Last-minute travel isn’t known for its affordability. That can be particularly true during the holiday season, when many are traveling to visit friends and family, or taking advantage of time off to vacation in warmer weather.
However, there are ways to cut costs for last-minute travel, whether you’re taking a trip in the waning weeks of 2015 or any other time of year. Here are 31 tips that can help you cut your travel costs.
SEE ALSO: 5 things I did to save money on a month-long trip through Asia before I even left the US
1. Check last-minute deal sites
LastMinuteTravel.com and the Last Minute Travel Deals mobile app offer hotels, flights, car rentals, vacation homes, activities and more, at prices of up to 70 percent off retail, according to a company spokesperson. First-time users can also get $25 off their first hotel stay by registering through the app.
2. Let the deal dictate the destination
Sites like Owner Direct Vacation Rentals highlight last-minute deals that net significant savings if your plans are flexible. For example, a recent list of the top 20 vacation rental deals offered discounts of 30 percent to 55 percent on properties located everywhere from Barbados to the Orlando, Fla., area.
3. Skip hotels and negotiate
Teri Gault, CEO of TheGroceryGame.com, filters results from rental booking companies and local real estate agencies to hone in on desirable rentals that are still available. She waits until just a few days before her scheduled travel dates.
“Most vacation property owners are glad to rent to someone at the last minute, even if for half the price,” she said. “Use filters to keep an eye on available inventory for what you want while you wait. You’re going to watch available inventory, then as late as possible, even two to three days before, contact the booking company and haggle. The key is to use a website that offers private property rentals.”
See the rest of the story at Business Insider