as cruise lines work to fill remaining cabins before sailing. Disney Cruise Line has had some incredible offers lately that we haven't seen since pre-pandemic days.”
While Caribbean all-inclusives and cruise lines were the most popular answers for how last-minute travelers can snag some good deals, advisors also mentioned two other ways to save: theme park vacations, which might offer cheaper packages due to the hot weather, and tour operators looking to fill escorted tours.
“We’ve also come across some fantastic last-minute domestic packages to destinations like Las Vegas and Orlando’s theme parks,” continued Kellum. “If you’re open to escorted tours, don’t overlook those either. I found several G Adventures departures last week for under $1,000, which is an incredible value.”
Where to Go Last-Minute
So where are some great destinations to visit last-minute?
The Caribbean is where travelers will find those all-inclusive resort deals and cruise offers, but some advisors noted that last-minute European cruises are also pricing really well right now. Theme parks from California to Florida will offer warm-weather or resident package offers.
Be sure to check airfare before booking that cruise, however, as high airfare might be too high to justify.
Many last-minute bookings will also require payment at the time of booking, so travelers should be prepared.
When it comes to choosing a destination to visit, flexibility is key. Travelers should know their budget and be open to traveling somewhere other than their desired destination. Remember, booking last-minute often doesn’t guarantee a deal, and it could mean paying high premiums for higher hotel categories, last-minute airfares and other travel expenses.
To avoid those higher costs, travelers also may need to be open to different travel styles, as one travel advisor explains for those looking for a last-minute trip to Europe.
“…Europe FIT can be done but takes a little more flexibility,” said Jamie Rumph, Owner/Travel Advisor, Love of the Magic Vacations. “An easier way to visit Europe last-minute would be with a small group tour. Often people overlook these options thinking that a tour is not for them, but honestly, it can be a fantastic experience with little to no stress moving through Europe.”
Many advisors cautioned travelers away from a last-minute Europe trip and encouraged them to begin planning their trips for next year.
The Big Ticket Item: Airfare
Airfare is likely going to be the most expensive item to book last-minute, and many people can’t justify paying last-minute prices for a flight to their desired destination.
That’s why many advisors caution their clients to first search for flights to their destination and price them out before booking anything else, as that price tag might come with a bit of sticker shock, especially since airfare is over 20% more expensive this year due to high jet fuel prices.
“Airfare can be higher for close-in travel, so before committing to a vacation, I always recommend checking flight options to get to and from your destination as the price of airfare can really impact the overall budget,” said Donna DeGiacomo, Travel Advisor, Upon A Star Travel & Concierge.
Last-Minute Travel: Possible But Challenging
In conclusion, travelers wanting to travel before the year is out need to be savvy, knowledgeable and flexible. Booking backward or looking at travel brands, accommodations, flights and other high-cost travel components over choosing a specific destination will help travelers snag deals rather than pay last-minute premiums.
“My biggest piece of advice is not to wait if you already know you want to travel,” said Samantha Shawhan, Owner & Travel Advisor of Travel with Samantha S with Destination Fun Travel.
“For most international vacations, booking earlier gives you the best selection of resorts, room categories, and flights. Last-minute travel can absolutely work, but it usually works best when travelers let the available deals guide the destination, rather than picking a destination first and having flexible dates.”
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