Last Minute Summer Holidays

If you have been dithering over what to do for your summer holiday, unsure whether to escape the Olympics or relish the once-in-a-lifetime experience, you may well be pleased to know that there are many last minute breaks just waiting to be snapped up.

With the economic downturn making many Brits think twice before booking a summer holiday, tour operators and accommodation providers are offering deep price cuts in a bid to lure tourists away from home.

In many cases, the proverbial early bird catches the worm, but when it comes to holidays, if you aren't fixed on visiting a certain resort, you could find that a last minute booking could uncover a real bargain.

The turmoil in Greece has played havoc with the tourism industry and as a result many hoteliers are offering hefty reductions in a bid to persuade reluctant holidaymakers to come to the sunshine island. Although the euro remains rather fragile, the government has not announced travel restrictions, leaving Brits to benefit from the exchange rate and weak euro to nab a cut-price break.

Cruise ships and sailing holidays are often reluctant to set sail with empty cabins, so waiting until the very last moment could mean you are able to enjoy a luxury cruise for a fraction of the cost.

Of course, you don't have to go abroad to find a last minute summer holiday. Cottage holidays in Britain often get booked up way in advance, but if you are willing to consider a location away from the typical tourist destinations, you could be lucky enough to bag a much cheaper break. The Olympics have, as expected, drawn many visitors to the locations near the events, but elsewhere in the UK there are many vacancies, especially in Scotland.

However, whether you opt to stay in the UK or go overseas, it's essential to make sure you remember to take out travel insurance before you leave. Just because you have saved yourself money on the cost of your holiday doesn't mean you shouldn't make sure you can get a refund if you are unable to travel due to illness or the supplier goes bust. Going online gives you the option to find cheap travel insurance so you can enjoy your holiday safe in the knowledge that even if your suitcase disappears from the aircraft or your passport gets stolen you are fully covered.