The end of summer is fast approaching and you may be contemplating going for a last minute summer holiday somewhere in Europe. Maybe you’ve decided that it’s time for a change of scenery. This may be a good idea but booking a last-minute trip without making the proper arrangements can cost you time and money. That’s why we’ve put together a list of top tips and tricks for booking a last minute summer holiday in Europe. Whether you plan to holiday in Paris, Geneva, London, Budapest or Prague, we’ve got you covered!

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Here are 6 top tips for booking a last minute summer holiday in Europe – 

• Take advantage of last-minute travel deals

There are holiday packages that specifically cater to last-minute travel plans and these often come with discounted rates. You can keep an eye out for these small windows of opportunity by monitoring travel websites, signing up to receive cancelation notifications and subscribing to newsletters.

Travel experts also advise you to keep in mind the “14-day window rule.” The gist of this rule is that if an airline or hotel has seats or rooms still available two weeks before departure, they’re likely to offer discounted rates! So keep your eyes peeled.

• Find alternative airports

While it’s easy to opt to travel from bigger airports, it might be in your best interests to travel from the smaller ones. Not only are they less crowded, but they may also come with discounted rates. Search for alternate airports near your departure point to get access to cheaper fares.

• Book early flights

Typically, early morning flights are more affordable than others. Many airlines offer discounted prices for such flights as an incentive, since most people would rather travel later in the day. However, early flights are less likely to be cancelled or delayed. With the previous day’s flights have long since landed, there’s thinner air traffic. So if you don’t mind sacrificing a few hours of sleep, opt for early flights to save on spending.

• Look for alternative hotels

While it’s tempting to pick a hotel in the centre of the city, this often comes with larger crowds and higher rates for rooms, dining and shopping. Instead, look out for hotels that have easy access to the city but are not right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. That way, you get to eat your cake and still have it.

• Skip the weekend rush

The laws of demand and supply dictate that when demand exceeds supply, prices go up! Because most people prefer to travel during the weekend, flights during that period tend to be higher. So, in order to save money, choose to fly on a weekday when the scramble for tickets is over.

• Avoid tourist traps

There are tons of hidden gems all over Europe. As everyone flocks towards the famous and well-known cities, dig a little deeper and you might be surprised to find lovely destinations that are less stressful and inexpensive. For instance, rather than visiting Berlin, opt for Düsseldorf in Germany. Don’t fall for the tourist traps but find a destination that suits your travel goals. 

All in all, “last-minute” screams adventure. So don’t be afraid to try new things and see where the adventure takes you. And don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it.