It happens to everyone at one time or another in life. You forget to make a solid plan for a holiday getaway trip. Now, with just days or hours before the holiday, the pressure is on to find a great vacation location. Then the question is whether any accommodations will be available to fit your needs at this late date.
A last-minute holiday getaway doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. A last-minute trip can be booked weeks or days in advance and be as much fun as a trip you spent months planning. A spontaneous trip right in time for a holiday can help you make memories to last a lifetime.
Learn more about planning a last-minute holiday getaway in Florida. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to plan the perfect vacation on the fly, from how to find a last-minute vacation rental to getting a great deal on a flight to expert tips.
What Are Some Last Minute Holiday Vacation Ideas?
Holidays are special days and a great time to travel. No matter whether you’re considering taking a long weekend for Labor Day, enjoying turkey on the beach for Thanksgiving, or even ringing in the New Year in a new locale, there are many reasons to consider a last-minute holiday vacation.
Here are a few ideas we’ve put together that might make your next holiday getaway special. Consider these travel destinations around the Sunshine State next time you want to escape for a special day of the year.
Celebrate the New Year in Naples
There’s no need to plan ahead if you’d like to ring in the new year in Naples. This Southwest Florida city has a bustling nightlife scene that’s sure to entertain with all kinds of options. Consider finding a last-minute vacation rental in Naples for the time between Christmas and New Year’s.
Naples is a happening place for New Year’s Eve. You’ll find all kinds of events on the calendar. The annual Naples Art New Year’s Fair attracts fine artists from around the county. Comedy shows let you laugh right into the next year. Concerts and live music will let you dance until the ball drops. All of these things can be enjoyed with last-minute planning.
Plan a Romantic Island Retreat for Valentine’s Day
Consider cozying up with your special someone on a romantic island retreat just in time for February 14. The vacation planning experts at Royal Shell can connect you with the perfect last-minute vacation rental on Sanibel Island.
Romance is in the air on Sanibel Island. Imagine walking hand-in-hand on a pristine and natural beach, scooping up seashells along the way. Or, enjoy dinner for two at the Thistle Lodge Restaurant at Casa Ybel Resort. Relax with a couple’s massage at Sanibel Day Spa. All of these things can likely be enjoyed with a last-minute reservation.
See Fireworks in Fort Myers
The 4th of July is a favorite summer holiday. Southwest Florida and Fort Myers are great places to celebrate independence with a last-minute Florida holiday getaway.
Additionally, the summer months are traditionally a slower season in Southwest Florida. This means there are great deals to be found. Vacation rentals with swimming pools and other great amenities are likely available at a fraction of the cost you’d pay during other times of the year.
A last-minute trip to Fort Myers can be easy to plan. Browse Fort Myers vacation rentals and make your quick Florida vacation happen!
Get Spooky in St. Augustine for Halloween
St. Augustine, Florida, might be one of the most haunted places in the U.S. That makes it a great place for a spooky last-minute Florida getaway. This historic city in the northeast part of the Sunshine State goes back nearly 400 years. From the Old Jail to the St. Augustine Lighthouse, you’ll find all kinds of ghost tales and tours in this special city.
Learn more about planning a fall vacation in Florida!
Open Christmas Presents in Captiva
In 2022, Christmas Day falls on a Sunday. This makes the festive holiday a perfect time for a quick weekend trip to Captiva Island. There is so much to do in Southwest Florida for Christmas, which means you’ll find holiday spirit across the region.
Consider swapping white snow for white sand by spending Christmas on Captiva Island. You’ll love waking up to open gifts to the sound of gentle Gulf waves rolling to the shore. Learn more about vacation rentals on Captiva Island.
There are eleven federal holidays on the calendar every year. Each of these days is a great time to get away. No matter whether you’re planning a last-minute mini-vacation in Florida or want to spend the whole holiday season away, Royal Shell has the resources, vacation rentals, and connections to make your travel dreams a reality — even on short notice.
How Can I Save Money on a Last Minute Trip?
A spontaneous trip doesn’t have to take a bite out of your wallet. There are a handful of ways you can save money when you’re traveling last minute.
Consider these tips when looking for great last-minute deals:
- Cash in rewards: If you have a credit card that lets you accrue points you can use to save money on travel, now’s the time to take advantage. These perks can often be used to book flights and even get cash back on vacation expenses.
- Look for free amenities: Consider an all-inclusive vacation rental. Many vacation rentals give you access to a kitchen with all the equipment you’ll need to save money by staying in for dinner. Additionally, you might find a last-minute vacation rental with other free amenities like wifi, parking, and more.
- Book direct: Cut out the middle man and save money by booking your vacation rental direct from Royal Shell. Our commitment to customer service lets us unlock last-minute deals you might not find anywhere else.
How to Find a Last-Minute Vacation Rental
Finding a last-minute vacation rental doesn’t have to be a headache. One way to find a last-minute rental is to reach out to Royal Shell and book directly with a friendly agent. The vacation planning experts at Royal Shell have instant access to the most up-to-date information available about our inventory of vacation rental properties.
If you don’t want to book direct, you might consider browsing for last-miunute availability on travel apps like Hopper, Hotels.com, and Kayak. These apps scour the internet to find the best deals on hotels and resorts. Sometimes you might pay a premium for booking last minute, though.
How to Book a Last-Minute Flight
If you’re planning a last-might trip to Southwest Florida, you’ll likely need to book a flight to RSW (Southwest Florida International Airport) in Fort Myers.
Like booking a vacation rental, you might have the best luck finding a deal on a last-minute flight when you book directly from the airline of your choice. Airlines flying into Southwest Florida International Airport include:
- American Airlines/American Eagle
- Avelo Airlines
- Delta
- Frontier
- JetBlue
- Southwest
- Sun Country
- United Airlines/United Express
You can book a direct flight to RSW from nearly 60 cities around the country. That makes getting to Southwest Florida easy, even if you’re traveling at the last minute.
You might also consider booking a last-minute flight to Fort Myers by using a travel app or websites like Google Flights, Expedia, or CheapFlights.
No matter whether you’re looking for a last-minute beach getaway in Florida or just a quick trip to the Sunshine State, following these tips will help you make the most of your time and budget!
5 Expert Tips for a Last Minute Holiday Getaway
Tip 1: Stay Calm and Book Your Last Minute Holiday Getaway
You are not the first or the only person to leave holiday vacation planning until the last minute. So take a deep breath and stay calm. The hospitality industry is accustomed to dealing with customers seeking accommodations on a tight schedule before a major holiday like Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s. These are all times when families look to spend time together in beachfront holiday rentals, while others may want to plan a romantic trip. Whatever the vacation setting, the key is to stay calm.
Tip 2: Decide When to Take Your Holiday Getaway
The holiday season starts with Thanksgiving weekend and lasts a few days past New Year’s Day. Depending on when holidays fall on the calendar, adding the days of the nearest weekend can create an ideal stretch of time to take a break and relax. Considering Thanksgiving beach rentals for the typical four-day holiday? There may be some great deals on accommodations during that period. Or if you decide Christmas or New Year’s would be a better time, there is a good chance you can still secure beach vacation deals at the last minute.
Tip 3: Look for Last Minute Vacation Deals
While you are still beating yourself up about procrastinating, someone else had to cancel a reservation for a beach vacation rental at the last minute. Who knows, this may end up being your lucky break. Cancelations and lack of reservations for vacation rentals are often discounted to attract last minute guests. It’s really a win-win for all.
Be sure to check date ranges when scoping out available accommodations and specials online. You may find that having flexibility with your arrival or departure dates could translate into last minute getaway deals, like an extra night or two thrown in as a bonus. Or you may discover a rental that was previously outside of your budget is discounted for a certain period and now fits your preferred price point and time frame.
Tip4: Don’t Give Up On a Beachfront Rental
As you start the search for the perfect holiday vacation getaway, remember the clock is ticking and others are in the same boat. So if you pass on a rental and go back later, it may be too late. Someone else may have submitted their reservation and the property is no longer available. But remember it’s about staying calm. There will still be space available to book. The property may be further from the beach or you could find a luxury beachfront rental at a discounted rate. It will be time to book quickly. Don’t delay because your holiday getaway depends on it.
Tip 5: Celebrate your Vacation Deal
Now that you have successfully booked a great last minute holiday rental, it’s time to celebrate. We knew you could do it! Get ready to sit back and enjoy all that makes the area special for visitors. Of course, the beach is the main attraction. And the beaches of Southwest Florida make great backgrounds for the holiday selfie you’ll post on social media so those back home can see how much fun you’re having. Oh, and you might want to let them in on the secret that Royal Shell is able to accommodate last minute holiday vacation rentals. Let us know if we can answer any questions for you. Our staff is ready via telephone or live chat to assist you with planning your getaway for the holiday.
Make Last Minute Travel Easy with Royal Shell
Book your last-minute holiday getaway easy with Royal Shell. No matter whether you’re planning a Florida staycation on short notice or visiting from another part of the country, Royal Shell is here to help.
By booking your last-minute travel direct through Royal Shell, you’ll ensure you’re getting the best possible service. Our expert agents are willing to go above and beyond to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Your Royal Shell agent can also help you unlock last-minute holiday getaway specials you won’t find anywhere else.
Contact us online now or reach out by phone at 866-202-0723.
