Best way too book a VERY last minute weekend abroad

[lechatnoir]

We have a big anniversary coming up and want a weekend abroad - kids, pets & work all sorted but we're waiting on a payment to cover it plus both dreadful at decision making so plans can lead to endless talk and no action if we're not careful! So, we've decided we are just going to find something really last minute but unsure how best to do it. Is turning up at the airport & going to a booking desk still a thing? Or would we be better going into our local travel agent or just looking online in the morning with bags packed ready to go?

And if anyone's done this, did it work out & is it actually any cheaper? We're partly doing it this way for financial reasons but also quite like the adventure of not knowing in advance and just taking whatever is on offer. We'd be equally happy lying on a beach or sightseeing so really open to what comes up on the day.

The last time we did this, we just looked at available flights online and then booked an Airbnb in the location -- we did this about 9 pm at night and were on the way to the airport first thing the next morning. It was a wonderful holiday.

Make sure you have travel insurance in place. I imagine it could be easily forgotten in the rush.

I suspect the days of turning up at the airport are long gone. I'd hit the internet as soon as you get the money in to go. if you want a package deal then most of the big operators enable you to do an open ended destination search from your local airport and travel dates.

Booked a package to Paris on Eurostar few years ago, LastMinute.com. Excellent, better than expected.

we normally book our flights and accommodation separately, but when we did a last minute break, we went with jet2 holidays so that everything was booked quickly and easily. I’ve just had a quick search on there out of interest - from my local airport to ‘anywhere’ for this weekend and seeing some real bargains. Am almost tempted myself!

BA have a sale on at the moment. It’ll be cheaper than booking separately usually. Agree with pp don’t forget travel insurance.

Tui have some good last minute deals

Don't go to the airport without having anything booked. If you're going to go to the travel agent I would do it ideally 2 or 3 days before, certainly no later than 1 day before.

Can you not have a look at what options are available for your dates now and pay with a credit card/PayPal/klarna and then pay that off when you get your payment? Or is this payment not guaranteed so you need to wait?

Look at jet2 or easyJet - they do excellent weekends away and everything is included

Thanks all. Looks like online the night before is best - will update once we’re back