Thinking of planning a last-minute trip but don’t know how far you can stretch your money? We’re here to tell you that you can stretch it pretty far. Check out these last-minute travel ideas for an unforgettable end of summer adventure.
When it comes to finding the best travel deals out there, we like to dive deep into data. Based on our research, London, Paris, and New York are the top-searched destinations for Canadians for summer and September. If your heart is set on one (or all three) of these dream destinations, keep reading to discover how to make this last-minute travel idea a reality.
Let us help you save money on your flight and hotel and share some travel hacks and tips for budgeting while on the road. And no, we’re not cutting any corners — we promise not to compromise the experience you’re about to have and the memories you’ll make.
London, England
Oi, mates! Time to have a ball in jolly old England! Okay, now that that’s out of the way, let’s get down to business. London is home to Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, some of the best-known tourist sites in the world. It’s also home to the Piccadilly Circus, double-decker tour buses, and that truly iconic phone booth. It may have been your dream destination for a while, but can it be done as a cheap last-minute vacation? Absolutely!
First things first: If you know when you’d like to go, the best way to find cheap last-minute flights is by setting up a Price Alert on Skyscanner. You can do that by clicking “Track Flights” while browsing on desktop or “Like these flights” when searching for flight deals on the Skyscanner app. Our price alert system will automatically email you every time prices change, so you can use this travel hack to your advantage by booking when the flight price is at its lowest.
For cheap last-minute accommodation in London, sort hotels by price on Skyscanner. The Pelican Hotel and Residence offers affordable rooms just outside of the city centre — a perfect excuse to ride the tube every day.
To stick to your budget while in town, don’t miss the famed British Museum, which is free to enter. Take a stroll through Camden Market, and of course, take a picture on Tower Bridge. For something a bit off the beaten path, check out the 200-year-old Brixton Windmill and the artsy Eel Pie Island, which is home to dozens of artists and their studios. Hungry? Trek over to Norman’s Cafe for some proper English fare under 10 pounds. Find out how to save even more money on the road with the best travel credit cards.
Paris, France
Fashion capital Paris is a bucket list European destination for many Canadians, and we completely understand why. Who wouldn’t want to spend a week soaking up cheese, wine, and croissants under the bright lights of the Eiffel Tower? Think of the pictures and the memories. We love a Euro trip.
To make this last-minute travel idea a reality, start by (you got it!) setting up a Price Alert to make sure you’re getting the absolute best deal when you book a flight. For more flight deal action, the Savings Generator shows you the average flight price of the day, including the cheapest day of the week to travel. If you’re a little flexible on time for your last-minute travel adventure, find out more about how the Savings Generator works to maximize your savings on flights.
Next, save on accommodation by using Skyscanner’s map feature when searching to find the best options for your budget while staying in the neighbourhood you like. Both The Comfort Hotel and the B&B Hotel Paris Porte des Lilas offer cozy rooms at an affordable price and also give you the opportunity to experience the Parisian metro on your way to downtown. Tuck a baguette under your arm and you’ll be sure to be mistaken for a real Parisian.
Make sure to visit the famed Shakespeare and Company bookstore, home and hangout for many writers, or the Archaeological Crypt or Musée de l’Homme for lesser-known museums and archives. Avoid the crowds at these underrated stops and save money on attractions: Both are 10 Euro or under!
Travelling with family? Grab the Paris Pass Famille to save big bucks on all the major attractions. Need a bite to eat? Head over to a Bouillon Chartier location, your best bet for French classics at an affordable price.
New York City, USA
Where better to plan a last-minute vacation than to the concrete jungle where dreams are made of? New York is truly a must-visit spot, and given its closeness to the Canadian border, checking it out on short notice is totally doable and doesn’t even have to be long. On top of setting up a Price Alert, try doing a Whole Month search on desktop or mobile to discover the cheapest day of the month to fly to the Big Apple!
For an affordable stay in Midtown East, check out the rooms at Pod 39. And if you’re up for hostel life, you can’t much better than Hi New York City Hostel. Complete with a huge kitchen, a patio, female-only dorms, and free events for guests, this place also has the cheapest beds in town. Plus, you’ll be just a block away from the subway and a few blocks from Central Park.
New York City doesn’t have to be crazy expensive: Make the most of your last-minute trip by taking a stroll through Central Park and packing your own picnic. Not in the mood for outdoor dining? Head to Chinatown for a roam and discover that it’s actually a cheap food paradise. For more exploring, spend the day at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park – all New York City parks are free to enter. Desperate to see a Broadway show? The TodayTix app lets you score massive discounts on tickets for shows that day. Add a little spontaneity to your life while saving nearly half of the ticket cost.
Want more money-saving travel tips for New York? Here’s a list of 20 things to do in New York City for free. And to make sure you’re sticking to your budget, try one of these travel budgeting apps.
For a unique experience, book a Big Onion Walking Tour to get a deeper look into New York’s history. They’ve got tons of themes to choose from, so choose wisely.
Excited for your last-minute getaway? Your flight deal search starts here.
If you’re looking for more last-minute travel ideas but the above cities don’t strike your fancy, use our “Explore Everywhere” tool to find places around the world you can fly to with the best deals.
Need more travel inspiration?
- Stop stressing about group trips and plan them the right way.
- Find out how to save money when you travel with these top money-saving tips.
- Thinking of staying local? Check out these 11 amazing places to visit in Canada.
Need a little planning help for your next holiday? Skyscanner have partnered with Exceptional Alien to create insider travel guides to the world’s most iconic cities crafted entirely by local experts. You’ll find real tips on what to do, see and eat when you get there, and get to experience a new side to these beloved destinations.
