Debra Bogstie of WVIT for NBC News Channel:
It was just three weeks ago when Jim Graveline and his wife decided to try booking a trip for spring vacation. The destination? Aruba.
"I procrastinate and we wait to last minute," he says. "We weren't sure whether we could get a package put together."
The teacher called his travel agent, and discovered there were still deals available. They'll stay at an all-inclusive resort and can't wait to get there.
"I love my students dearly but it's nice to get away and just have time to yourself and relax and maybe play a little golf," says Graveline.
Graham Hird, with Copper Travels in Enfield, says people used to book April vacations one year in advance. But now they're doing it just two weeks to two months ahead.
Hird says, "People are really doing last minute things. I think the economy's part of it. I think they're just so unsure of it and I think it's hard to get time off. Those that are working are being worked awfully hard these days."
And he says not only can you book last minute, but you can save big. For example, at Disneyland in California, you can pay for three nights and get two free.
"That's a heck of a bargain. That hasn't gone on in years in this industry," says Hird.
And don't forget last minute cruise deals. There are plenty out there. And you'll find freebies in some places like Cancun, Mexico where you'll get a complimentary ticket to swim with the dolphins while staying five nights at the royal in Jamaica. You can score free golf at Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall.
Hird says, "These things just don't happen on a regular basis."
Some Cape Cod hotels are offering mid-week specials, where you can pay for one or two nights and get one free. And consider a day trip to new york city, where you can get broadway tickets on sale...booking a trip last minute is not ideal, but it is doable.
Graveline says, "Pleasantly surprised that there were trips available."
"This is the best I've seen in a long time, absolutely," says Hird.
