Denizens of Toronto and its surrounding area have plenty to enjoy in their own city, from the diverse multicultural neighborhoods to the thriving food scene. But when the mood strikes, it is nice to get out of town for an impromptu weekend getaway. You may think that a last-minute trip means you will be staying close to home, but if you know what you are doing, it is entirely possible to find cheap last-minute flights from Toronto, making an impulsive trip across North America a possibility. To get you started, we’ve got a few ideas for cheap last-minute vacations for Torontonians. And if you aren’t from Toronto, you can still get some good tips and ideas out of this article!
Cheap Last Minute Flights from Toronto
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The first and most important step when it comes to keeping a vacation under budget is figuring out how you are going to get there. Since we are talking about destinations that are far away from Toronto, flying will be our best option, so finding a cheap last-minute flight from YYZ is crucial. Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to get the absolute best price possible.
Firstly, you want to be flexible with your dates and destinations. If you are planning an impromptu vacation, then you can pick your destination based on where you can get cheap flights and hotels. You’ll also want to be flexible with your departure dates and times, as prices can fluctuate pretty dramatically depending on when you go. The busiest times for travel are on the weekends, so see if you can leave on a Thursday and return Monday morning. Check live pricing and use fare alerts to keep up with the pricing on your possible destinations (You can sign up for fare alerts whenever you complete a GoLastMinute flight search!).
New York City
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New York City is the most popular destination for flights out of Toronto’s main airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport(YYZ). This has the potential to increase your likelihood of finding cheap last minute flights from Toronto, as the airlines try to fill the seats of so many planes. While NYC isn’t known for being a cheap place to visit, there are actually a lot of things you can do for little or know money. Go on a walk through Central Park or along the High Line and enjoy the street performers and local food vendors. Take a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty. Head to Times Square in the evening to see the city come to life. Most of all, look up local events and festivities happening in the city’s numerous public spaces, as there is usually something cheap or free going on like festivals and public performances.
Vancouver
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Any city that is surrounded by natural beauty is a natural fit for a cheap impromptu getaway, since hiking, camping, birdwatching, and other such activities usually don’t cost anything. That’s what makes Vancouver such a good choice,as it is surrounded by mountains and the Pacific Ocean giving you plenty of things to do for free by heading to the nearby mountains or hanging out by the beach. The overall atmosphere is decidedly laid back and there is a lot of diversity in the different neighborhoods, like Commercial Drive, Gastown, Yaletown, and Kitsilano. Spend some time walking the streets and meeting the locals to see what we mean!
Montreal
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Montreal is another great choice offered by the Great White North, thanks in large part to its many festivals held throughout the year. The Montreal Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, and the Montreal World Film Festival are just a few examples of the destination-worthy events that go on in the city. You can also check out Old Montreal, AKA Vieux-Montréal, and walk around the cobblestone streets and admire the charmingly historic architecture without spending a dime. Montreal is also home to one of the oldest and winningest hockey teams in the NHL, the Montreal Canadiens, so if you can book a trip during the season, it might be worth it to see them play on their home rink.
Miami
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A beach vacation is another great choice for a cheap last-minute trip, since it is usually free to hang out by the beach and take a swim in the sea. Orlando is one of the most popular destinations for flights departing from Toronto, likely due to the many theme parks in town. But Disneyland does not a cheap vacation make, so we suggest heading to somewhere like Miami, where you can hang out by the beach, walk along the boardwalk, and cool off in the sea all without paying a single penny. To save money on your hotel, try getting one that is a little further from the beach, as you are paying for proximity with a beachfront hotel. When you are on a budget, there is no shame in utilizing public transportation!
Punta Cana
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Flying down to the Caribbean for a cheap vacation has all the same benefits as a beach vacation in Florida, except you will likely pay more for the flight and less for food and lodging. It can be surprisingly easy to stay under budget thanks to the incredibly cheap (yet still delectable!) food available, the incredibly cheap cost of lodging, and the variety of cheap and free activities that you can do, like hanging out at the beach, exploring the Bavaro Adventure Park, shopping at El Cortecito Beach Flea Market, and enjoying the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park. Natural beauty and affordable lodging will easily make up for the pricier flight ticket!
