Planning last minute travel can leave you in a panic. Whether it’s for business or for pleasure, you will find yourself with much to do and little time to do it.
It may seem impossible, but you can learn how to plan last-minute travel like a pro! Time to learn how to organize fast with helpful hacks.
8 Last-Minute Travel Hacks
Don’t let your pop up plans ruin your trip before it begins. Use these 8 travel hacks on the fly!
1. Use Last-Minute Travel Apps
Last minute flights can cost you a pretty penny. Keeping an app for this type of app directly on your smartphone will seriously help you in this type of situation.
If you often travel spontaneously for work or for fun, make sure you download the following:
Fareness
If you simply want to go somewhere, check out the Fareness app! It offers up a list of the cheapest airfares to different cities.
It may not work well if you need to go somewhere specific unless that place happens to be on the list. However, it will help you broaden your horizons and choose destinations you otherwise might have skipped without the app.
GTFO Flights
This app navigates websites, like Google Flights and Priceline, to send you all of the best travel deals. It will also quickly find you last-minute flights to your specific destination for the absolute lowest price, whether you want to fly somewhere within North America or across the world!!
Secret Escapes
This UK based, member’s only app service, offers serious travel discounts for luxury hotels and trips. If you travel on the fly often, then the member fee will for sure save you in the long run.
2. Consider Hotel Alternatives
Hotels charge a lot when you need one in a pinch. Plus, they may not have rooms if you plan to travel last minute for a large event. Consider cheaper alternatives!
Airb&bs offer private accommodations within peoples’ homes. You will pay less than you would in a comparable room at a hotel. Plus, you can snag something last minute when other options fall through!
If you feel brave, go with a hostel! You will pay significantly less as you book a bed and share the room with others. It may seem strange, but this can make your travel experience exciting and help you meet new people.
3. Make a Checklist
Forgetting something on a trip can be both frustrating and expensive. Creating a travel checklist will help keep you organized while packing. Plus, you can hold on to it for the next time a last-minute trip comes up.
Your list should include the following:
Clothes
You need clothing that matches both the destination and purpose of the trip. You will want appropriate:
- Shirts
- Shoes
- Dresses/suits
- Pants/skirts/shorts
- Underwear
- Socks
- Pajamas
- Coat
Throw in two checkboxes for each item, just in case of spills or other mishaps.
Toiletries
You do not want to miss any of these essentials:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Floss
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash
- Razor and shaving cream
- Deodorant
- Cotton swabs
- Face wash
- Lotion
Also, keep in mind the rest of your routine. If you use acne creams, cologne/perfume, makeup, tampons, or any other self-care products, put them on your list.
Travel Necessities
Your list should include:
- Plane tickets
- Hotel information
- Your passport and driver’s license
Also, add on anything you like to use on the plane, like a travel pillow or gum to keep your ears unplugged.
Medications
You definitely do not want to get to your destination sans an important prescription. Put any medication you take regularly on the list. You may want to also include Advil, Benadryl Dramamine, just in case.
Important Accessories
Your list should incorporate:
- Crucial electronics, like your phone, laptop, etc.
- Chargers
- Cash
Make a separate box for each individual item. Grouping them can lead to forgetting something important for your spontaneous travel.
4. Get up to Date
Spare yourself time and embarrassment. Keep your documentation up to date.
TSA will not let you through without valid identification. This means that your license or state ID cannot be expired.
You also want an up to date passport. Complete your passport renewal prior to arriving at the airport.
You may also want to keep backup id in your suitcase at all times. This will help you still make your flight in the case that you forget to check expiration dates ahead of time. TSA will take your backup form with your expired form to confirm your identity.
5. Email Your Info
Checklists help, but they do not guarantee that you will not forget or lose anything. Just in case something gets left behind in the chaos, email yourself all of the important information you will need.
Your email should include:
- Important phone numbers
- A copy of your identification
- Flight and hotel information
- Important meeting info
Sometimes things get lost. Prepare yourself so you do not feel lost if that happens.
6. Keep Little Containers
Always keep 100ml containers somewhere in the house. This way, you do not need to spend extra time and money on travel sized toiletries when you decide to travel last minute. You will want them for everything from shampoo to mouth wash.
7. Car Share
Spontaneous travel can cost you a lot. Lower those costs whenever possible.
By car sharing, you can do just this. To car share, you pay a nominal fee to sign up for a membership. Then, when you travel, you can share a car only when you need it. Compared to renting, you save money and make your trip a little less complicated.
8. Show Your Loyalty
You can also save yourself money by signing up for loyalty programs at hotels and with anything else you come across travel related that offers them. They will often offer special benefits that can come in handy for a last minute booking.
Enjoy Your Trip
Last-minute travel does not need to make your anxiety take off. These hacks can help you plan your trip on the fly, without forgetting important items or breaking the bank.
Check out more travel tips so you enjoy each minute of every trip!
