While holidaymakers can often benefit from early bird deals and discounts, there is a lot to be said for a last-minute booking.
In fact, experts have shared Britons could save thousands of pounds, on average, when visiting some of the most sought-after holiday destinations.
Not only does a last-minute holiday stop you from overthinking every detail of the trip, but you could save around £1,316.10 across 10 major holiday destinations, according to research by Travel Republic. This number climbs above £2,000 if travelling further afield.
Booking within two weeks could still help you save £1,247. The experts worked out the savings by analysing the average costs of common last-minute purchases alongside third-party surveys conducted within the past five years.
The experts suggested some of the biggest savings can be found when visiting Rhodes
| GETTYThe experts highlighted parts of Greece, Portugal and Turkey as the top European contenders for a cheap holiday.
They said: "Greece is known for its spectacular islands of soaring sun and glistening beaches from Kos to Rhodes, so lucky for you, you could save up to £1,527 per person by simply booking last-minute, not too shabby having an impromptu Greek trip within the next month.
"Portugal also has plenty to offer, from the tropical island of Madeira to the picture-perfect city break destination of Lisbon, with savings of up to £1,117 per person if you book last-minute.
"Turkey is a family holiday favourite, and it’s no surprise with over 550 Blue Flag beaches and the stunning Mediterranean Coast, and this summer you could save up to £863 per person when you book with just one to three days’ notice."
These European destinations have beautiful beaches and great cuisine, all while being just hours from the UK. The cheaper deals usually come from airlines and hotels adjusting prices to fill empty rooms.
Britons who want to go further afield may want to visit Mauritius, the Maldives, the UAE and Thailand. While these are often considered dream destinations, they are much more in reach when booking last-minute, according to Travel Republic.
Their experts continued: "Imagine soaking up the sun, surrounded by golden sands and sea breeze, and £2,300 richer, all because you chose to be last-minute. Well, that could be your reality if you choose to holiday in the picturesque Mauritius, where you can enjoy dolphin spotting and soak up the rich culture.
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Experts estimate savings of £2,351 when booking a last-minute trip to the Maldives
|GETTY
"Or opt for the otherworldly Maldives this summer, as you could save an average of £2,351 when booking within one to three days.
"If desert scenery and futuristic cities are more your thing, choose the UAE, where you can save an average of £2,288 if you book just one to three days in advance.
"Fancy saving £937? You could do just that if you head off on a last-minute action-packed adventure to Thailand."