Kurzfristig verreisen – aber strategisch: VIR gibt 10 Tipps für günstige Sommerreisen

Munich, July 31, 2025 – Want to take a spontaneous summer vacation? It doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful—as long as you plan strategically. The Association of Online Travel Agencies (VIR) has compiled ten concise tips on how last-minute travelers can save money when booking a vacation and enjoy a stress-free trip at the same time.

“Last-minute travelers currently have the best chance of finding affordable summer trips—whether they’re package tours or independent travel,” explains VIR board member Michael Buller. “Those who shop around, stay flexible, and use digital tools can find attractive deals with little effort.”

VIR's 10 Tips for Last-Minute Travelers:

1. Start early—even for last-minute trips: It’s worth checking for deals regularly one to two weeks before your trip. You can often find attractive prices, especially outside of peak travel times (e.g., during the week instead of on weekends) and at the beginning or end of vacation periods.
2. Stay flexible about your destination, departure airport, and travel dates: Being open to different destinations, airports, or travel durations significantly increases your chances of finding a bargain—including by considering creative travel windows, such as Saturday–Monday instead of Friday–Sunday.
3. Make smart use of comparison sites: Sites like HolidayCheck, weg.de, or Expedia.de provide a quick overview of package deals and individual services. Some brick-and-mortar travel agencies also have exclusive last-minute deals.
4. Enable price alerts and app notifications: Many retailers offer automatic price updates—via email, app, or push notification. This way, you’ll always stay up to date on price changes or special offers.
5. Subscribe to the newsletter – save time and get extra benefits: Platforms regularly send out curated deals via newsletter, saving users the trouble of searching for them. Plus, exclusive special offers are available directly through the mailing list.
6. Get inspiration from social media and travel blogs: Instagram, TikTok, and blogs are full of spontaneous tips, real-life experiences, and the latest deals. They’re perfect for discovering new destinations.
7. Discover the unknown: Smaller towns or lesser-known regions are often more affordable, more charming, and less crowded than classic tourist hotspots—yet still offer a relaxing getaway.
8. Keep an eye on additional costs: Hidden fees for luggage, transfers, payment methods, or insurance can significantly increase the cost of what seems like a bargain. So always read the fine print.
9. Check reviews, travel documents, and insurance: Recent customer reviews can help guide your decision. Equally important: Is your passport valid? Do you have international health insurance? This is especially important not to overlook when taking spontaneous trips abroad.
10. Act fast—but book wisely: Many great deals are only available for a short time. If you’re prepared—with a set budget, travel dates, and your preferred destination—you can make a quick decision and book without feeling rushed.

Type of trip: Package tour or independent travel?

According to the “VIR Data & Facts on the Online Travel Market 2025,” approximately 43 percent of German travelers opt for package tours— especially for trips lasting five days or longer. The advantages include, among other things, the legally mandated travel insurance certificate, guaranteed services, clear consumer rights, and personalized support.

For shorter trips, many people prefer to book individual services such as hotels, transportation, rental cars, or activities on their own—an ideal way to plan a flexible trip tailored to their needs.

You can download the press release here in PDF format.