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Forget planning: Three expert tips to take a last-minute break for less

Being willing to switch when,bingo lady where and how you travel can still land you affordable trips on a week's notice.

It's happened to us all. You go in to work on a Monday morning to find your colleagues gleefully discussing their plans for the upcoming long weekend – the long weekend you completely forgot was coming up. You're desperately in need of a break, but it seems too late to make plans now…. or is it?

No need to settle for another weekend in your pyjamas watching The White Lotus for the seventh time. While planning ahead – ideally two weeks or more – is best in terms of both cost and availability, it's still possible to organise a reasonably priced holiday with less than a week's notice. Here are some expert tips on how to do it.

Flights are usually the hardest (and priciest) aspect of a super last-minute trip. "Airlines tend to increase fares as the flight approaches," said Rachel Mumford, UK travel expert at KAYAK. "So, while booking flights as early as possible is typically the best way to secure deals, that's not always possible."

Mumford and other experts stressed that flexibility is the key to overcoming this hurdle. "For travellers booking within the week, flexibility is your superpower," Jesse Neugarten, founder and CEO of Dollar Flight Club, told the BBC. "When you're planning a trip just days in advance, the more flexible you are on dates, times and even destinations, the more likely you are to score a great deal."

You can also look for a package: "Pick a destination that is easy to get to and offers plenty of experiences that can be arranged on short notice," suggested Tania Humana, director of sales at Banyan Tree Mayakob in the Riviera Maya. "Looking for packages that combine accommodation and activities will help you get the most out of your trip."

If you're just happy to get out of town, search engines like Google Travel and KAYAK let you search for flights to "anywhere", a bonus when looking for cheap last-minute deals. You may end up in Cartegena instead of Capri, but it's a great opportunity to explore a destination you may not have thought of. Neugarten also suggests travelling on low traffic days, like a Wednesday or Thursday – your wallet will thank you.

Another option is to stay closer to home. Road trips and staycations are tailor-made for last-minute escapes, and buses are one of the most underrated budget hacks.

"Even closer to departure, buses often remain far more affordable than booking a last-minute flight or renting a car," said Matt Schoolfield, travel insights expert at Flixbus North America. "If you're flexible with your day and time, you can often find a very good fare, even a day or two before you leave."

He suggests looking at high-frequency routes, such as New York to Philadelphia, Los Angeles to San Diego or Toronto to Ottawa, for the best last-minute deals, as these are more likely to have plenty of availability at a moment's notice.

For short jaunts, buses can be even faster and more comfortable than flying. "When you factor in the trip to the airport, time spent in security lines and waiting at the gate, a direct bus between city centres can be the quicker and far less stressful option," said Schoolfield.

And don't dismiss bus travel as a gruelling ordeal – today's buses are often more comfortable than economy flights, with more legroom and reclining space, plus free luggage storage, Wi-Fi and power outlets, all included.

Once you've decided how to get to your destination, finding somewhere to stay should be a breeze. According to Neugarten, securing last-minute accommodation tends to be less stressful on the wallet: "Hotels are different [from airlines]. Last-minute can work in your favour. Hotels are generally more likely to discount rooms last-minute to avoid them sitting empty, especially in big cities or during off-peak seasons."

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He suggests using apps like HotelTonight, which specialises in discounted last-minute stays; or Hopper, which predicts when hotel rates are about to drop. Another option is calling the hotel directly – front desk staff sometimes have access to exclusive rates to help fill empty rooms. And as with flights, booking a mid-week stay can lead to more availability and better savings.

Overall, the key to planning a last-minute trip is all about embracing the adventure. Relinquish as much control as possible and allow the Universe – or at least the price point – dictate where and when you'll travel. The more flexible and open you are to the unexpected, the more likely you'll be able to create an escape where the only stressful part is your last-minute packing.

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