Some holidays are planned for months, or perhaps even years, in advance. In other cases, the holiday is embarked upon spontaneously. A last-minute deal can allow you to holiday in some of the world’s most appealing destinations without spending too much. Let’s take a look at some of the best locations for a last-minute trip
Greece
The Mediterranean climate, the wonderful food, and the friendly locals all conspire to make Greece a favoured destination among British tourists. The problem is that everyone knows it – and thus, last-minute trips around popular destinations, like the islands, tend to result in problems with filled-up accommodation and packed flights. You might therefore prefer towns like Parga, which are popular with Greek tourists.
Italy
Last-minute trips to Italy are easiest to obtain when you aren’t fussy about your destinations. The country is packed with amazing cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice – and so there’s no shortage of great breaks. You might also take a trip to wine country. The rolling hills of Tuscany hold an appeal that’s unique in the world.
Italy is also great for last-minute ski holidays. Pay a visit to Cervinia, and you’ll be guaranteed snow right up until April. The lifts are modern enough to deal with spells of severe weather, too.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a destination that offers an excellent mix of affordability, and quality facilities. It’s also tremendously diverse. You might arrange a traditional surf-and-sand beach break at the seaside resort of Varna, which looks out across the Black Sea. Or, you might look at a skiing break in Bankso, which is perfect for beginner-level skiers (though more advanced ones might find it a little limited).
If you’d prefer to go hiking, then you might head over to Rila, with its famous seven lakes and a 10th-century monastery that’s been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. For those looking to break from a fast-paced tourist experience, this part of Europe is difficult to ignore.
Spain
There’s a good reason that Spain is the most popular holiday destination for British tourists. Islands like Majorca, and coastal resorts like Benidorm, might enjoy a sizeable chunk of the tourist traffic – but you might equally enjoy a city break in Barcelona or Madrid, each of which offers a unique blend of historic buildings, museums, and galleries. Seville and Valencia are also worth checking out, for the same reason. During your stay, you might make time to go and see a flamenco show, dine on amazing tapas, or take a stroll around one of the country’s incredible cathedrals – of which the as-yet-unfinished Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is arguably the most distinctive. It’s the largest Catholic church in the world!