If you and your family want to get out of town right now, how do you improvise a great last-minute trip without breaking the bank?Planning is essential. Embrace travel as a hobby ñ- look for tricks, techniques and current online resources to keep abreast of the best last-minute deals.Compromises will be necessary. You will likely need to travel at off-peak hours (either the first flight out in the morning or the last one at night, usually on weekdays) and stay at hotels or venues off the beaten path.Here are some quick tips to save money on last-minute travel:Travel light, move fast. Traveling last-minute isn’t for the indecisive. Dedicated travelers are minimalists ñ- they know what to pack, how to organize their paperwork and payment options and have the mental preparation to deal with problems and challenges along the way.Build the right online resources. The Internet has revolutionized most forms ofpurchasing goods and services; however, for travel, it has offered unprecedented speed and customization. Use top travel sites that have a tested track record and broad listings of various travel products, but be on the lookout for new travel websites and apps that launch every day.Some airlines now offer their own last-minute fare sites, but try to sign up for email alerts and social media feeds from a variety of travel resources, so you won’t miss deals on air, hotel or ground transportation.Test new lodging options. The new generation of apartment and spare-bedroom sharing sites and longtime online vacation home rental services offer last-minute and in some cases “day-of” lodging possibilities, but keep in mind that online scammers have entered this territory, and all transactions should be verified independently.Staying in hostels is not just for students and backpackers anymore; there are hostels that aim for older travelers as well. Getting on the phone also works in the hotel industry ñ- check online prices against prices quoted when calling the hotel directly. Ask if there is a lower corporate rate or special for the period of your stay.Compare ride-share with car rental. If you are going to need a car, check car-rental rates against leading ride-share companies, available at the touch of a smartphone screen. Many ride-share companies offer advance pricing estimates. Also, keep in mind the costs related to parking the rental car ó ride-share can help avoid those parking problems.Finally, evaluate every membership connection you have. Start by looking at all the plastic in your wallet. From credit cards to the membership card for a professional networking group and auto club, there are often travel benefits available for those last-minute trips.Bottom line: Last-minute travel is almost always possible as long as the traveler is willing to do a little homework, and improvise.Jason Alderman is a financial expert and the author of Practical Money Matters weekly column. He directs Practical Money Skills for Life, a free financial education program (http://practicalmoneyskills.com)
