The Myth of Last Minute Travel

In recent years, there has been a lot of buzz about last minute travel deals.  In the last few weeks, we have been dealing with a lot of people calling our office to see what kind of last minute specials they can get.  Unfortunately, in the last two years or so, last minute travel has become a myth.  It almost never exists.

The first reason is simply that if flights are not full, airlines are canceling flights rather than offer radically discounted seats.  The airlines are in trouble, and this is their knee-jerk response to tightening the belt.

Although hotels will occasionally run last minute summer specials, it is usually for weekday travel, for Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursday.  They also mean last minute as in the next 10 days.  Unfortunately, where the hotels slash prices, you will still pay through the nose for airline tickets.

The only last minute deals that are still around are the last minute cruise deals.  These cruise ships are leaving, end of story.  Therefore, the ships will go crazy trying to fill up the  ship.  If you leave in Texas, Florida, California. Organ or Washington, this is great news for you because you can get a hold of a last minute cruise deal without paying for air.  Last minute cruise deals can be good for other state residences too, it is just important that you choose a deal from your closest port.  If your in New York, try going out of Florida instead of California.

The key in planning a last minute is to be flexible.  You cannot have a strict budget of $800 and only be willing to travel to one very specific place.  And although you can get great last minute deals, you should not expect a five star property at a two star price.  Specials are available, but think more like 25-40%.  $500 a night for a five star suite is pretty good when it normally costs $950.  Think in terms of VALUE not bottom line.  If your main concern is paying as little as possible, you are better off booking at least 6 months ahead.

Add a comment July 30, 2008