You’ve loved last-minute travel since taking a spur-of-the-moment weekend trip with friends last summer. However, that initial journey wasn’t without its hiccups.
Expensive airfares, scrambling for hotel rooms, and forgetting your toothbrush stick out in your mind. If you’re prone to impromptu flights-of-fancy, this post is for you. Take note of our tips below to make your next flash adventure a smooth one.
Research all the direct routes that fly from your airport
The less time you spend in transit, the better. Avoid long layovers by opting for direct flights. This task used to be arduous, but it’s super easy now, thanks to FlightsFrom.com.
Simply type in your city of departure. After doing so, FlightsFrom will supply a list of every route that departs from an airport. Complete with flight times and available airlines, this resource makes it easy to plan a getaway.
It’s even better when you don’t know where to go. Scroll down the list and pick the first destination that strikes your fancy!
Keep a day bag with essentials packed at all times
Always feel like you’ve forgotten something when you travel? Avoid this situation by keeping a travel go-bag packed in your room. This piece of luggage should contain essential toiletries – toothbrush/toothpaste, safety razors, and soap all qualify.
Also, be sure to pack underwear, several pairs of socks, and a couple of tops/bottoms. As for the rest, fill in the blanks – you already know what you can’t live without.
Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity
It’s crushing – after getting to the airport, the airline agent refuses to print your boarding pass. The issue? Your passport is set to expire five months from now. Instead, you watch helplessly as your flight lifts off the tarmac without you.
Your passport is good for another five months – so, what’s the issue? Security and immigration worries have led nations like Israel, Singapore, and Brazil to impose a six-month rule. Simply put, you must have more than 6 months of validity remaining to travel to these countries.
Don’t chance it – many other countries have similar rules. If your passport has less than six months’ validity remaining, get it renewed ASAP. That way, you’ll be good to go whenever travel inspiration strikes!
Download the following travel apps
Last-minute travel used to be a genuine adventure. In the 21st century, however, mobile apps have made the experience accessible to everybody.
Start by downloading HotelTonight. On the ground, many accommodations will give you the rack rate if you walk up. However, if they leave rooms empty, their value falls to zero. HotelTonight lists flash deals you can use to book rooms for far less than usual.
Next, ensure Trover is on your device. On a quick trip, it can open your eyes to attractions that escape the attention of tourists.
Let your sense of spontaneity guide you
Above all, leave the travel itinerary at home. You’ve travelled somewhere at the last minute. With that spontaneity, why would you follow a guidebook? Ask a local where to go and check things out. Often, these rewards are the reason you travel so often!