Survey: Americans Need A Family Stimulus Plan (NAPSA)—While many Ameri- cans are starting to benefit from the country’s economic stimulus plan,it’s clear that a separate plan is needed to spur recovery in anotherarea: the family. According to a recent survey, a resounding 45 percent of Americans say they don’t get enough quality time with their immediate and extended families. One reason is that vacations, which generally serve as a chance for families to bridge the miles between them, are often some of the first cuts made from the budget when times are tough. In hopes of counteracting the failing tradition of quality family time, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) has created the “Family Stimulus Plan.” Aspart of this package, the organization is providing tips and suggestions on how to take time away to renew and rejuvenate with the family on its VacationBetter.org consumerinformation Website. The Family Stimulus Plan provides travelers with helpful hints on planning a successful family vacation with either your immediate family or an extended-family reunion. It contains event-planning tips, including managing invitations, selecting a location, icebreaker games, decorations and ways to stay in touchall year long. “Tough times are when people need to connect to their families even more,” says Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO, “and it can be done very economically.” Another way to stimulate your interest in a family vacation is to A vacation timeshare offers families the opportunity to get together regularly and affordably for some enjoyable quality time. hear from the health and wellness experts. It’s a proven fact that people who spend time away reap health benefits far beyond that week or two of vacation. Vacations are not a luxury but a necessity for good health and well-being. Owning your vacation with a timeshare has shownto be a surefire way of guaranteeing that you won't find excuses not to vacation and, in fact, will reap all the benefits of having prepaid your vacation—quality resorts, familyfriendly accommodations and regular getaways. According to the ARDAstudy, timeshare properties are experiencing an 82 percent occupancy rate despite tough economic times. As Americans focus on the economic stimulus, the organization encourages them to remember an even more important plan they can enact on their own—the Fam- ily Stimulus Plan. To download a customizable package, visit www.VacationBetter.org/FamilyStimulus-Plan or send an e-mail to ask@vacationbetter.org.
