DALLAS, May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Mom and Dad shouldn't have to sneak into
the college fund to pay for a family vacation. According to
Vacationspot.com, the most comprehensive resource for booking vacation
rentals and bed & breakfasts worldwide on the Internet, families looking to
get away this summer can plan for and experience a top quality family
vacation without breaking the bank.
According to a Yankelovich, Inc. study commissioned by Expedia, Inc.*,
10 percent of all leisure trips were classified as Family Fun trips and
11.5 percent of Family Fun trip-goers stayed in a vacation rental-type
property (condo, villa, suite or private home). The study also revealed
that the average Family Fun vacation is seven days, and that families
booking vacation rentals prefer to stay in accommodations rated with three
or more stars.
To that end, Vacationspot.com has developed the following suggestions
to ensure a memorable summer vacation that won't leave a lasting impression
on your credit card bill:
1. Vacation rentals offer more value. Vacation rentals offer an excellent
value per person when it comes to family travel. According to Rick
Fisher, vice president of specialty lodging for Vacationspot.com,
"Simply said, booking an additional hotel room for your family can
double your cost. The cost for a vacation rental with multiple
bedrooms is only a small percentage more than a rental with one
bedroom," he explained. "It's by far the better deal and more
economical for families."
2. Eat in. Travel industry research shows that vacationers often spend
more on food and beverages per day than on lodging. Vacation rental
kitchens offer a convenient option for breakfasts-on-the-go, snacks and
even an occasional festive, casual family dinner. In short, all the
family food favorites are conveniently located and efficiently budgeted
to allow more for shopping and excursions.
3. Bring your own entertainment. Vacation rentals have plenty of room for
toys, games and other fun forms of entertainment. There's plenty of
room to spread out in the living room and store your rollerblades,
fishing gear, golf clubs, videos and board games. Many vacation
rentals also have DVDs, VCRs, multiple TVs and whirlpool baths as well.
4. Stay, don't stray. Explore interesting destinations in your own
backyard. With high cost of gas this summer you may find some terrific
destinations within 300 miles of your home.
5. Free fun. Choose a destination with a built-in (and in most cases)
free activity, such as the beach or the mountains -- great for family
hiking and picture-taking of scenic vistas.
6. Peek into non-peak times. Travel during non-peak times, according to
Rick Fisher, vice president of specialty lodging for Vacationspot.com.
"Prices for accommodations start to come down when school might still
be in session, such as late May before Memorial Day, or when school is
just about to start, in August," Fisher explained.
7. Go with friends (and take turns babysitting). Even "doing nothin'" is
more fun with buddies along. And by sharing babysitting duties,
couples can find cherished time for a night on the town ... knowing
the kids are being well-cared for!
8. Return to "simpler times." Remember the days before iPods, DVD players
and Xboxes? Dig out the jacks (oh, the memories!), the Yahtzee, the
gin rummy and such. With extra time on your hands, teach the kids a
craft (knitting, anyone?), how to cook or the old-fashioned art of
scrap booking (create a family travel log of your trip).
VacationSpot.com has also developed a list of family fun destinations
to consider this summer:
East Village and The Village in Copper Mountain, CO. are easily
accessible from Denver and offer a special condo upgrade promotion from
June through October . Onsite activities include a free sightseeing chair
ride up the mountain, golf, climbing wall, pedal kayaks, canoes,
go-carting, mini golf, nature hikes, fishing, mountain biking and horseback
riding. There are also free outdoor concerts throughout the summer.
Zephyr Mountain Lodge in Winter Park, CO is only 23 miles from the
Rocky Mountain National Park and is located in the heart of mountain biking
country. They offer chairlift rides, climbing walls, golf and mini golf.
Through Nov. 15, they are offering 15 percent off of stays of three nights
or more.
Regal Palms Resort at Highlands Reserve, Orlando, FL, is located near
the Walt Disney World Resort area and other attractions, including dining,
shopping and golf. Private town homes are offered, as well as four, five,
or six-bedroom private pool homes in the resort golf community. The
clubhouse has a restaurant, sports pub and an outdoor swimming complex with
water slide and a lazy river. Fitness and spa service is also available.
The Village at Squaw Valley in Squaw Valley, CA, is only 45 minutes
from the Reno, NV airport or 3.5 hours from San Francisco and is ideal for
families that want to visit the Lake Tahoe area, as it is only six miles
from Tahoe City. Travelers staying three nights or more can save 15 percent
off their bill from May 15 through July 30.
Ocean Reef Resort in Myrtle Beach, GA is situated on a quiet
beachfront, yet is only four miles north of downtown. The resort includes a
250-foot lazy river, two pools, and a water playground. Guests enjoy
playing privileges at the private Dunes Golf Club, proximity to shopping,
beach access and pool activities, and complimentary, supervised children's
activities in summer. Family Value packages are available from June 15
through August 15 and include breakfast for four and 16 tickets to local
attractions.
About VacationSpot.com
Vacationspot.com, powered by hotels.com, is the most comprehensive
resource for booking vacation rentals and bed & breakfasts worldwide on the
Internet. Vacationspot.com offers thousands of properties in hundreds of
the most popular destinations. Travelers can book vacation rentals through
the Web site, http://www.vacationspot.com, and through travel specialists
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-290-SPOT (7768).
Hotels.com is an operating business of Expedia, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPE) CST:
2059975-40.
NOTE: Vacationspot.com is a trademark or registered trademark in the
U.S. and other countries.
*VacationSpot.com is an operating business of Expedia, Inc.
Media Contact:
Liz Greene
The Powell Group for VacationSpot.com
214.363.7763
lizgreene@greenecomm.com
SOURCE VacationSpot.com
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Related links:
http://www.hotels.com/
http://www.vacationspot.com/
CONTACT:
Liz Greene of The Powell Group,
+1-214-363-7763, or lizgreene@greenecomm.com, for
VacationSpot.com
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