Jasmine Harman, the co-presenter of the Channel 4 series A Place in the Sun: Home or Away? alongside Jonnie Irwin, has shared her top tips for last-minute summer getaways
With the UK already basking in a record-breaking heatwave – the hottest June on record – and the majority of schools breaking up for summer next week, families across the country are gearing up for a much-needed escape here in the UK and broad.
But if you haven’t booked anything yet, don’t panic – you’re in good company.
According to a YouGov survey, 15% of Brits book their summer holidays within the month before travelling. And, I’ll be honest, I’m one of them! I’ve always been a bit of a last-minute planner! Life gets busy, and sometimes you just have to grab the moment.
Clearly, I’m not alone. Enterprise Mobility’s new research shows that 78% of people in the UK are planning at least one overnight trip this summer, with August shaping up to be the peak month for getaways.
So, whether you’re planning a family escape to Cornwall, a scenic drive through Scotland, or even heading abroad to explore the South of France or the Spanish coast, here are my top holiday hacks for a stress-free, last-minute escape.
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1. Don’t over-plan – always leave room for discovery
If you’re heading to the coast, countryside, or hopping across to Europe, don’t feel like you need a minute-by-minute itinerary. Some of the best holiday moments come from spontaneous decisions – a pop-up market, a quiet beach cove, or a quirky museum you spot on the way. Leave space to wander, take detours, and see where the day takes you.
2. Rent a car for flexibility (and space!)
If your usual car feels cramped or isn’t up to a long journey, hiring a car can make all the difference – especially when you’ve got kids, beach gear, or grandparents in tow. I’ve used Enterprise Rent-A-Car for years because it’s quick, convenient, and reliable. If like me, you’re usually in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly on your breaks, you know the value of stress-free excellent service. That’s why I love the flexibility of renting a car – it just gives you options. And on a last-minute trip, that’s gold.
3. Pack like a pro – even if you’re in a rush
Don’t waste precious time hunting for suncream or headphones at the airport or petrol station. A bit of prep goes a long way. I always pack reusable water bottles, bin bags for sandy shoes, a portable phone charger, and plenty of snacks. For any last-minute panic-ers, keep a list of everything you need and tick off the items as they go in your case. And when you’re at the end of your holiday, it’s a great way to check nothing gets left behind.
If we’re driving, a great playlist is essential – but even on flights or trains, don’t underestimate the power of noise-cancelling headphones and a downloaded movie!
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4. Be a last-minute legend – spontaneous adventures are the best
You don’t need to book six months in advance to have an amazing time. In fact, some of the best getaways I’ve had were planned just days before. With so many travel tools and booking apps now, it’s easier than ever to be spontaneous. I know that this comes easier to some of us than others.
So, if you’re usually planned, booked and packed well ahead of time – why not take a last-minute trip this summer with the only thing on your itinerary being to explore somewhere new?
5. School holiday survival tip: travel smart, not stressed
If you’re travelling with children, the trick is to move when it’s quiet – early mornings or after dinner are often calmer. And always come prepared: audiobooks, travel games, and a “surprise bag” of little treats can work wonders to keep kids entertained.
A happy journey makes all the difference when you’re starting a holiday, especially if you’re setting off at the crack of dawn.