Tips for booking last-minute travel

(NC) Have you found yourself with a free weekend? Or feel like spontaneously jetting off for a week?

If you’re not set on a particular location or resort, you can find a great trip to suit your needs. Here are a few tips that can help you book a successful last-minute holiday.

Be flexible. Be open to different destinations and accommodations. Consider that the most popular locations, hotels and rooms are always the first to be booked. Remember that you’re just looking for a spontaneous jaunt, so it’s possible that not every item on your vacation wish list will be available.

Be open to a mid-week departure. Most people tend to book weekend departures. Looking for a mid-week departure - Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday - helps open up more options.

Be prepared to act fast. Keep in mind that last-minute deals can be snapped up in minutes. That’s why you should have all the proper travel documents on hand before you start perusing them. Make sure your passport is valid and look into travel insurance options.

Don’t buy based on price alone. While there are many low-price options available, consider your expectations, standards and needs carefully. Do your research to ensure you are not disappointed. Also, be aware of those too-good-to-be-true offers, as they may turn your exciting getaway into a bust.

Don’t give up your consumer protection. All travel agencies, booking websites and tour operators located in Ontario are regulated by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario. When you book with one of them, consumer protection is available to you. Find more information at tico.ca.

Attention Editors: This content is reserved for distribution in Ontario only.