Changing rules, new variants, and media-induced fear are all making travel planning hard! Earlier this year, Steve and I took a trip to French Polynesia. While we thought booking less than a month in advance would be advantageous (the rules wouldn’t change much in the next few weeks, right?), we were wrong. In fact, French Polynesia’s rules changed about four times between when we booked and when we left for the trip! 

So, I was inspired to write a post to help you continue to travel, even if it has to be at the last minute! Here are some ideas to help you brainstorm some possible travels, both near and far. Here are five trips you can plan at the last minute. 

A Staycation

I know, I know, this one sounds boring. But hear me out! Stay in that fancy hotel or local B&B that you’d “love to stay in if I didn’t live here” for a night. Go out to eat at that “special occasion” place that’s probably still having a hard time making it work. Go to all those sites that you “can visit any time” but never have. See if a friend wants to join in the fun, or make it a family vacation over a long weekend! However you do it, treat this trip like any other—except with no travel time! 

More here: How to Make the Most of Your Epic Staycation

A Road Trip

Flights are often expensive if you wait till the last minute! The solution? A road trip. Pick a place within a five-hour drive, and make a plan! Play car games, stop at road-side stands, and let the road take you there—wherever “there” will be! Road trips require no notice, just a full tank of gas!

Read on: The Ultimate List of Road Trip Tips

A Points Trip

Have a ton of points but not sure when you’ll be able to use them? How about now? When you book a trip with points or miles, there’s almost no risk: Airline points are usually fully refundable without a fee (but read the airline’s rules first!), so even if you have to cancel your trip, you’re not out any money, and you’re not out any points. You can always reschedule! This is the lowest risk way to travel as far as you want, with as little notice as you want. 

Must read: The Beginners Guide to Using Points and Miles for Travel 

A Last Minute Deal Trip

Apps like Jetsetter, Hotel Tonight, and others have made it easy to do things at the very last minute, including finding incredible deals at renown hotels in popular destinations! Sign up for a few and just play around with them to see how they work. When you find a deal you like, swoop in! Make it happen so you can get out of the house, get out of town, and feel like you’re getting on with your life after more than two years of staying put since 2020!

Read next: Exactly How to Plan a Trip

A Solo Trip

This one is a winner at the last minute, or planning in advance. When you’re the only one going, you can do what you want, when you want, with as little notice as you want! If you can’t find anyone to go with you, go with the best person you know—you! 

More here on my dedicated Solo Travel Page!

Want more? Check out my Travel Planning Page for everything you need to make your travel dreams a reality!

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