We’ve all been there – flight cancelled, late at night, kids are tired and you’re not going anywhere tonight. It’s a vacation nightmare, but it’s also beyond your control. Sometimes you’re just stuck.

Unless you’re at the beginning of your journey, going home isn’t an option. Even then, if the next flight is early enough the next morning it might make sense to stay as close as possible. So whether you’re in your own city or a foreign one, you need to shack up for the night.

Times were that the only option was the airport hotel. While this is just fine under some circumstances, today you have a choice. You can keep your family vacation rolling on a fun and exciting tone by looking beyond the airport hotel.

There are Apps for That

You can find something more comfortable, more fun, and often more affordable for your family by using one of today’s “book now” travel apps.

Hotel Tonight is perhaps the best known option and with good reason. This slick, modern interface helps you select from an array of hotels with unsold rooms, looking to snap up last minute bookings and accept a fraction of the regular price. Hotels are arranged by type, you can look for “luxe” or “trendy” to keep things interesting, or just find a good, “solid” option for your family. Book through the app and stay right away. Available for Apple iOS, Android and Windows Phone.
Priceline has a similar service through their mobile app. You can check last minute deals on hotels, and the great thing about the Priceline app is that you can do the same for a car and other extras. Book on your mobile device and show up, it’s that simple. Priceline’s app is available for Apple, Android, Windows and even Amazon…book through your kindle! Download it here.
Roomlia this “new app on the block” is similar in format, offerings and deals to Hotel Tonight. You can book up to 7 days in advance, or the day/night of. We haven’t had a chance to test this firsthand but it seems to have great deals just like other, similar offerings. In the end, when you’re looking to save money it doesn’t hurt to check as many options as possible. Available for both iPhone and Android.

By using these last minute deals apps you have a chance to put your family up somewhere great for the night, while still keeping costs low. Both options are constantly expanding their cities and reach, and chances are there is a great deal near whatever airport you’re stranded at.

Next time your flight leaves you stuck don’t sulk, and don’t run straight to that old airport hotel!

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