Because we work in partnership with the best small travel companies in the world – the experts, the specialists – we work differently from the likes of Thomas Cook. Our small companies don’t just book vacations up en masse, and then sell them off at the last minute with a special deal. They only book the walking guides, small family owned hotels, bike hire, whale watching boat or whatever when you do. So, although we are happy and able to book something for you at the last minute, please remember to be patient as all the details are put into place. And try to be flexible. So, if you ring on a Thursday and want the world at your feet by Saturday, it isn’t going to happen.

Rosy Everitt, Customer Services Manager, Responsible Travel: "The most common thing we hear is, ‘I am just so stressed I need to get away this weekend’. But sometimes I tell them that they are going to get even more stressed trying to book something in 48 hours, and so just to book something for two weeks’ time. It will be worth it."

Another top tip for late availability vacations is to be open-minded about all the things that you can do. Spontaneity is often the greatest antidote to stress. You almost have to let fate play a hand when it comes to where you can go and what you can do, rather than saying, ‘this is what I want to do, and that’s that’. Planning and booking your vacation in advance is way up there with those who get their towels on the deckchairs first thing in the morning. However, if you sleep in and miss your pitch, you can always wander round the next headland and find a secluded spot that no one else knows about. So, staying open to the world can bring wonderful results, and given that we stand by the quality, authenticity and adventure of all our vacations, we feel confident in taking you down a path you might never have thought of before.