A last minute trip is something that many people dream about. Packing a bag and heading out on an unplanned journey, not knowing where the road will take you, is unmatched. For the longest time, this was just a dream, but now things have changed.

Last-minute travels are no longer just fantasies reserved for daydreams or movie scenes. With a little bit of preparation, they’re now easier than ever. Even more than that, last-minute travel can also be done cheaply. Even if your travel plans materialize only hours before departure, there are ways to make them affordable without sacrificing fun or comfort.

#1: Snapping Up Last-Minute Flights

Monitoring and snapping up last-minute flights is a tried-and-true method for budget-conscious travelers. They’re the perfect option for big city travel and island getaways. Airlines don’t all follow the same pricing strategies, though. This means there’s no single rule to follow, but there are some things to keep in mind.

Firstly, let’s think about why airlines might offer cheap last-minute flights. The obvious reason is that some revenue is better than no revenue. If a flight has unsold seats and the flight takeoff time is fast approaching, lowering the cost of the remaining seats might entice a few more travelers to buy one.

Competitive pricing is another reason. Maybe one of their competitors is running a deal, and they need to drop their prices on a specific route to stay competitive. There might be pre-purchased flights that are part of travel packages that failed to sell, leading to the airline having more vacancies at the last minute than they thought.

There are many reasons why cheap last-minute flights might become available, and this is a perfect scenario for the spontaneous traveler. One other consideration is that manually checking flight prices across different airlines is a tedious process, so you’ll need to make use of some travel booking tools.

Using sophisticated search engines can cut the time customers invest in travel planning; the option to compare cheap flights and purchase tickets only requires a few key details from customers to find plenty of results.

Using a tool, there are a few other pointers to keep in mind that can help you find the cheapest flights. These rules are all general and will vary, but mid-week flights are often cheaper than weekend ones. Similarly, late-night or very early-morning flights tend to be cheaper, and they usually are more reliable to take off on time, too.

#2: Smart Packing to Save Costs

Being smart when it comes to packing is another way to save costs on a last-minute trip, both in terms of what you pack and how you pack. Firstly, consider investing in airport-friendly tiny bottles. Instead of buying those pricey travel-sized toiletries each time you fly, buy reusable mini bottles once and refill them with your favorite products from home. This simple and easy switch not only reduces waste but also keeps more cash in your pocket.

Next up, let’s talk about clothes. Aim to pack versatile pieces that are easily mixed and matched to create outfits that suit different occasions or climates. Choosing lightweight layers that can be added or removed as needed should be your focus. Taking this approach will help to avoid any excess baggage fees due to weight, while still offering plenty of flexibility when choosing an outfit.

If we now shift our focus from the what to the how make sure you roll your clothes when packing them. Some may argue that folding clothes is a better choice, but they’re wrong. Rolling wins, hands down! Rolled clothes take up less room than folded ones, allowing you to travel with more without having to upgrade the size of your luggage.

Speaking of luggage, choosing the right one is another crucial element of smart packing. Whether you’re a minimalist traveler who simply wants a basic carry-on backpack or someone who absolutely must check in a suitcase, you’ll have plenty of options. Even if you do check in your luggage, taking a small carry-on backpack in addition is still a good idea. This allows you to spread the weight of your luggage out while protecting your most important items like tech gadgets and documents.

Your carry-on bag is a good place to put some snacks, which is another related packing consideration. You may find yourself sitting around waiting for a flight, and then maybe you have a transfer, and then you have to wait again. Airports take advantage of this aspect of travel, and the meals you find at them are notoriously overpriced. Packing some homemade travel treats or store-bought snacks will mean that you’ll have something tasty at hand whenever hunger (or boredom) strikes.

#3: Choosing the Right Airports

Choosing an airport with affordable and convenient access can make a significant difference in your travel budget. It’s not just about the price of the flight ticket, there are other hidden costs that come along when you opt for far-flung airports. While it might seem like you’re saving money on cheaper tickets from these distant locations, the truth is you may end up paying more due to additional transportation expenses to and from these airports.

Before booking a flight, take some time to research how you will get from that airport to your accommodation. Are there easy public transportation options like buses, trains, and trams available? If you need to rely on taxis or ride-sharing services, are they readily available and affordable? These are important questions to answer.

These transportation options, make sure to look for airport shuttle services, too. Sometimes they’ll be independent, other times they’ll be offered by the airport, or they might even be offered by your hotel. Either way, mapping out how you will get from A to B will give you a clear picture of how much it will cost and help you avoid any unpleasant surprises upon arrival.

Something else to consider is that smaller, regional airports can often be more convenient. They are less crowded, and this generally means shorter security lines and less stress before flights. Their smaller size usually makes them much easier to navigate, too.

#4: Limit Dining Out Expenses

No matter whether you’re going on a historical New York journey, a backpacking adventure in Asia, or searching for dog friendly hotels in Miami, food is a core component of any travel experience. That said, dining out every meal can quickly eat into your budget. This doesn’t mean you have to spend hours of your vacation in the kitchen preparing food, but there are some strategies to keep both your stomach and wallet full.

Firstly, do as the locals do. Head to local supermarkets and see what’s on offer. As well as offering a cheaper alternative to restaurants, strolling through supermarkets in unfamiliar countries is like a sightseeing experience in itself. There are huge regional variations in food, so you may be surprised by what you find.

A smart way to limit food expenses is by packing daytime meals. Maybe you decide that it’s a vacation, and you’re going to eat dinner out every night. That’s a good idea, but spend a small amount of time preparing a packed lunch each day. This way, when you take a well-deserved break from exploring the destination’s attractions, you’ll already have something ready to eat without having to spend any more money.

Lastly, consider food when you’re picking out your accommodation. Free breakfasts can often be found in everything from cheap backpacker hostels to classy hotels. Taking advantage of this is a great way to fuel up for free each morning, and the money savings will start to add up quickly.

#5: Tap into Discounts and Loyalty Programs

One of the best things about the travel industry is how it embraces loyalty and rewards-style programs, offering discounts and upgrades to frequent travelers. These programs can often be a game-changer and really enhance your experience.

The most common type you will find is frequent flyer programs, which are valuable resources for last-minute travelers. Airlines reward their loyal customers with points or miles every time they fly with them. The more you fly, the more points you accumulate, and these points can then be redeemed for future flights.

Many credit cards have partnerships with airlines and hotels, and this makes them another interesting tool for travelers. Many of these cards will allow you to earn points on your normal, everyday purchases like groceries, and you will earn points as a result. Those points can then be redeemed on hotels, flights, and other travel expenses. Some of these cards even come with travel-related perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to airport lounges.

Hotels themselves have loyalty programs that reward frequent guests. If you find yourself always staying in the same hotel chain when you travel, there’s a good chance you can earn special rates and free nights in return. Additionally, rewards members of hotels often get first dibs on available rooms when they’re booking at the last minute.

The digital age has made spontaneous travel more accessible than ever. With just a little bit of planning, a cheerful last-minute adventure can easily be had, all without breaking the bank. So, what are you waiting for?