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The Best Hacks for finding Last Minute Travel Deals

Let’s be honest, I’m that person who randomly decides on a Thursday night that I need a beach in my life by Friday morning. The thrill of spontaneous travel gets my heart racing, but my bank account. Not so much. The good news is that over time and after way too many frantic Google searches, I’ve mastered the art of scoring travel deals like a pro. So, I thought to share with my readers the best hacks for finding last minute travel deals. Thank me later.

If you’re like me who’s a little impulsive, a little adventurous, and always on the hunt for the next cheap escape, this guide is for you. Here are the best hacks I use to snag unbelievable deals at the very last minute.

Best Hacks for finding last minute travel deals

Many say if you want to travel cheap, you need to plan your travel in time. That the most expensive deals are left last minute. However, last minute is not so bad. Often times you may get the best travel deals last. I am here to share with you the best hack for finding last minute travel deals.

Be Flexible with Dates, Destination, and Even Airports

Honestly, the less picky you are, the better your deal will be. When I first started trying to find last-minute trips, I made the mistake of having one city and one weekend in mind. That almost never works out cheaply. The real hack? Stay open.

Sometimes, instead of flying from Lagos to London (which could cost a small fortune), I’d find a flight to Manchester or Dublin for half the price, and then take a short train or connecting flight. Boom, instant savings.

Websites like Google Flights or Skyscanner are absolute lifesavers here. Just leave the destination blank and type “Everywhere.” You’ll see a list of places with their cheapest current fares. I can’t tell you how many surprise adventures I’ve had just because I followed the cheapest flight — like the time I ended up spending a weekend in Nairobi simply because it was the lowest fare that week.

Typically, midweek flights (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) are almost always cheaper than weekends. And if you can take a red-eye (those ungodly hour flights), you’ll save even more.

Use Apps and Websites That Specialize in Last-Minute Deals

Okay, this is where the magic really happens. There are apps built specifically for spontaneous travelers like us. My favorites?

One time, my friend used Hotel Tonight for a trip to Dubai and scored a 4-star hotel for nearly 50% off just because someone canceled at the last minute and the hotel wanted to fill the room. Apps like these make you feel like you’re part of an insider club where timing and luck meet opportunity.

Subscribe to Flight Deal Newsletters (Your Inbox Will Thank You)

I used to think flight deal newsletters were spammy until I saw one offering round-trip tickets from Lagos to Paris for less than $400. My jaw literally dropped.

Some of the best ones out there are Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), Secret Flying, and Airfare watchdog. These sites have teams of actual humans scouring the web for error fares, flash sales, and last-minute flight drops. They send alerts straight to your inbox, so you don’t have to keep refreshing a million tabs.

Once, I got an alert about a “mistake fare” from Lagos to Istanbul for under $300. I booked it immediately, and it turned out to be one of the best trips of my life. I would’ve never found that deal on my own. So yes, newsletters are your secret weapon. One of my favorite flight search engines that I highly recommend you subscribe to is Trip.com. You will get the best travel deals delivered straight to your inbox.

Be Ready to Book Immediately

Last-minute deals are like catching a shooting star. You blink and they’re gone. When you see a good deal, don’t hesitate. I can’t tell you how many times I hesitated for “just 10 more minutes” only to refresh the page and see the price double. 

To make sure you’re ready:

Being prepared means you can say yes instantly when that perfect deal pops up.

Take Advantage of Opaque Hotel Deals

This one sounds fancy, but it’s really simple. Some booking sites like Priceline Express Deals or Hotwire Hot Rates offer heavily discounted hotel rooms. But the catch is that you don’t see the hotel name until after booking.

At first, I was skeptical. But after taking the plunge a few times, I realized the discounts can be insane. I once got a 5-star hotel in Cape Town that normally costs $300 a night… for $89. The only thing I knew before booking was the general area and star rating, and honestly, that’s all I needed.

If you’re not too fussy about the hotel brand (and trust me, most of the hidden ones are reputable chains), opaque deals are a budget traveler’s dream.

Don’t Ignore Alternative Transportation

Flights get all the attention, but trains and buses can also be goldmines for last-minute travelers. I once missed a flight from Accra to Abidjan, and when I saw the new ticket price, I almost fainted. So I checked for bus routes and guess what? Not only was it way cheaper, but it also turned out to be an unexpectedly scenic adventure.

In Europe, services like FlixBus, Omio, and Trainline can help you find cheap last-minute bus and train tickets. In the US, look at Megabus or Amtrak Saver Fares. And if you’re in Africa or Asia, local bus and rail networks often have affordable same-day seats because people cancel at the last minute.

Don’t get too stuck on flying. Sometimes, the journey can be part of the adventure.

Use Credit Card Points and Airline Miles

This hack is so underrated! Even if you don’t travel often, it pays to have a travel rewards credit card or sign up for airline loyalty programs. Many airlines let you use points or miles to book seats that would otherwise be expensive last-minute.

Last year, when my sister needed to fly home urgently, she used miles she didn’t even remember earning and ended up paying just the taxes. If you fly even occasionally, always add your frequent flyer number. You never know when those points will save the day.

Travel Off-Season or Off-Peak Hours

Even last-minute deals are influenced by timing. Traveling just before or after major holidays, or in shoulder seasons (like April–May or September–October), means airlines and hotels are more desperate to fill spaces.

I once planned a trip to Zanzibar in mid-October which is technically off-season, and got a beachfront resort for almost 60% off. The weather was still perfect, but the crowds were gone, and prices were dreamy.

Also, flying super early in the morning or late at night can save you a ton. It’s not glamorous to wake up at 3 a.m., but when you’re sipping a cocktail by noon in a different city, it suddenly feels worth it.

Think Like an Opportunist, Not a Planner

The biggest mindset shift I had to make was realizing that spontaneous travel is less about planning and more about pouncing. If you treat every weekend as a potential getaway, you’ll be amazed at what you can find.

For me, it’s a lifestyle now. I keep a small “go-bag” ready, follow deal pages on Instagram, and check flight alerts like some people check sports scores. And honestly? It’s made life so much more exciting.

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