Useful apps for last-minute trips

You’ve been daydreaming about #vanlife all week and now you just have to get out of town. Whether it’s the beach, the mountains, or another city, anywhere is better than here. Luckily, the tiny computer in your pocket can do the work for you. Last-minute travel apps have surged in popularity, using aggregated data to offer flash deals on everything from flights to theater tickets.

But before you embark on your journey, it’s important to plan ahead. Preparing your routes and researching what to visit can make all the difference. For example, publications like Portugal News often share great insights on hidden gems and must-see spots, helping travelers make the most of their trip. Follow a solid strategy, and you’ll be ready for wherever the road takes you. Get your bag ready — you’re going places. Tonight.

Hopper

Best for: A specific destination with flexible dates.

This app analyzes data to determine the best time to book a flight for the cheapest ticket. Enter your destination, and Hopper provides a calendar showing price options over the next six months. It will also advise if the price is expected to rise or fall, helping you decide whether to buy now or wait. If you’re flying to a city with multiple airports, Hopper will even find cheaper tickets at alternative airports.

Fareness

Best for: Getting out of town quickly without a specific destination.

Fareness works like Hopper: enter your home airport and where you want to go, and the site shows you round-trip prices for the next two months. It excels when you’re open-minded about your destination. Set your travel dates, and Fareness will display a range of options. For instance, from a midsize East Coast airport, I found flights to Las Vegas, San Diego, and New York, all for under $500.

GTFO (Get the Flight Out)

Best for: True spontaneity.

Developed by the creators of Hopper, GTFO is for the impulsive traveler. Enter your home airport, and the app lists prices for flights leaving tonight through tomorrow morning. We found round-trip, non-stop tickets to Miami for $176 (including taxes) that departed in just six hours.

Hotel Tonight

Best for: Spontaneous road trips or last-minute weekend getaways.

This is the app that launched the same-day travel trend. With Hotel Tonight, you can book last-minute hotel rooms worldwide at up to 70% off the standard rate. We found significant discounts on various hotels in numerous cities. You can even book a room as late as 2 a.m. on the night of your stay.

Travelzoo

Best for: Exploring your own city or finding recommendations in a new one.

This map-based app displays travel deals near you, from hotels to discounted dinners. You can search the week’s top deals for deep discounts on package vacations and even find offers on guided trips in national parks.

Secret Escapes

Best for: Finding a sunny getaway.

This site lets you search for discounted rooms at boutique hotels around the world. Most deals offer about 30% off the regular room rate, with options from Telluride to Tortuga Bay. You can browse flash sales or enter specific dates or a destination. If you’re not entirely spontaneous, the “Upcoming Sales” feature lets you plan for future deals.

Hipmunk

Best for: Planning an entire last-minute vacation on one app.

Hipmunk combines many travel needs into one platform. Enter your home airport for a list of flight deals to suggested cities, or set alerts for your favorite destinations. Hipmunk compares flights from sites like Orbitz and Travelocity to ensure you get the best deal. It offers the same service for accommodations, letting you compare hotel rooms with Airbnb listings for the same night.