VACATION TRENDS |
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(NAPSI)-The new vacation math is simple. As gas prices go up, long-distance trips go down. Actually, more American families are opting for short-distance travel alternatives that won’t break the bank. According to the Air Transport Association, an estimated 1.3 percent fewer Americans are expected to fly this summer versus the same season last year--with many families choosing to explore local attractions in their hometowns. The trend at one popular hotel chain backs this up. “People across Be More Resourceful Famed travel expert and author of TheTravelMom.com, Emily Kaufman, says, “Consumers are still eager to take vacations this summer--they are just becoming more resourceful given gas prices and the current economic climate. Travel packages provide the perfect opportunity for travelers to avoid the extra gas expenses, additional baggage charges and long lines at the airport to enjoy a cost-effective vacation.” So just how do you have a great family vacation experience without traveling far from home? Kaufman offers her top five tips for travelers looking to make the most out of their “staycation”: “Staycation” Tips 1. Surf Local-Area Web Sites--Every city has a local visitors and convention bureau that provides detailed lists and information about local attractions. All it takes is a little digging and consumers can find free activities and adventures without having to drive too far. 2. Love The Ones You’re With--Whether you’re miles from home on an exotic island or minutes from your own backyard, the memories you create can be the same. Take the time to enjoy the people you’re traveling with and be sure to take lots of photos; it’ll make the emotional ties to your destination that much stronger. 3. Pick Your Vacation Personality--Make sure that you are creating vacation opportunities that offer something for everyone by picking destinations that match the personality of your individual family. For example, are you a family that likes to explore new places with sightseeing, museums and attractions, or does sitting by the pool relaxing with a book fit your family better? You can easily find all the above not far from home. 4. Slow Down--We live in a busy world, with everyone running from one activity to the next in daily life. Vacations are a time to slow down, unwind and spend meaningful time enjoying the company of one another. 5. Save Some Energy--Turn off the air conditioner at home and leave the hospitality to the hoteliers. Even better, choose a local hotel with a pool to cool off in and enjoy that plunge in the pool. Some of the getaway packages available today at local hotels include room rates with such added touches as a complimentary breakfast for two adults and two kids or a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival for a touch of romance. Doubletree Hotels, for example, offer such summer specials to staycationers, so they can reduce those vacation costs even further. One such example is a fun kidsCAREpak promotion for families this summer. All kids ages 3 through 12 staying at participating hotels through Labor Day weekend will receive a complimentary Olympic sports-themed backpack filled with toys and games such as hacky sacks, flying saucers, coloring books and crayons, and more. For more information on the expanded array of packages and promotions available, travelers can visit www.doubletree.com. GAS PRICES UP, LONG TRIPS DOWN--Even when you stay closer to home, there’s still plenty of destinations everyone in the family will enjoy. |
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