In today's fast paced world, last minute getaways are almost a necessity. Luckily, it's easy to find last minute travel bargains in popular vacation destinations all over the world, such as Mexico, Florida, and Europe. If you're flexible enough in your travel plans, you'll likely have great luck finding last minute cruise deals, cheap hotels, and last minute tickets to concerts and events. Gone are the days where taking a vacation means weeks of stressful planning. With tools such as the above booking widget, you can compare deals on last minute travel bargains on airfare, hotels, and rental cars.

Last minute getaways come in all shapes and sizes. If you want a luxurious vacation without going through the hassle of booking hotel rooms or worrying about planning the day's activities, last minute cruise deals offer a chance to see several different destinations aboard an amenity-filled cruise liner for one price. While cruising was once an option reserved for the wealthiest of individuals, many of the cruises of today are affordable enough for almost everyone. Just like all-inclusive resorts, cruise ships provide a wide range of options when it comes to onboard amenities and entertainment. Nearly all cruise ships include several restaurants with a wide range of cuisine as well as buffets. Some cruise ships have ping pong tables, bingo halls, or movie theaters for those rainy days when no one wants to go outside. One of the best parts about taking a cruise is making stops at different destinations. Some cruises make stops at different islands throughout the Caribbean, while other cruises travel to countries in Europe or even Antarctica. Your best chance of finding last minute travel bargains on cruises is to travel during the off-season of travel for your destination. For European markets, the cheapest time to take a cruise is anytime during the winter. If you're planning last minute getaways during the summer, you can save a lot of money on summertime Caribbean cruises.

One unique option for last minute getaways around the east coast is visiting the vineyards and wineries of New England. The Finger Lake regions of upstate New York contain a large number of vineyards with wineries where visitors can sample wine and learn more about the wine making process. There are a number of bed and breakfasts near the wineries of New England that offer cheap last minute getaways for families and couples. These last minute vacations include a stay at a local bed and breakfast and tours of an area winery. Some wineries and vineyards have a bed and breakfast right next to the vineyard, allowing you to experience a winery without driving too far.

In most cases, the best time to take cheap last minute getaways is during the middle of the week. Hotel prices usually rise significantly during the weekends and around the holiday season so you may be able to find some great rates on last minute hotels by traveling mid-week.

With so many options for cheap last minute getaways, you'll have no problem finding a getaway that offers something for every member of your family.