For last-minute travel plans on the cheap, Megan Singleton has some great tips.
If you don't have weeks of annual leave up your hard-working sleeve, nor pots of money to spend on a lavish holiday even if you did have the time, here are my tips for quick and cheap local escapes.
1. Booking now app
There's a new app in town brought out by accommodation booking site booking.com. It's available on Android and iPhones and is for really last-minute getaways. Like tonight and tomorrow night only. It's simple to use, just download the app from the App Store, sign up and start swiping through like hotel Tinder. When you find the destination or price you like, hit "book" and go. Note, you won't be charged until you actually stay (or no show).
2. Week day or weekend?
If you can eke out a couple of days mid-week, you'll find the already cheap last-minute prices even more alluring. Have a trial run on the app a few days before you actually plan to travel and you'll see what I mean about savings, but don't set your heart on a particular property as it might be gone. It's an app for spontaneity after all.
3. Toiletries
Think small and sample sizes. I have two toiletry bags, both of which remain full apart from the expensive stuff - and a toothbrush. For two or three nights away, I grab my little one with hotel shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser (nicked from my last holiday) and it also packs easily (and legally) into a cabin bag if I'm flying.
