It’s impossible to predict when an amazing travel opportunity will come knocking. Though it’s preferable to plan vacations well in advance and to book your holiday accomodations online months before you’re due to set off, sometimes a spur-of-the-moment trip comes together at the last second. To help you take advantage of a possible “chance of a lifetime,” make sure to check out our top five tips for vacationing at a moment’s notice. Read this post and then get moving!

Talk to Your Boss

Few people would consider risking their job to take a last-second vacation. Still, it is possible to “have your cake and eat it too,” if you decide to take a spur-of-the-moment holiday. Speak with your boss and explain to them why you’re requesting time off so soon. Additionally, any solutions you can offer them before you leave will likely be appreciated. If, for instance, you can finish a report on blood collection sets sooner than anticipated, your boss might not mind you heading out on a quick vacation as much.

Keep it Short

In general, the shorter the trip, the less planning is required to make it a success. It’s virtually impossible to put together a two-week trip if you only have a few hours to prepare. (And that goes double if you don’t already possess a valid passport.) On the other hand, it’s definitely feasible to organize a quick weekend getaway in a scramble. Plus, traveling on the weekends could save you the trouble of asking for time off from your boss.

Have a Goal in Mind

Unless you have a very specific place or event you want to see –– like a concert, sporting event, festival, or exhibit –– consider putting off a trip until you have more time. Fortunately, quick trips that are centered around a single event are easier to budget for –– in terms of both time and money.

Pack with a Partner

It’s very easy to forget to pack an important item –– even if you’re an experienced traveler. As such, it’s a good idea to pack with a partner, particularly if you’re short on time. Having an extra pair of eyes can help you spot a potential mistake and prevent you from taking off without a toothbrush, towel, or worse, without your wallet or cell phone!

Have Fun!

The chance to have a spontaneous trip doesn’t happen very often. So if all the conditions are met –– i.e you’ve got the time, money, and resources to pull it off –– then make it a point to soak up this rarest of vacations. Happily, some of the best decisions are the ones made in the blink of an eye.