Do you remember the movie ‘Dil Chahta Hai’? In the scene where Aamir Khan and Akshay Khanna scare the bejesus out of Saif Ali Khan, they all take a trip to Goa? I am pretty sure that Aamir Khan had to plan for this last-minute road trip. Now, with the travel restrictions loosening and tightening almost every week, many people jump at the chance of taking a trip when the odds are in their favor. So if you’re one of those wanderlust people who is planning for a last-minute road trip, here are our top tips for you: 

1. First & first: the money

A sudden travel plan can hit your savings for sure. While it’s true that you do live only once, that doesn’t mean that you need to live it with no money in your pocket. Be prudent while setting your budget for the trip. Being a spontaneous traveler with a true wanderlust is one thing but try not to clean out your savings account for your last-minute trip. Be spontaneous but be practical too.

Suggested Read: 2022 Covid Restrictions Update on Gujarat’s Rann Utsav

2. You got the money, but where will you spend it?

So you got your money issue sorted out. Now, where will you go? Last-minute trips usually require that you go someplace nearby. Choose a place easily accessible by bus, taxi, or car. If you’re in Bangalore, you can plan a quick trip to Gokarna, Kodaikanal, Coorg, Ooty, Connoor, etc. This is because last-minute booking flights can usually wipe out half your budget, and if you have missed the tatkal window, train tickets will be challenging to come by.

Also, it will be wise if you take a vacation checklist and include everything you want to do. That way you will know where your money will be spent. Efficient, eh?

Read Also: Backpacking Guide: Gokarna

3. Pack wisely

A light travel bag – a true identity for any veteran with a wanderlust. Since you will be pressed for time, it will be better to pack light and easy. Just a couple of fresh clothing, loose cash, ID cards, first aid kit, water bottles, charger, and other essentials. Try to avoid taking anything else than a backpack or a small duffel bag. A short trip usually lasts for a day or three, so you won’t need to pack your entire room.

4. Travel Insurance – for when things get dicey

These days, you have the option to opt for travel insurance while booking your hotels, flights, or trains. Having insurance is a significant relief when you have flexible plans. Do take travel insurance as it will protect you against unforeseen circumstances and sudden illnesses, including COVID-19.

5. Comparison can be a good thing

While planning for your getaways, do not rush to book the first flight/first hotel. There are lots of travel sites that offer you significant deals on last-minute trips. Do your research and compare deals on sites so that you can get the best savings.

6. Travelling in a group? Get the combo deals!

Many hotels and airlines offer a combo deal for those traveling in groups. Do quick research online, as it can result in significant savings for you and your friends/family.

7. Put up alerts!

If you have a week to leave for your getaways, you can set up alerts for your flight prices and hotel prices. These alerts will enable you to track any price fluctuations, and that way, you won’t miss out on any super-cool deals. 

8. Go Incognito

It’s a widely-known fact that all your web activity gets tracked, either by the travel sites, your web browser, your internet provider, and even the government. Once you visit a travel site like MakeMyTrip, you will see that the flight fares have increased a bit the next time you visit it. So, the best thing to get a fair price is to go incognito. 

9. Be ready for anything

The thing about a last-minute road trip is you have to be ready for anything. Your flight could get canceled, or the travel restriction goes back up again. Be open to having flexible plans. Spontaneity is the coolest thing to have in you when planning for a last-minute trip. Also, while you are on the trip, don’t stick too close to your vacation checklist, as sometimes you won’t be able to do everything written on your list.

Conclusion: 

So there you go; I hope you found this helpful listicle. Remember, wherever you go on your last-minute road trip, be aware of your surroundings, keep a calm temperament and be responsible. Happy travels 🙂

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