How to Plan a Last Minute Trip

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Listen, sometimes we just need to get away – I find myself getting itchy feet more and more now that the world is starting to open up again. It is an absolute joy to plan week-long trips, and extensive itineraries (hello Greece and Croatia summer of 2022!) to make up for the lost time, excitement, and adventure.

Now, depending on your location, a random last-minute trip to Europe is probably out of the question (and the budget) but there are a lot of places to go, things to do, and people to meet much closer to home, for a much more affordable price.

Today we are diving into how to plan that last-minute trip for when you have that inevitable need to get away right now feeling.

Get ready to get out of the house, and into your next adventure without breaking the bank. Take some time to restore your sense of wonder and faith in humanity. Relax and recharge as you shake away the stress and ready yourself for the work week. 

The truth is, I love to travel. Living in the Pacific Northwest, I have a host of beautiful places to go, hikes to enjoy, and new experiences to behold right at my fingertips. It’s easy to escape, and I seriously love a good road trip. But it rains. It rains a LOT. Often I find myself after a particularly stressful week at work, a hard breakup, or you know, on a Tuesday, beginning to get that itchy feet feeling, and I daydream about what trip to plan next.

But for those “I gotta get out of here ASAP” moments, I plan things a little differently. 

In fact, when looking to get away last-minute, I follow these 5 steps to outline my trip (quickly, we have a reservation to catch) and make the process seamless for myself (and the people lucky enough to join me.)

Step 1: Pick a Theme For Your Trip

What kind of a trip are you after? Adventure? Relaxation? Party?

First thing is first when you are looking to get out of town quickly. You need to really prioritize what kind of a trip it is you are looking for – for example, I wouldn’t suggest a quick getaway to Miami Beach if you are looking to be alone.

So first ask yourself, what is it you are hoping to gain (or lose) on this quick trip. Want to gain a little workout, some peace and quiet, and solo time? Maybe a nice adventure weekend complete with camping is right for you.

On the other hand, want to lose your inhibitions? You may be more inclined to visit a city with ample bars, restaurants, and people to meet. From relaxing on the beach to the hustle and bustle of big city vibes, we’re into different kinds of escapes all the time – so time’s up, and it’s your turn to pick: what is this getaway’s poison?

Step 2: Bang Out a Budget

How much money are you willing to part with for this adventure?

I know, I know – nobody likes to spoil their fun by shop talk, but money is an important factor when planning trips, especially last-minute ones. If you find yourself looking to get away during high season, you may be faced with more expensive accommodation costs, airline tickets, and let’s not forget what gas prices are looking like these days.

Many of us (I am raising two hands here) travel for our mental health, so avoiding any extra damage to our bank account is paramount to feeling successful. Sit down and write it out, how much money are you willing to set aside for your trip. Once you have that piece down, the rest comes much easier.

Related read → How to plan your vacation budget using Excel (and a free spreadsheet)

Step 3: Pick a Place

What location will be the perfect place to get away?

Now that you know your budget and the type of trip you are after, it is time to identify how much time you have to play with. I will admit, sometimes when I just gotta get away from the Pacific Northwest, I head south. When I have a 3-4 day weekend at my disposal, I can typically find a decently priced flight to Las Vegas where I can soak up some Vitamin D, or I head down to San Diego for a little R&R beach time. 

If I have a shorter chunk of time to deal with? I normally look for a fun town nearby to spend the night. Here in Seattle, we have Oregon as a neighbor – and if you haven’t been, you simply must go! Cute towns filled with craft beer breweries sit in between some of the most majestic scenery you’ve ever seen. Even closer to home, we have the small Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, where a great bratwurst and beer are only a short drive away. What is close to you? Be realistic with your money and time budgets and begin to carve out where you want to be.

Related reads → How to plan a local trip and why you should be exploring your own backyard

Step 4: How will you get there?

Will you travel by plane, train, or automobile?

Last-minute travel can be tricky. You may get an amazing last-minute deal, or you may be looking at paying double for your travel costs. Gas prices are at an all-time high, so even if you are planning to road-trip it could be costly. Sometimes you can score a cheap rental car if you use a rental car search aggregator.

While last-minute plane tickets can be costly, you can typically find deals through Kayak or SkyScanner.

While driving offers a lot of freedom, and taking a plane offers a great deal of convenience, perhaps the most budget-friendly option for travel is traveling by bus. When I traveled in the northeast, I found cheap deals on Go Buses, but there are a lot more bus options across the country where you can find a last-minute deal.

Step 5: Find Accommodation

Where will you hang your hat after an exciting day away?

Finding a place to stay can be a feat, but having a comfortable place to call our “home away from home” is certainly important when looking to get away.

Are you planning an outdoorsy adventure? Bring your tent, or consider car camping to save some cash.

Looking for a bit more class while being cash-conscious? Check to see what Booking.com has available from hundreds of hotels in many cities. You can typically snag a deal with a place to stay, as hotels enjoy moving their surplus.

When in doubt? Call around, you may just score a great deal.

How to Save Money on a Last Minute Trip

I am going to be real – I am as frugal as it comes. I really love a great deal and maximizing my dollar to my experience when traveling. If I save more money, not only do I feel remarkably successful, I also have more money leftover for my next getaway. And that is why we are all here, right? We love to travel, but we just have to make sure we can always afford it. Check out these additional budget-saving tips:

1. Be flexible

Flexibility is key when looking at last-minute trip options. If you have any wiggle room with your time, travel destination, or options, you will likely see the most return for your money. Scour several options to land on the best bang for your buck.

2. Travel during off-peak times

If you can afford to travel during the slower seasons, you will save a great deal on accommodations, travel, and even food. With fewer visitors, many towns will become more accommodating in the off-season, hoping to draw in business while things are moving a bit slower.

Related read → Where to travel in summer in the US

3. Follow airlines and use money saving apps

Got social media? Keep on top of the latest and greatest deals for airlines, car rentals, and even hotels by following the companies on their social media pages.

Related read → 41 best travel planning tools and apps including those that can save you money

4. Try the train

The train is a great option for kicking back and relaxing with some scenic views as you get where you are going. In Europe, trains are used everywhere for travel, but even in the States, this is an often-overlooked option. Consider traveling by train and exploring how much you can save.

5. Bring your own food

If you are camping or staying in a place that has its own kitchen like a vacation home, bringing your own food can be a great option to save some major cash. By replacing some of your meals or snacks with pre-purchased options, you can use your budget for the exciting things you want to do, and experiences you want to have.

What to bring on your last-minute vacation

If you are hitting the road in your car, be sure that you’re up to date on your car maintenance. If you are heading into more rural locations, stay on top of your gas. Be sure your car has a road trip kit sporting any essentials.

Other items that may come in handy on your last-minute adventure:

• Planning a hike? You may need local passes/permits and always carry the 10 essentials.
• An extra set of clothing (pack for the weather, always check a day or two before packing)
• Your camera
• Your sense of wonder! Yes, seriously – don’t forget this one at home!

Tips for a Successful Last-Minute Trip

Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks that I always go back to when planning my next big getaway.

• Make a list – check it twice. Know that you have a pool of options to choose from and have a vague idea of the experiences you would like to have. Spend your time on the plane or bus planning out which activities you’re going to hit up first!
• Try something new – and keep saying “yes!” I love to ask for local recommendations when I am traveling. One of my favorite things to do is a “yes man” meal. I start with a drink and ask for recommendations for an entire experience. What is the best thing on the menu? I’ll take it! *Be mindful of allergies or intolerances in this experience, and be sure to communicate that readily.
• Be open to a change in your adventure. Recently I was on a trip to Oregon and realized how far down the state we were. “I have never seen the Redwoods, and it’s only 3 hours away…” became an excellent addition to the weekend, and hey – I got to hug some seriously big trees. Was it planned? No. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Whichever path you choose to take, I hope the adventure is everything you need to reset, recharge, and replenish the wild inside of you.

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My Travel Essentials

• Travel Insurance – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing.
• Travel Card – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
• Get Your Guide – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
• Booking.com – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com, the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
• Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
• Give the Gift of Travel – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
• Staycation Idea – Check out Resort Pass, which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!

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