Do last minute holiday deals still exist

[Weareoutofwine]

I'm thinking of booking a holiday for October half term. A package approach most likely through a tour operator given the current global uncertainty.
I usually plan far ahead and book in advance. I'd like to know now, however, if there are still good last minute sites or deals to be had around 4 weeks before travel. Back in the 2000s I used to be able to grab some great late deals.
Which websites, and operators are good for late availibility/deals? Or do these not exist now? Grateful for all advice a d tecommendayions please 🙏

Unlikely in October half term. Especially this year

Yes I appreciate that events may take a sharp turn (or not), but I'd like to continue to daydream and would love to hear recommendations for late deal sites and alike (for times other than school holidays and impending global doom).

The past few years October half term has been more expensive than any other time I’ve found. It’s almost always cheaper to book separately yourself and the only real bargains in school holidays tend to be flying from Scottish airports at May half term etc

I’ve worked in travel for over 20 years. Your choices last minute will be very limited, so it depends how flexible you are and if you can find exactly what you want for your party size.

In the current climate, I would ignore anyone telling you to book everything separately yourself. You won’t have any protection, if the FCDO order a ‘do not travel’ in a destination due to conflict. If you book a full package with someone and airlines cancel or have to stop operating in a region, you will be much more protected under the package travel regulations if you book accommodation and flights with one provider.

Good point re: scottish airports or vice versa depending on where you are. Different holiday calendars.

We are in Scotland and last year we flew from Manchester. A long drive but it was worth it, we even included a few days in the lake district on the way back and it was still cheaper than flying from Edinburgh.

It is worth checking out rather than just ignoring. Flights can be absolutely bargain basement prices and worth the risk if you can afford it by combining with fully refundable accommodation bookings.

It is more likely that your holiday will go smoothly and you can save thousands booking separately (with the knowledge that your flights won’t be covered by insurance should war break out, but that you’ve protected your accommodation costs).

Daft to just “ignore” that if you know what you’re doing. I paid less than £100 flights return for 3 of us to Italy. The only company offering a package for the same thing wanted £1.7k more for the whole holiday, same hotel, fully refundable on my separate booking.

That’s fine if you go it alone and take the financial risk but the package travel regulations offer many benefit beyond losing a few quid, including duty of care and repatriation.

Of course, like I said, be aware but don’t completely discount other avenues and options just “because”