| Where in the world? | | | | class. For example, an economy seat on a flight will be |
| Last minute travel has become accessible to a wider | | | | the same regardless of how much you pay. However, |
| range of travellers with the arrival of budget airlines. | | | | the same cannot be said for accommodation. Before |
| You don't have to book weeks or months in advance | | | | you book, do your homework. Research your |
| to hop on a flight from London to Dublin. You can now | | | | accommodation on the Internet and look for detailed |
| take your pick of a range of European cities that fly | | | | descriptions and photographs of where you will be |
| direct from a number of UK airports. If you fancy | | | | staying. Rather know what you are letting yourself in |
| travelling further a field to a more exotic destination like | | | | for than arriving to find your much anticipated break |
| Morocco, you can book a cheap flight and be there | | | | has turned into the holiday from hell. |
| within three hours. You can even find great deals on | | | | Watch out for 'allocated on arrival'. It could quite literally |
| flights to the Big Apple, New York City. | | | | spoil your holiday, as you have no way of checking |
| If you want to extend your holiday beyond a weekend | | | | what standard of accommodation you will be in. |
| break, you can pick up a last minute deal on flights, | | | | Accommodation in privately owned properties is an |
| accommodation, off-season package holidays and | | | | unknown entity. Opt for the safer option of booking a |
| charter flights on the Internet and be off the next day. | | | | package deal with a trustworthy tour operator or book |
| Get your timing right | | | | a room in one of the larger luxury hotels (with a good |
| Most tourist destinations have a peak and an | | | | reputation) that offer cheap off-season rates. |
| off-season. For the best travel bargains, look for a | | | | Stay healthy |
| deal in the off or winter season. | | | | · Europe |
| · Mediterranean - May, June and late September. | | | | If you're taking a break in Europe, you need to take a |
| · European city breaks - January. | | | | European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It covers you |
| · Ski resorts - March. | | | | for medical treatment while travelling in the European |
| · Asia, South America, Australia and the rest of | | | | Union. You can apply for an EHIC online at |
| the world - do some research on the Internet and find | | | | · Exotic locations |
| out when the winter seasons are. Be careful to watch | | | | Before you leave on an exotic holiday to a distant |
| out for Monsoon season in the tropics. | | | | country, check if you need any vaccinations. If you are |
| The best time to book | | | | travelling to a remote area or during the rainy season, |
| There are no rules when it comes to last minute | | | | you may need to be immunised a few weeks before |
| booking. You can book a week before departure and | | | | you depart. For more information about country |
| still find an excellent range of holiday options, especially | | | | specific health issues and vaccinations, visit |
| on the Internet. | | | | · Travel insurance |
| When you're searching for that perfect European city | | | | Whether you're off for a week or a weekend, you |
| break, keep your options open. Search for any | | | | should get travel insurance. Most travel insurance |
| European city as opposed to searching for Paris and | | | | policies include cover for medical emergencies. This |
| you will have more deals to choose from. | | | | can come in handy if you find yourself in a situation |
| If you're looking for a good deal on a last minute long | | | | where you need instant medical attention. |
| distance flight, keep in mind that peak season flights at | | | | Travel with insurance |
| Easter, Christmas and other holiday periods tend to be | | | | Last minute travel doesn't mean you should forget |
| more expensive. You may not find a cheap long | | | | about getting travel insurance. It provides peace of |
| distance flight at all during peak seasons as seats are | | | | mind should you get sick, lose your luggage or your |
| in demand and often sell out quickly. | | | | gear is stolen while you are away. Most insurance |
| Check out your accommodation | | | | companies offer a wide range of travel insurance |
| Last minute booking for transport is usually fine as | | | | options that will cover you and your belongings for a |
| seats are generally of the same type and in the same | | | | weekend, a month, or a year. |