May is already halfway through, and if you still haven't locked in your travel plans, you're not alone. Sometimes the best trips happen on short notice. A gap opens up in your schedule, the weather forecast looks perfect, and suddenly you're searching for somewhere to go this week.
Good news: Last-minute vacation rentals are easier to find than you'd think. Hosts with open dates want to fill them, and you get the spontaneity of a trip that didn't require months of planning. Here are five properties available right now, all bookable on Houfy with no service fees.
Beachfront Condo – Panama City Beach, Florida
Wake up on the sixth floor with the Gulf of Mexico stretched out in front of you. This one-bedroom condo sits directly on the beach at the quieter west end of Panama City Beach, close to 30A but away from the crowds.
The layout sleeps six: a king bed in the master, built-in bunks, and a queen sleeper sofa for extra guests. Two pools, two hot tubs, tennis, pickleball, and a gym are all on site. Free beach chair service runs through October, so you can skip the hassle of hauling gear across the sand.
Walk to Thomas Donuts for morning coffee, watch the sunset from the balcony with a drink in hand. Same-day rentals are available here, making it one of the best last-minute short-term rentals for anyone who decides today that they need to be at the beach tomorrow.
Luxury Pool Home – Cape Coral, Florida
If your idea of a getaway involves never leaving the property, this one delivers. A heated pool with a waterfall, an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven, a hot tub, and an arcade room with Golden Tee, Ms. Pac-Man, and Skee-Ball are waiting for you. Enjoy a backyard playground for the kids, and four bikes for exploring the neighborhood.
The house has three bedrooms, each with its own full bathroom and pool view. The courtyard layout means everyone gets privacy while still sharing the space. It's five adults max plus kids, which makes it ideal for families or two couples traveling together.
Located in the Tarpon Point area of Cape Coral, you're walking distance to waterfront dining and tiki bars. Take the ferry to Fort Myers Beach for a day trip, or stay put and make pizza by the pool. This is what last-minute vacation rentals look like when you want the resort experience without the resort.
Long-Stay Loft – Playa Grande, Costa Rica
Playa Grande is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beach towns, and this loft is built for the kind of traveler who wants to stay a while. Full kitchen, Starlink WiFi, dedicated workspace, and a ten-minute walk to the surf.
The main level has the living area and kitchen. Upstairs, a sleeping loft with vaulted wood ceilings holds a queen and a twin bed. The shared laundry is steps away, and there's secured storage for surfboards and beach gear.
Digital nomads book this one repeatedly. It's quiet, functional, and positioned perfectly for slow travel. Monthly rates are available if you want to make May the month you finally work from somewhere that doesn't look like your apartment. Dogs are welcome too.
Mountain Cabin – Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Mountains instead of sand, a brand-new hot tub, and a fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs. This three-bedroom cabin in Blowing Rock sits on over an acre of wooded property, close enough to downtown for dinner but tucked away enough to feel like an escape.
The open floor plan has a gas fireplace, a fully stocked kitchen, and a 65-inch TV for movie nights. Outdoor Sonos speakers on the patio let you bring the music outside. For families, there's a high chair, a pack 'n play, baby gates, and a solid collection of toys and games.
Price Lake is walkable. The Blue Ridge Parkway is minutes away. Grandfather Mountain and Appalachian Ski Mountain are short drives. If you're looking for a last-minute Memorial Day weekend or a quiet midweek reset, this cabin has May availability and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to extend your stay.
Boutique Coastal Home – St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine combines history, beaches, and good food in a way few Florida destinations can match. This newly built three-bedroom home puts you minutes from downtown and the coast, with designer interiors that feel more boutique hotel than vacation rental.
Two king suites and a space-themed kids' room make it ideal for families. The fenced backyard offers privacy and room for kids (or dogs) to run around. There's even a Universal EV charger if you're road-tripping in an electric vehicle.
The hosts have put together a local guide with their favorite spots, from historic sites to beachside restaurants to coffee shops. Pet-friendly, stylish, and available for May bookings.
Why Last-Minute Works
Booking late doesn't mean settling. Hosts want their calendars full, which means last-minute vacation rentals often come with flexibility you won't find during peak booking season. You might land a better rate, a same-day check-in, or a property that just opened up after a cancellation.
The key is knowing where to look. On Houfy, you book directly with hosts, skip service fees, and coordinate availability. If a property shows open dates, reach out. Many hosts respond quickly and can accommodate short-notice arrivals.
