Tips for booking a last-minute vacation

Lorraine Simpson shows you how to book a last-minute trip to make the most of your vacation time this summer!

If you’ve got some time off but don’t have any trips planned yet, there are still ways to book a last-minute trip and make the most of your vacation time this summer.

CTV Morning Live spoke with travel expert Lorraine Simpson who provided some tips to make your trip happen while staying true to your budget. She also provided some destinations you could consider this summer and winter.

Do your research and sign-up for alerts

What’s the weather like? Is there civil unrest? These are questions to ask yourself when looking for your desired destination, Simpson says

After that, you need to figure out how you’re going to get there.

“My top tip for checking out where to go would be something like Google Alerts. I fly all the time, and I have these alerts set that say ‘oh by the way, there’s a good deal going here.’”

She says joining airline loyalty programs is a good way to find cheap, last-minute flights as companies might let you know by email if planes have seats open.

“If there are a few seats open on certain days, they’re not going to just advertise it to the world, they’re going to give it to the loyalty customers,” she said.

Be flexible

Being flexible not only with your time but with how you get to your destination will help keep your trip affordable. Leaving on a weekday or considering connecting flights is a good place to start.

“Flexibility is your best friend,” Simpson said.

“When you’re looking at these dates. Travel on a Wednesday or travel on a Tuesday and it might not be a direct flight.”

Simpson warns to check layover times before booking to avoid spending too much time in the airport.

Also consider where you’re going and check which days might be best to leave. A city that is popular for business travel might be more expensive on Mondays and Friday, for example.

Porter Airlines recently introduced new direct flights from Ottawa to Costa Rica, Mexico and the Bahamas this winter. Simpson says this is a great opportunity to find bargains as the tickets have only just been released.

Know your rights before you book

Knowing what you’re entitled to when things go wrong is important for any vacation.

Simpson recommends always purchasing travel insurance. She also says to lean on to your travel agent who can make sure you’re adequately protected.

“Your travel agent should be your best friend,” she said.

If you don’t have a travel agent, Simpson recommends booking directly through the airline as third-party booking sites can come with unknown terms and conditions.

“You tick that checkbox that says ‘accept all terms and conditions’ and you could be having a problem,” she said.

“In Canada, we love the fact that we have a 24-hour cooling off period if you buy something, but if you check that box, you might lose that.”

Where should I go?

Simpson told CTV Morning Live about some great adventure travel destinations you can check out if you’re still looking to book a last-minute getaway.

“Adventure travel right now is hot!” she said.

The Caribbean

Her first recommendation is the Caribbean, offering stunning activities for adventure travellers looking to get away from the winter cold.

“You can really go hiking in the jungle, you can go ziplining... it’s absolutely beautiful,” she said.

Direct flights from Ottawa are now available this winter with Porter Airlines.

Northern France

Northern France features something for everyone. Some incredible sights are on offer, including the Normandie beaches, the delicious seafood in Honfleur, or the beautiful Mont Saint-Michel.

“It is stunning,” she said.

Simpson recommends flying into Paris, where flights are often cheaper because it serves as a hub for many airlines.

“Best tip – drive around.” she said.

“Just go and enjoy. Don’t stop and don’t have an agenda. Adventure without agenda.”

River cruising in Amsterdam

You can now book river cruises that have an active and adventure twist – imagine kayaking on the river, hiking or climbing.

“River cruising – it’s my thing. I took my kids a few years ago and they loved it. River cruising is just the most underrated thing for younger people,” she said.

She says you can find last minute seat on a river cruise by signing up directly with the companies.

“Amsterdam is your best bet – I would say the Moselle and the Rhine and the Danube are my favourites. And I just love Christmas markets on the Danube,” she said.

South Africa

Experience the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, discover wildlife safaris in Kruger National Park and have a taste for the country’s wine region.

“South Africa is probably one of my favourite places in the world,” she said.

Although it’s a long flight that can be pricey, expect reasonable prices for Canadians when you arrive.

“Definitely great for the adventure lovers,” she said.

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