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Last-minute vacation sites

February 23rd, 2006 Posted in Travel bargains, Vacation deals

[Ed. note - this post originally had a coupon that expired. Just leaving a direct link to the site so this will stay current.]

I have to admit I don’t use last-minute vacation sites very often. For one thing, they generally include nights at rather routine chain hotels. But the main reason is that I have a 5-year-old in kindergarten now and spontaneous getaways are not so frequent these days. However, I have had visits from (childless) friends who have taken advantage of them, coming to Nashville for a weekend for $250 each—flight and two nights in a downtown hotel. Not bad.

These last minute deals are best for weekend getaways or short escapes. If you’re flexible, they can be fantastic. You pull up your home city, plug in the dates, and see what looks good. These companies function as a way to move unsold inventory at the last minute, so you’re often getting a flight and hotel for the same or slightly more than a flight would cost by itself. If you just want to go lie on a beach somewhere, or you want to walk around a city you’ve never set foot in, the choices are more than adequate.

If you are flexible, try these:
Save up to 70% on Last Minute Travel packages with Site59

Priceline Weekend Getaway Deals!
LastMinuteTravel.com
SkyAuction.com

  1. 7 Responses to “Last-minute vacation sites”

  2. By Tim Patterson on Feb 23, 2006

    I’ve been coming to Cheap Destinations for a while now and always enjoy your essays and commentary - thanks for taking time to spread the inspiration. I’ve just posted a review of your site on my blog - check it out at http://www.sleepinginthemountains.blogspot.com.

    - Tim

  3. By Siripen on Feb 24, 2006

    Lying on a beach or walking around a city are interesting. But wait..Do you think if there will be anything more interesting and exciting than those kn=inds of travel.

    I would like to invite you guys to seek for another part of life, a more meaningful and worthwhile like the Volunteer Vacation to be held in Thailand in the coming March. Head to the north and the south of Thailand to meet local people and children to work on local community project, to teach, and to join activities with children.

    Along with the project, volunteers will have opportunity to immerse in different cultural context, like that of hill tribe, to have time to experience soft adventure and leisure activities.

    Sound interesting? Join us now by visiting http://www.morethailand.com/volunteer_travel
    Email: siripen.yi@morethailand.com or reservation@morethailand.com

    Cheer!
    Siripen Yi.

  4. By tim on Feb 24, 2006

    The above is obviously a commercial message, but I’m leaving it since volunteer opportunities are a very worthwhile way to spend time away from home. Just do your homework and watch the fees–many of these programs are far from being non-profit. Try to find a volunteer match where you are providing a real skill a local can’t: teaching English, setting up computer networks, or providing medical assistance.

  5. By Paul M on Mar 1, 2006

    Hi Tim,
    I’ve become a bit addicted to your blog and am anxiously waiting for the next edition of your book to come out as my wife and I want to take one more big trip before we take the leap and start having kids.
    We were recently in Bangkok and had a great time and are trying to figure out where to go next. I think your book would be a great resource to give us some ideas, so figured I’d ask as I’m sure others are wondering as well. I think I read in one of your blog posts that it was early this year right for release?

    Aloha from Hawaii,
    Paul

  6. By tim on Mar 1, 2006

    Thanks Paul! I’ve hit a bit of a snag with the revised edition. It’s essentially finished, but a larger publisher approached me about picking it up and I’m waiting to see what their verdict is. If they pass, it’ll come out around the end of March. If they decide to publish it though, it’ll go into a longer cycle. If it’s the latter, I’m probably going to put together a short “what has changed” document as a supplement. Prices are still relatively accurate though, apart from Europe and anywhere that the currency is tied closer to the euro than the dollar (such as Morocco). I’m making a few country changes: Argentina and Nicaragua in, Mexico and Venezuela out. Romania in, Czech Republic out. Overall though, the bargain destinations are still a bargain.

  7. By Paul M on Mar 1, 2006

    Thanks for the quick reply. Maybe I’ll just pick up your older book if it may be awhile for the newer one to come out. I was seriously looking into romania (bucharest) but having a hard time finding hotel prices there (most online booking sites show them as fairly pricey). I keep changing my mind on where to go….lol

    Thanks again!
    Paul

  8. By jonathan on Dec 5, 2006

    hi guys! for those who are looking for more options to last minute travel or getaway, i compiled a site of my own called Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com

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