Many families miss great opportunities to travel because they have the idea that traveling is just too expensive. Moreover, while it is true that traveling, especially with the family, will have its costs, there are many things that can be done to help them save money. Here are a few tips to save money on lodging.
Be creative when looking for places to go where you can save money on lodging or on new ideas that you have never tried as far as lodging is concerned. Do not simply dismiss the idea of traveling because you already know how expensive hotels can be.
One idea is to travel to somewhere new where you already have some place you can stay. If you have friends in another city, state, or country, they may be happy to host your family. You may offer to help them with some of the expenses or bring along a gift. This will show how much you appreciate their generosity and will allow your family to experience a small vacation in a new place with friends.
Camping may be another option for families looking to enjoy a vacation but not spend an arm and a leg on lodging. Look for sales on tents and other items needed for camping. You may even want to look at local thrift stores or at online forums designed to connect individuals in a community who have items to give away or sell.
Do not be too quick to dismiss the idea of staying in paid lodging, like hotels. Look around for deals online. Check your credit card and see if they have any offers. While hotels can be quite expensive, you may be able to find a great deal if you travel during low season. Timeshare transfers may also be an option. The great thing about timeshares is that they are usually condominiums, which means there is plenty of space for the entire family. You may be able to save money by traveling with others and sharing the cost of lodging as well.