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Friday is finally here, and if your weekend is still looking empty, it’s not too late to start planning a last-minute trip. Here’s how to plan a weekend getaway on the fly.

First, you’ll need to figure out where you’re going. There might be a city on your bucket list that you’re dying to hit this weekend, and if it’s feasible? By all means, start planning! Don’t, however, be afraid of letting affordable airfare dictate your destination. An unbeatable last-minute fare might lead you to an unforgettable weekend in a city you’d otherwise never see. To find this weekend’s best deals, you can use an aggregator like Cheapflights.com that allows you to search for and compare rates. The more flexible you are about your destination, the better deal you’ll score.

Road trips also make for the perfect last-minute getaways. There’s not too much planning involved, aside from renting a car and getting directions. If you’re feeling extra spontaneous, you could even just start driving and let your destination come to you.

After you have an idea of where you’re going, you’ll need a place to stay. Don’t underestimate the power of getting on the phone and asking about last-minute rates. If your destination happens to be in its off-season, local hotels may be willing to cut a last-minute deal so the room doesn’t sit empty.

Or, you can pack your camping gear for surefire lodging no matter where you end up. Tents also keep your weekend getaways budget-friendly, which is always a plus.

Above all, it’s important to be flexible. Heading out for a last-minute trip means not every detail will be planned. And the parts you do plan? Be prepared for them to change. While you can’t control every aspect of your trip, spontaneous excursions can make for some of your best travel experiences. Just remember to let go and go with the flow.

(Main image: oisa)

About the author

Marissa WillmanMarissa Willman earned a bachelor's degree in journalism before downsizing her life into two suitcases for a teaching gig in South Korea. Seoul was her home base for two years of wanderlusting throughout six countries in Asia. In 2011, Marissa swapped teaching for travel writing and now calls Southern California home.

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