Last-minute travel—defined as booking before departure —can be a high-stakes gamble that pays off with massive savings or costs a fortune if you aren't strategic. While traditional wisdom suggests booking 2-3 months out for the best prices, you can still score deals by letting the discounts dictate your destination rather than your preferences. Strategies for Scoring Last-Minute Deals

: Use tools like the Skyscanner Everywhere search or Secret Flying to find the cheapest flights departing from your city to any destination.

: Sign up for price alerts on Google Flights or follow travel deal accounts on social media for "flash sales" and mistake fares.