New research from easyJet has revealed that 73 per cent of people think some of their most memorable trips were booked at the drop of a hat, prompting the airline to launch a new tool designed to make spontaneous escapes easier than ever.
The budget carrier have unveiled its new "Drop Everything" flights platform, helping travellers find the best last-minute fares departing within 48 hours across Europe and beyond.
The findings suggest that Britain's love affair with spur-of-the-moment travel is showing no signs of slowing down.
More than a third of Brits (35 per cent) admitted they have not yet booked their summer holiday and are planning to opt for a last-minute break instead.
Meanwhile, almost half of those surveyed (49 per cent) said they would be packed and ready to go within 48 hours if the right deal came along.
An irresistible flight bargain remains the biggest motivation to abandon routine and book a getaway, cited by 42 per cent of respondents. Work week dread came second at 25 per cent, while 17 per cent pointed to the convenience of last-minute booking as the deciding factor.
When it comes to destinations, holidaymakers are sticking to tried-and-tested European favourites.
Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy emerged as the most popular choices, thanks to their sunshine, short flight times and ease of planning.
The appetite for impromptu adventures appears strongest among younger travellers.
More than a third of Gen Z respondents (38 per cent) said their best holiday was booked less than three weeks before departure.
However, the biggest obstacle to spontaneity is not money or logistics. Instead, one in three Brits said they had missed out on a trip altogether because they could not get their friends organised in time.
The fear of not taking the plunge also appears widespread.
Almost seven in 10 Gen Z travellers (69 per cent) and half of the wider public said they regretted turning down the chance to take a last-minute trip.
Sophie Dekkers, Chief Commercial Officer at easyJet, said: "We know people are always looking for ways to make the most of their summer, especially when a last-minute getaway suddenly feels too good to miss.
"So, we've launched 'Drop Everything' to help people find an incredible range of last-minute flights available across Europe and beyond, meaning it's never been easier to Drop Everything and head off somewhere sunnier. Whether you're booking a month, two weeks, or even 48 hours out, we're always aiming to make travel easy and affordable."
The new online tool allows holidaymakers to search using a "Within 48 Hours" filter and tailor results according to budget, travel dates and trip type.
For those needing inspiration, easyJet is highlighting ultra-last-minute escapes including rooftop bars and tapas in Barcelona, canal-side cafés in Amsterdam, beach breaks in Nice, sunset viewpoints in Lisbon and aperitivo-filled city breaks in Milan.
Drop Everything flights are available now via easyJet, with fares starting from £47.99.
