Last minute holiday destinations

In Northern Europe, one of the joys of a last minute holiday is a huge hit of Vitamin D, with endless daylight in northern Sweden, Finland or Norway – ideal for walking, cycling, boating across lakes and even enjoying the beaches. Bring your bug spray, though! In Iceland, there’s 24-hour daylight and, just to add to the joys of that, migrating whales can be seen in the surrounding waters here during June too.

Talking of bugs – and they are inevitable – if you are lucky enough to get availability in Namibia and Botswana, the landscapes are still fresh from the rainy season, but you'll have clear skies and plenty of wildlife. The Great Migration's Mara River crossing starts now as well, so consider travel to Kenya or Tanzania. You'll also beat the summer holiday rush to witness this incredible spectacle. But last minute places on these trips are pretty rare.

Heading east, although the monsoon rains hit Cambodia from June to October, they're often short, sharp afternoon storms. If you are travelling on a budget and looking to avoid the Angkor Wat crowds, June can be a great month to travel if you are lucky enough to get late availability. The stormy skies and green landscapes also make for some gorgeous photos.

There are some excellent alternative summer holiday options which are often sold as small group holidays, and therefore may have spaces coming up at the last minute. June is the driest month in Borneo, so it's the best time for visiting the rainforest and Mount Kinabalu. June is also the dry season in Namibia, South Africa and Botswana, so you'll enjoy clear skies and plenty of animals congregating around the ever-shrinking waterholes. It's very cold at night and during early morning game drives, though; hats and gloves are recommended. If you want to see the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania, you will be very lucky to get a last minute place, as these book up as quickly as a gazelle.

Peru is another interesting last minute place to visit in July, as it has dry weather in the Andes and drier-than-usual weather in the Amazon – making this a great time for trekking and seeing wildlife. However, you won’t have a chance of getting an Inca Trail permit at the last minute, as they sell out months in advance.

Another unusual choice for July is Iceland. It has virtually 24-hour daylight in July and it is also the time to see migrating whales in the surrounding waters. Warmer weather also means great conditions for hiking. Just be sure to pack mosquito repellent. The same goes for Alaska, which is fantastic at this time of year. If you can get last minute flights, India is also an interesting option in July if you head north, because it is still sunny, while the monsoon drenches the south.

Less obvious last minute summer destinations include Iceland, where there are still gloriously long days and migrating whales can be seen in the surrounding waters. Warmer weather also means great conditions for hiking. But be sure to pack mosquito repellent! Keep Borneo on your radar at this time of year too because, although much of South East Asia has monsoon at this time, this is one of its driest seasons, and the best time for visiting the rainforest and Mount Kinabalu. Similarly, Sri Lanka has the southwest monsoon season at this time of year, although it should be drawing to a close in August. However, the northeast of the country escapes it, and it also has very undeveloped beaches.

In terms of tranquillity, you will always find empty beaches and lakesides in Canada or Alaska (barring the clam-seeking bears). Or head to the lesser-known national parks, with most of the crowds heading to Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon. If you are lucky enough to see last minute availability on wildlife wonders such as Arctic expedition cruises or safaris in South Africa or Namibia, grab them. This is a perfect time to catch the wildlife at its most active, but they do book up way in advance, so last minute tickets are golden ones.

People in the know, and those who are lucky enough not to be controlled by school holiday restrictions, can make the most of the fact that September is often the magic month for holidays in many parts of the world. And you have more chance of getting a flight at the last minute as well so, all in all, happy (holi) days. The B-team is particularly strong in September, being the top time of year to visit Brazil, Borneo and Botswana.

The Mediterranean countries have cooled just enough to make hiking and cycling survivable, and yet the sea is still gorgeously welcoming after a workout on the highways and byways. And some of the less obvious European destinations are still very much open for business at this time of year too, such as Romania, where you can start to catch the autumn foliage changing as you hike through its colossal Carpathians. Outdoor activities in Scotland and Ireland during this time are also wonderful, with highlands and islands particularly tranquil.

Staying north, September is also one of the best months to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, as they're said to be more likely around the equinoxes. There's still some daylight, meaning you can get out and do other activities. Norway can also have lovely mild weather at this time, along with very long daylight hours – and few other visitors.