Some of us lead more independent lives than others; you might be one of the lucky people who make their living online – digital nomad – in which case, you can jet off at the drop of a hat. This means you can grab unbelievable holiday deals, as a number of bookings are cancelled; it might be a sudden death in the family, a car accident or an illness that causes someone to cancel their holiday and if you are in the right place at the right time, you can scoop a fantastic vacation for a fraction of the actual price.
*This is a collaborative post. Image Source
*This is a collaborative post. - The 48 Hour Strategy – If you could be ready to fly in two days, you can start Googling, “Novotel Phuket Resort, last minute cancellations” and see what is available. Of course, these deals are snapped up pretty quickly, so you have to be in a position to commit there and then, when you find the right package. If you can’t make 48 hours, you can find packages in 4,5 or 6 days’ time, but if you are able to leave a short notice, you will get the best deals.
- Google Search – You should check out the advanced search feature, as this, along with the right search terms, will help you locate last-minute bargains. All travel agents and tour operators have an online presence and the number 1 search engine will find them. It is likely you will have to pay the total cost when making the booking, which is the norm in the travel sector.
- Visas – Of course, you are advised to search for holidays in countries where you can receive a visa on arrival (VOA); while most embassies are efficient, there could be problems obtaining a visa at such short notice. Talk to the travel operator and they can help. If you are looking to surprise your partner, here are a few tips on planning a romantic getaway.
- Travel insurance – Thanks to the web, you can take out health insurance online and the policy can be activated with a single mouse click. Life is full of uncertainties and when travelling to a strange land, it pays to have medical insurance and a policy to cover personal possessions.
- Create a short list – An hour surfing the web should give you at least half a dozen last-minute offers and because you don’t have much time to ponder, use Google to help you make an informed decision. Find out about the destination country, check the climate and weather forecast and this should lead to making the right choices.
Don’t forget prepping your home – If you are going to be away for a couple of weeks, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the property and make sure that all electrical appliances are unplugged. If you have stuff in the freezer and you can’t relocate it, you have no choice but to leave the appliance on.
Whether you decide on a luxury holiday in Phuket or a last-minute berth on a luxury cruise, you will save a lot of money.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
