Traveling is one of the most popular ways to relax, explore new places, and recharge. Whether you prefer a quiet weekend in nature, a city break full of discovery, or relaxing by the sea, one question always comes up: Should you plan everything in advance or organize it all last minute?
Both approaches have their benefits – while planning provides peace of mind, last minute trips offer flexibility and lower prices. However, what can significantly influence your decision is the option to use employee benefits. If you have access to benefit programs like Edenred, Up, or Pluxee, you can cover a large part or even the entire cost of your vacation using these perks – often quickly, easily, and without touching your personal budget. Discover the pros and cons of different travel planning approaches.
Planning your vacation well in advance comes with undeniable benefits – such as a better selection, lower prices, and a more relaxed preparation process. If you know when and where you want to go, you can secure quality accommodation, affordable flights, or other attractive packages early. Especially during the summer or holidays, demand is high and the best deals go fast.
With more time to plan, you can organize your trip at your own pace – stress-free. And if you’re using employee benefits, this is an ideal opportunity to strategically allocate your annual allowance. Planning ahead ensures you make the most of what’s available to you.
On the other hand, last minute travel is perfect for spontaneous adventurers or those who prefer to wait for the right moment (or simply forgot to plan). One major advantage of a last minute vacation is the significantly reduced prices offered by hotels just before the date to fill remaining spots. If you have a flexible schedule and an adventurous spirit, this can be a great way to save money and experience something unplanned.
Even with last minute trips, you don’t have to miss out on employee benefits. If you select a hotel on Booking.com, you can easily reserve it through the Holiday with Benefits form and pay with your benefit points. Your vacation can still be budget-friendly, comfortable, and funded by your employer.
| Criterion | Last Minute | Planning Ahead |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Often lower – significant last-minute discounts, but limited availability. | Usually better with early booking – “early bird” offers. |
| Choice of accommodation/destination | Limited – you take what's left. | Wide – you can choose from the entire market and book the best. |
| Stress / peace of mind when planning | Higher stress – quick decisions, less time to prepare. | Less stress – you have time to think and plan everything. |
| Flexibility | You need to be flexible with dates, locations, and plans. | You set everything – date, location, activities. |
| Use of employee benefits | Possible – if the platform supports quick online payments. | Ideal – easy and well-planned use of benefit budget. |
| Availability of popular dates (e.g. summer, holidays) | Low – often already sold out. | High – you secure everything in time. |
| Type of traveler | Spontaneous, flexible, or those who leave things to the last minute. | Families, planners, people with limited time off or a budget. |
| Ability to combine with other benefits | Limited – quick decision-making. | Better – easier to combine multiple benefits. |
The first step is to find out which benefit platform your company works with. The most common providers are Edenred, Up (formerly Up Česká republika), and Pluxee (formerly Sodexo). Each offers an online wallet or credit that can be used for holidays – simply log into the relevant portal or app and check your balance.
When selecting accommodation, check whether it can be paid via a benefit system. If you choose Booking.com as your booking platform, you can easily make a reservation using the Holiday with Benefits form.
If you're planning your vacation in advance, you can strategically allocate your benefit budget – for example, use part for a summer stay and the rest for a weekend getaway later in the year. Some benefit systems allow unused funds to carry over, while others do not – so it’s better to use them regularly.
Are your benefit points expiring soon? Get a voucher and extend their validity for a whole year. You can even gift the voucher, so the points won’t go to waste.
Apps like Edenred Card, Můj Up, or Pluxee ČR help you keep track of your balance, available services, and updates.
Some platforms and partners launch special campaigns for benefit account holders. It’s worth subscribing to newsletters, following benefit providers on social media, and staying informed. That way, you’ll know about offers not only from the platforms themselves but also from their partners.
Accommodation is the main expense of any holiday, and every saved penny means more for experiences. Whether you plan your trip in advance or decide at the last minute, you can use your employee benefits to make it more enjoyable. Book selected accommodations on Booking.com via Holiday with Benefits.
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