Last minute travel arrangements

It's often not possible to book travel in advance, whether for a last minute holiday or business trip, or an emergency. But making your travel arrangements and bookings at the last minute doesn't mean you have to pay full fares.

Use technology

You have the technology – use it. Lots of web services and apps will send you email notifications or text messages to alert you on last minute travel deals. Most of these services are free to sign up, and they can save you a bundle.

Check out travel websites that bundle air and hotel packages. Many negotiate rates that are much lower than 'walk-up rates', and you can often get a steal of a deal. If you don't need a hotel, consider selecting the cheapest package and then canceling the hotel.

Be flexible

If you have a little room in your schedule to change your travel dates, you may find just what you're looking for. When possible, be flexible with your departure date or time and the duration of your stay.

Don’t panic

When forced to make last minute travel bookings due to an unexpected trip, many people tend to panic and book the first available flight they see. This can be a costly mistake. A little time invested could save some big bucks.

Although time is short, you can still shop around. Spend an extra 20 minutes or half an hour searching travel websites. Compare rates on different websites – don't stick to the first site that comes to mind.

Speak to airlines directly

Airlines don't always post their best rates on last minute flights to their website or notify travel agents. Spending a few minutes calling airlines directly can often result in big savings.

You might also be able to take advantage of off-peak travel fares on round trips from Thursday to Monday, or Saturday to Tuesday, depending on your destination.

If you're traveling because of bereavement, ask the airline if they offer Bereavement Rates. Many airlines no longer offer this option, and the ones that do may not offer huge savings, but it can be worth asking.

Check with agents

Travel agents often have access to last minute deals they can pass onto you. Check with an agent to see what they can help you find. A particularly helpful agent will be grateful if you use them to help with future travel plans as well, and you might find extra savings on your next trip.

You don't have to go big

If you're traveling to a city that has a smaller airport in the vicinity, find out if the airlines service the smaller airport and compare costs. You may discover that the smaller airport is not only cheaper but also more convenient for you.

Cash in your miles or points

If your need to travel doesn't fall into a 'blackout time' for your miles or points, call your rewards company. You just might be nicely surprised at how quickly they can accommodate you by applying your collected points against the price of a ticket. You might even have enough to use your points for the entire fare.

Last minute travel doesn't have to be expensive. Take a few extra minutes to shop around, compare fares, visit different sites and explore the options available to you. It could result in some deep discounts and more convenient travel itineraries.