Last minute holiday destinations

South America is wonderful at this time of year. The Galapagos enjoy calmer seas and warmer weather - making this the best time to visit, despite the greater chance of rain. Peru’s coast is still hot and you can head into the mountains too. Inca Trail last minute availability is rare though, as the permits go in a heartbeat. Much of Patagonia is still accessible in early April - and the penguins are starting to arrive. You'll avoid the crowds and the high prices, while still enjoying some pleasant weather.

In Africa, you can get often get late availability, as it is just at the end of the rainy season for some, so some people are still wary of booking. Which is silly, because Namibia and Botswana's landscapes are still fresh from the rainy season, plus you'll have clear skies and plenty of wildlife. Madagascar is similarly lush and green following its recent rainy season. And this is also your last chance to visit Morocco before the summer heat really kicks in.

For last minute Peru, this is the start of the dry season, but the winter chill hasn’t kicked in yet, so it’s a good one to snap up. The winter has thawed in Norway and Finland, however, which is fantastic if you can get a last minute offer, because there are long daylight hours giving you plenty of time to spot the splendid wildlife all around too.

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 travel to Kenya or Tanzania is just perfect, plus you are beating 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-October, they're often short, sharp afternoon storms. If you are travelling on a budget and looking to avoid the Angkor Wat crowds, this 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.

Further afield, 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. Such as Borneo, where June is the driest season, so the best time for visiting the rainforest and Mt Kinabalu. It's 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 though and during early morning game drives - hats and gloves are recommended. So not everyone’s idea of summer. 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. You won’t have a chance of getting an Inca Trail permit though at the last minute, as they sell out months in advance and are like gold dust. Another unusual choice for July, and not one for those who like to sunbathe all day, 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. But be sure to pack mosquito repellent. 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.