Six ways to a cheap last-minute holiday

There’s no escaping autumn now, but just before the colder months kick in, there’s still time to grab a last-minute cheap holiday.

If you’ve already enjoyed visiting one of the top islands, taking a cycling staycation, or a luxury cruise this summer, then a quick getaway before Christmas may be just what you need.

We look at ways to book a cheap, last-minute trip and the most popular destinations to visit.

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The most popular last-minute holiday destinations

You won’t be surprised to find that most Brits find the best bargains on a holiday in Europe, considering the proximity to the UK.

Data by lastminute.com reveals the five most popular destinations for a last-minute holiday, whether it’s short flights, easy connections, food and culture, or more sunshine for those seeking winter rays.

1. Amsterdam

It’s not hard to see why so many Brits flock to the ‘Venice of the North’ — the name suggests it all. Amsterdam offers a picturesque escape with its charming canals, rich cultural scene at the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, or even through the vibrant Jordaan district. There’s plenty to do for those who are after a short getaway: you can hop on a canal cruise to catch the sunset, visit a coffee shop (not to be confused with cafés), gorge on stroopwafels, or try one of the many fried foods at one of the many famous breweries.

2. Rome

The epicentre of Western civilisation, Rome’s warm climate and a relatively short flight from the UK makes it a convenient holiday for anyone craving hearty Italian food or a historical adventure. There are many iconic landmarks that you can explore on a budget, such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and even Vatican City. You can get around the city by walking or using public transport, but be sure to book your attractions in advance to avoid long queues or missing out.

3. Malta

Malta is an emerging destination for Brits seeking sunshine and serene views. The small island nation located between Sicily and North Africa punches above its weight thanks to its natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, a string of diving sites, and prehistoric temples. It’s also famous for being the backdrop of many TV shows and films, such as Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Murder on the Orient Express, and more recently, Jurassic World: Rebirth, making it a popular spot for fans around the world.

4. Kraków

This Polish city bordering the Czech Republic is known for its rich art and cultural heritage. Its Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, making it one of the earliest regions to be awarded the status. Kraków is also a UNESCO City of Literature, and was named European Capital of Culture in 2000. For a budget-friendly getaway, you can explore the Wawel Castle, take a day trip to Auschwitz, or enjoy Polish pierogi and craft beer in one of Europe’s largest medieval market squares.

5. Paris

Thanks to speedy Eurostar links and frequent flights, Paris is a quick hop from the UK and an ideal getaway for many Brits. And it’s easy to get around – you can stroll along the Seine, enjoy croissants and coffee with a view of the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame, or spend a few hours at the Louvre.

How to book a cheap, last-minute holiday

We look at the tips and tricks you can use to bag yourself a bargain.

1. Opt for a city break

Although you’ll probably pay more for last-minute short-haul flights, they’ll still be cheaper than travelling long-haul. So, if you’re looking to get away soon, a city break could be just the ticket. If you spend most of your trip in one city, you’ll be able to do a lot of your sightseeing on foot or by public transport.

2. Fly for less

Checking flight comparison sites like Skyscanner is always a good idea, but checking the apps of individual airlines also pays off. Budget airlines, such as Ryanair and easyJet, tend to have flash sales – but you’ll only know about them if you have their apps or have signed up to their mailing lists.

For trips in Europe, you can potentially bag a one-way ticket for as low as £15. For luxury package holidays, it’s worth downloading the Virgin Holidays and British Airways apps.

3. Travel off-peak

It’s no surprise that flights skyrocket during peak seasons, so it might be a good idea to shift your schedule and travel during ‘shoulder season’ – the time between peak travel and off-season. This could be autumn, after the summer rush, or just before ski season.

Travelling during these times can not only bring you fewer crowds, it will also be easier on your wallet. We discuss this in detail in our guide to the best time to go on holiday.

4. Let the train take the strain

You don’t always have to rely on flights; you can hop on the Eurostar and reach some of the most popular cities in Europe, such as Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels.

Prices typically start from £39 one way, and if you’re flexible with your travel times, you can grab discounts of up to 50% off your train ticket via Eurostar Snap.

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel says: “If you can, try to wait for a Eurostar sale, which comes along at least every couple of months and usually brings the cheapest fares.”

5. Don’t fly direct for long-haul travel

Holidays far afield are often pricey, so booking a long-haul holiday last-minute can be expensive. But if you’re willing to put up with a longer journey, you could opt for indirect flights.

We searched for flights from the UK to Dubai for three weeks away on Google Flights. At the time, a direct return flight from London Heathrow to Dubai International Airport cost £724 with a flight time of around seven hours.

A flight with a stopover cost £491. You fly from London Heathrow to Qatar, and from there to Dubai. The layover at Doha airport is one hour and 20 minutes, making your total travel time just under 9 hours. While it makes for a slightly longer journey, it ends up saving you just over £200.

6. Use loyalty schemes and reward points

Signing up to travel loyalty schemes really can pay off. If you collect points with hotel groups or the likes of Booking.com and Hotels.com, look for offers they have, such as a free night in a hotel or a deal on the cost of your accommodation.

It’s also a good time to take advantage of any reward points you’ve built up. Some popular reward cards include the American Express credit cards, British Airways tier points or Avios, or hotel loyalty cards like the Hilton Honors debit card.

How does a last-minute holiday compare to booking in advance?

Booking at the last minute doesn’t have to cost more, but make sure you take all costs into account.

Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange says: “If you’re travelling during peak holiday periods (such as the school holidays), there is little disparity between booking last-minute and booking in advance. One thing to consider is that other costs, such as car hire, transfers and activities when you’re on holiday can be inflated during busy periods, even more so when they are booked last-minute.”

Data from Expedia shows the best time to book a flight is 13-21 days in advance for international travel, which increases to 170-180 days for a domestic flight.

MoneyWeek used Skyscanner to see how prices differ when booking a short-haul and long-haul flight in advance and relatively last-minute, just one week before. The short-haul flight is from London to Amsterdam, and the long-haul flight is from London to New York.

Prices are correct as of 30 September 2025 and are subject to change

For short-haul trips, it can be cheaper to book tickets at the last minute — also in part due to autumn being an off-peak season. However, if you’re looking to fly to a farther destination, pricing can be less predictable. If you leave it to the last minute, there’s always a possibility that you get stung by high costs.

That’s not to say that you can’t find a bargain for a last-minute trip to a far-flung destination. It’s just a matter of where you go and at what time, plus keeping an eye out for when tickets are priced lower.