The Truth About Last Minute Deals
Are "last minute" deals on cruises and vacations really a deal or a scam?
As a travel agent, I get lots of calls from people looking for that "last minute" deal. So many people call and ask to see if there is some "dirt cheap" pricing on a cruise cabin, all-inclusive vacation, hotel and/or airfare they have been planning on for months.
Will you actually save any money? Will you be able to find decent flights and a suitable hotel to rest your weary head at night? Know what you are getting yourself into before you book!
Pros:
If you are the spur-of-the-moment sort, one of the best things about booking your vacation last minute is the excitement of not knowing where you are going until the very last second. Sometimes those last minute deals are so often hit or miss, you could end up in a vacation destination you normally would not have thought of, had there not been a good last minute deal. Plus, there is the addition of not having to stress about planning, organizing and researching your trip if you’re the laid-back type that prefers to go with the flow. In addition, those last minute hotel deals are a great steal, especially since the hotels are trying to slash those prices close to the date you want to get away.
Cons:
Airfare is another story. Finding a cheap last minute flight is a little trickier compared to accommodations since prices typically go up the closer you get to the departure date due to the increased demand of the flight.
Last minute bookings are not for the faint of heart. The biggest con is the risk that you might not end up going anywhere at all. It could be the case that you wait too long to book a great deal and in the end, you miss it. There is also the fact that booking ahead gives you a greater choice of flights and hotels, unlike when you book last minute. So if you have a specific destination or hotel in mind, you might be disappointed if you can't book either flight or hotel due to unavailability. Another potential downfall for those who have limited vacation time or are required to take their vacation during specific times of the year is the lack of flexibility. You might find it difficult to secure a last minute trip if you are looking for very specific times that cannot be changed due to prior engagements.
So..... are you ready to risk it all for that? Is your investment in your vacation worth the stress and havoc of making it happen?
So you’ve done your research, know where you want to go and found your perfect price? Book it NOW with your Travel Guru at Maraloha Travel, LLC!
Listen, you’ve found some pretty great deals online and you have a sense of where you want to go… but it’s never a bad idea to check in with your Travel Guru at Maraloha Travel, LLC before you actually book. Sometimes — like if you’re traveling with an infant — you’ll need to do this anyways. But more often than not, we may also be able to offer you an additional incentive, like free bag checks, an extra excursion or some cash off. Our motto is that it never hurts to ask, and if you don’t like what you hear or the deal you found online is still better, we can match it dollar for dollar!
When you find something great, procrastinating on the actual booking part is almost a surefire way to lose it. While hotels may have lots of rooms left, last-minute travel deals often mean flights, cruises, hotels, and all-inclusive vacations are nearly full. If you want to reserve your spot, now’s the time to pull the trigger. Otherwise, it could be another staycation of storage room organizing and spring cleaning for you.
Please feel free to comment as I would love to hear from you.
