How to Plan a Last Minute Getaway

We often don't have time to plan ahead for vacation, whether it's because we don't know when we will have time off from work or because of schedules not coordinating. Sometimes though, that moment of opportunity presents itself giving us the chance to escape for the weekend. Don't hesitate because you haven't planned the trip out in advance. Nowadays, thanks to the internet and websites like Airbnb, it is very easy to plan a last minute getaway. Get the breakdown here and plan your next last minute trip stress free!

Firstly, you need to have a location in mind. 

Do you want to stay local - somewhere you'd be able to drive to on Friday and stay the weekend? Or are you going to stay a few extra days and fly somewhere? If you're planning on driving look on apps such as GasGuru (Android/ iPhone) to find the cheapest gas stations along your route. 

If you're flying then Kayak is a great option to find discounted flights. Checking on Southwest for their flight deals is another great way to determine where to go. If you're in the mood for a big city, you have options such as San Francisco, L.A., New York, or Chicago. If you want a city with a little more character there's always Seattle, Portland, Boston, or D.C. And if you're in the mood for the beach check out Miami or Hawaii. The SKY is the limit.

Once you've decided where you are going, you need to find somewhere to stay. 

While some prefer to stay in hotels, there are other options that can save you money and provide you with a bit more of the charm of the city you are staying in. Bed and breakfasts, inns, and a personal favorite, Airbnb rentals, are great options. Bed and breakfasts and inns tend to have the same amenities as hotels: small soaps, room turnover, and wifi. Airbnbs provide you with a different experience though - it's as if you are brining home with you on a trip, as you tend to have access to laundry machines and a kitchen. Decide where you'd be most comfortable and what's in your price range and you are set to go.

After you have your location and housing set, you need to figure out what you are going to do. 

Visit city sites to see what the larger attractions in the city are. Often during the different seasons, cities and counties host different events and posts these on their websites. You can attend a festival you may otherwise not have known about. In addition to the city website, there are apps and websites like Trip Advisor and Yelp you can use to find fun things to do and great restaurants to eat at. 

And last but not least pack your bags!

Rolling suitcases are the easiest way to travel, along with a travel sized purse that's just small enough to carry around, but large enough to pack all the essentials. If you're traveling overseas or in unfamiliar areas and pickpocketing is ever a concern, gender neutral bags with safety locks are available. 

Always have a standard few outfits when packing, pieces that work for a nice dinner, night out, comfortable touring, daytime outing, and pajamas. Necessities to not forget about are light sweaters and jackets for cold nights, jewelry, and a couple pairs of shoes to swap between the outfits. 

You are all set for your last minute getaway, now go and have some fun!