So summer’s in full swing and we are super guilty of googling last minute breaks, cheap flights and city hunting. We just want to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts and get some use out of our favourite bikini that’s been harboured away during the winter months.

Unfortunately, if you’re like me based in sunny old England (sarcasm) then you’ll know that this summer has definitely not lived up to the hype it was made to be. After last year’s heatwave we expected the same again, but instead we’ve been met with sporadic sunshine, thunderstorms, and muggy, warm air. It’s that sort of weather where you go to work wearing a jumper, are sweating cobs by lunch time and by the afternoon you’re wishing you wore wellies and a rain mac. In all honesty, I’m just itching to get away and lie by the pool with a cocktail in hand and zero worries, and I bet you are too, so read on to see how we manage to scoop the best last minute deals.

Be Flexible

If you want the best deals, you’re going to need to be open to a little change. You might not be able to go to Tenerife for 5 days but you can certainly go to Barcelona for 7 at a fraction of the price. Remember, write a list of what you want from this holiday.

• Sunshine and warm weather
• Swimming pool with WIFI
• Cocktails and booze

Write the list and apply it to wherever gets thrown at you in your search. Flexibility on flights can seriously save youhundreds – if you can afford to fly at the start of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdays) you’re going to make some serious savings if you compare it to flying between Friday and Sunday.

You’ll also need to be flexible on where you’re looking to stay. We recommend using sites such as booking.com, travelrepublic and Airbnb and comparing who has the best deals.

Try Different Accommodation Types

I mentioned above the different websites you can search for your accommodation and I would also recommend looking at different types of accommodation. If there’s a group of you travelling you might find it cheaper (and 100% more convenient) to book an apartment or villa. This will save you money on food as well because you’ll have your own kitchen so if you needed a cheap night, you could pop down to the market and attempt cooking a local delicacy. It could actually be a lot of fun!

Use Comparison Sites

If you’re only looking at going on a city break, it might be worth doing a little research before booking anything. You should compare package deals from big holiday companies with booking separate flights and accommodation – depending on where you’re going this could save you a small fortune.

Search For Discount Codes

If you’re willing to invest a little time into looking for discount codes, you could save yourself a lot of money. Groupon is one of my favourites sites for grabbing a bargain break. They have getaway deals as well as coupons and vouchers to get you money off when dining at restaurants or daytrips out.

If It Looks Too Good to be True, It Usually Is

Don’t go getting ripped off! Remember when booking your flights and hotel separately that you’ll need to accommodate your transport to and from. Check the travelling distance before you book so you’re not getting ripped off with taxi charges or being forced to sit on a bus for six hours (believe me, I’ve been there!).

If you’re booking  a package holiday, double check that transfers are included and also make sure that you have luggage included! I used to work for a major airline and the amount of people I saw turn up to the airport without any pre-booked luggage allowance because they’d booked with a cheap holiday company was insane. You don’t want to be paying airport charges – they’re normally between £50-£100 per case!!

I hope this helps clear up some of the major dramas around booking a last minute flight. Please feel free to leave any suggestions in the comments, otherwise GO GET BOOKING!!!