A last-minute solar eclipse trip is still possible—here's how to pull it off

Umbraphiles have been planning their travels to see the August 12 total solar eclipse for months now—but if you’re just catching on, a spontaneous eclipse trip is still possible. While many hotels and cruises have sold out, availability along the path of totality still exists.

But it's time to move quickly, as last-minute demand is rising. For example, United has seen searches for flights to Reykjavik increase by more than 20% so far in July for travel leading up to the eclipse. Hotels.com has also recorded substantial year-over-year growth in searches for stays from August 10 to 16. In June, searches were up 115% for Valencia, 75% for Mallorca, and 25% for Reykjavik.

Beat the race against the clock—here's how to research and book a last-minute eclipse trip.

Trace the path of totality

The moon's shadow will cross Greenland, western Iceland, northern Spain and a small corner of Portugal on August 12. Reykjavik falls within the path of totality—where the moon will completely cover the sun—as do such Spanish destinations as Bilbao, Zaragoza, and Palma de Mallorca.

As you look for target destinations, ensure they're within the path of totality. Anything less than 100% coverage won't provide the same dramatic experience as totality. You can find a map here. Many of these destinations still have bookable accommodations. "There's still availability along the path of totality, with prices ranging from $285 in Valencia to over $600 in Reykjavik," says Hotels.com travel expert Melanie Fish.

Consider lesser-known destinations

Major cities might have the most accommodations, but they're also the places many travelers book up first. "I'd widen the search to include nearby airports, larger towns, and places within driving distance of the path of totality," says Christina Bennett, Priceline's consumer travel expert.

In Spain, potential locations within totality include A Coruña, Burgos, and Valladolid. Staying outside the path can also work, but only when you have a realistic plan for reaching totality. "Staying slightly outside the eclipse path may save money, but check whether there is reliable public transportation or whether you'll need to rent a car," says Bennett. "Once you add the rental, gas, parking, or tolls, the less expensive hotel may not be the better overall value." And one important thing to note about Spain: The eclipse will occur close to sunset, so you will need a viewing location with an unobstructed western horizon.

Iceland has fewer lodging hubs within the path of totality, which crosses Reykjavik, the Reykjanes Peninsula, Snæfellsnes, and part of the Westfjords. Expand the search to rural guesthouses and campsites in western Iceland. Before booking, map the actual driving time to more than one viewing location; limited roads and eclipse traffic could make even a relatively short distance difficult on August 12.

Continue checking availability

Availability can reappear as cancellation deadlines approach—I recently found both a Reykjavík hotel and airfare with lower prices than my earlier searches. Search multiple booking sites as well as hotel websites, and check again at different times of day. Fish recommends filtering for free cancellation, both to preserve flexibility and to make it easier to change plans if a better option appears at the last minute.

Don't forget about cruises

The path of totality will cross over wide swaths of the ocean, making cruise ships an ideal viewing platform—and many still have cabins available. A benefit here is that cruise ships can reposition themselves easily to search for clear skies. Here are some cruises with cabins left:

• Holland America Line: Lisbon to Athens, August 9–22, from $2,280
• Windstar Cruises: Rome to Barcelona, August 6–13, from $2,822
• Silversea: Nice to Nice, August 6–12, from $12,300
• HX: Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard, August 3–19, from $17.788
• New Scientist Discovery Tours: Iceland to Greenland, August 7–19, from $19,530
• Quark Expeditions: Iceland to Greenland, August 3–19, from $29,590