Many people prefer booking a last minute holiday, whether abroad or in Britain, by waiting until the summer. Whilst this has several benefits, including last minute discounts, the available choice is often limited, so you may have to settle for a different destination.

Booking a last minute holiday can often be cheaper than reserving many months ahead. You may have to visit a different location to the one you have been considering, but you will be saving money.

You can wait until the week before you’re planning to travel and then get onto the Internet to find excellent deals to many different destinations.

By leaving it so late you take advantage of cancellations and spare capacity. Airlines and hotels have a choice of leaving seats and rooms empty, or offering them to customers at hugely discounted rates.

Sometimes we’re not sure in advance exactly when we’re going to be free to travel, perhaps because of family or work commitments. Benefits apply here too, by waiting until just before your date of travel, you reduce your options, but open up fantastic deals on late flights and hotels, which may not otherwise be open to you.

Some people enjoy the uncertainty of not knowing where they are going and modern travel is not always as exciting as it might be. Choosing a last minute holiday gives you an element of uncertainty and excitement.

One of the best ways to book a last minute holiday is online. The ease and convenience takes all the stress and hassle out of what can be a difficult decision.

Use cheaponlineflights.com to organise a two-week holiday in Portugal or to book a short break in London or Rome. Alternatively book a last-minute flight to a country and make your own way from there.

You should find there’s plenty of excitement in choosing your destination at the last minute, so long as you don’t turn up in high season to tourist hotspot, expecting to find a vacancy in the first hotel you visit.

If you have your heart set on a specific destination, you should be aware that choice is limited the later you book. So if you’re the sort of person that likes to plan well in advance, or requires a certain type of accommodation, then a late booking may not be for you.

There's no doubt that there are great benefits by booking a last minute holiday, whatever your preference.