While my kids were growing up, our family vacation planning went something like this:
December: “We should plan ahead for a vacation with the boys this summer. Maybe this time it won’t feel so stressful and be so expensive.”
June: “We have no plans and only one available week to go on a family vacation. So, we have very few choices and will pay out the nose for whatever we do. Again.”
While I don’t encourage this method, the months can fly by. Here are some ideas for last-minute vacations that won’t break the bank.
City staycation in a nearby smaller town
Pick a small, nearby town (walkable historic district or riverside town) and book a last-minute hotel or vacation rental; many towns offer free attractions, farmers’ markets, and inexpensive cafés for meals. Current fuel prices make driving more expensive, but airlines aren’t exactly keeping their high fuel costs to themselves.
Last-minute beach package or off-season sun escape
Look for last-minute package deals to popular beach gateways (Florida, Mexico, Caribbean) where airlines and resorts discount rooms and bundles when departures are near; these can produce good value for short stays.
Now, it will be HOT, so be prepared for midday siestas. On the plus side, vacation afternoon naps are the best.
See if an all-inclusive option has any deals. The local charm is low, but the predictable vacation bill has its perks.
Nearby national- or state-park camping trip
One of my goals is to delve more deeply into my State Park system. Of course, I will need cabin/glamping options. But for you outdoorsy types, sure, go ahead and sleep in that tent.
Outdoor activities (hiking, swimming, picnics) are free or cheap, and you can pack your own food to keep costs down.
The thing is, reservations for camping spots can go fast, so you may need to research a little more if it’s a last-minute trip. Or go mid-week.
How to find these magical last-minute deals? There are lots of websites, such as Travelzoo,
CheapCaribbean, and VacationExpress are popular sites. I’ve had friends rave about deals through Costco Travel as well.
Bon voyage!
