Beyond the excitement, a last-minute holiday can help you make great savings, with airlines and hotels offering significant discounts to fill remaining spots. Plus, the flexibility allows travellers to take advantage of glorious weather conditions and avoid overcrowded tourist seasons.
With this in mind, here’s a list of our favourite locations for a spontaneous getaway this year.
1. Albufeira, Portugal
Albufeira, located in Portugal's Algarve region, is an ideal destination for a last-minute holiday. Known for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and charming old town, Albufeira offers a mix of relaxation and fun-filled exploration.
The town's marina is a hub for various water activities, including dolphin watching and coastal cruises. For those interested in history, the old town's cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings provide a glimpse into the past.
The food scene in Albufeira is diverse, ranging from traditional Portuguese dishes to international cuisine. Fresh seafood is a staple, with many restaurants offering dishes featuring locally caught fish.
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is an excellent location for a spontaneous trip. The city's well-preserved medieval architecture, combined with its dramatic coastal views, creates a picturesque setting.
The UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. Walking along the ancient city walls provides breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the city's red-roofed buildings.
Dubrovnik's rich cultural heritage is evident in its numerous museums, churches, and the iconic Sponza Palace. For a unique experience, take a cable car ride to Mount Srđ, where you can enjoy endless views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands.
3. Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes, one of Greece's largest islands, is renowned for its historical significance and natural beauty. The medieval city of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a fascinating blend of ancient ruins, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture.
Rhodes offers idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. The island's coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, such as Tsambika and Anthony Quinn Bay, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. For those seeking adventure, the island offers numerous hiking trails, especially in the scenic area of the Valley of the Butterflies.
4. Alicante, Spain
Alicante, located on Spain's Costa Blanca, is a dynamic city known for its beautiful beaches, fun atmosphere, and interesting culture.
The Explanada de España, a striking promenade lined with palm trees and mosaic tiles, is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Santa Bárbara Castle, perched on Mount Benacantil, offers stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Alicante's marina is a bustling area with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops. The city's old quarter, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, features colourful houses and quaint squares.
This region also has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe with both Playa del Postiguet and Playa de San Juan being popular spots to soak up the sun. Alicante's climate is also pleasant year-round, making it a great destination for last-minute travel.
5. Egypt
If you are looking for somewhere different to your usual European package holiday you really need to consider Egypt as your destination.
Egypt offers great value for money when it comes to flights, hotels and packages, an average break away here can cost the fraction of the more popular European island destinations.
There is something for everyone too, from discovering ancient history, to relaxing on stunning beaches.
Around two million international tourists visit Sharm el Sheik every year which is one of the main holiday destinations with world class resorts, beaches and lots of activities like snorkelling and scuba diving. This is one of the best budget friendly travel destinations you can find for summer.
Plan Your Break Away
Hopefully our list of destinations has given you some ideas for potential last minute places to visit. Our guide has a focus on Europe but there are lots of worldwide destinations you could potentially visit depending on your budget. If you are after somewhere slightly more exotic you could consider Malta, Cyprus, Thailand, Mexico or the Caribbean.
