Planning a Last-Minute Winter Vacation

By Liz Froment • February 6, 2020 • Tips

Feeling like you want to skip out of town for a few days? Maybe a surprise last-minute winter vacation is exactly what you need to decompress and recharge.

Lots of people worry that a last-minute vacation just isn’t something that’s do-able. They worry about extra expenses and planning time. The reality is the opposite is true. You can take a great last-minute winter vacation that doesn’t put a huge dent in your wallet.

The key is planning.

In this post, we’re going to let you in on a few secret planning tips to help you enjoy your last-minute vacations.

Consider Your Budget

Before you jump into your plans, know your budget. Having a set idea about how much you want to spend on this trip can help you narrow down your choices and pick the perfect destination.

Also, keep an eye out for deals. Regardless of the time of year, there are always destinations that offer some discounts for last-minute travelers.

Pick Your Transport

There are plenty of ways to get to most destinations today. You can choose between driving, flying, taking a train, or even a cruise. This is another area where narrowing down exactly how you want to travel can help you choose the right spot for you.

Finding an amazing deal on airfare, for example, can help seal the deal to a new hot spot. Or deciding to drive a maximum of four hours can help you search for some more local hidden gems.

Be Flexible

If you’re worried about the budget the best thing you can do is be totally open to your destination. Lots of places have winter rates or discounts, especially those in cooler climates.

If you want to head to a warm-weather destination, check out special deals on the shoulder season where it won’t be quite as warm but it’s typically more affordable.

Try Alternative Destinations

We all think of the big hot spots when it comes to activities and events. If you want to gamble, go to Vegas or if you want to taste wine, go to Napa. But there are plenty of other places that offer an amazing time for those same activities.

For example, Reno, Atlantic City, and Biloxi, Mississippi are all hubs for great casinos and nightlife with fewer crowds. For your wine tasting needs Oregon’s Willamette Valley, New York’s Finger Lakes Region, and Fredericksburg, Texas are all up and coming wine destinations.

Travel Mid-Week

Most airlines and hotels are higher priced during the weekend, especially Friday and Saturday nights. While airlines often have higher prices on Fridays and Sundays.

So a little bit of flexibility on the days your willing to travel can make a big difference. Flying out on a Saturday and returning on a Tuesday, for example, can end up saving you money. Also, if you are flying, pack light and you can avoid extra baggage fees.