Smart Family Trip Planning

(NAPSI)-Family travel can be exciting and exhausting. According to a recent survey, 56 percent of travelers log more than 1,000 miles during a family vacation, whether by air or automobile. This can mean a lot of logistical headaches.

However, with the Internet just a click away and hotels providing more creative travel solutions for families than ever, planning a trip can be easier and more affordable than in days past-and even part of the fun.

But even with these simple solutions at their fingertips, many people still aren't taking full advantage of the resources available today, such as:

• Planning in advance. The more people you have in your family, the more time you should allow yourself to plan. But the statistics show that only 37 percent of families give themselves three months. "Top family-friendly hotels fill up fast during peak periods," says Joanie Flynn, vice president of leisure marketing for Hilton Hotels Corporation. "If you can, we recommend a four- to six-month window to ensure availability at your top choice."

• Using the Internet. More than 70 percent of families aren't going online to research information to plan their next family vacation. However, the best rates and special offers can often be found online, so Internet surfing is a must.

• Looking for deals that cater to families. Searching for deals and discounts at a destination is an obvious solution-yet only 17 percent of people polled tend to do that. Family packages such as Vacation Station can offer added perks like Toy Lending Desks, supervised kids activities, welcome gifts for kids and family-oriented attractions information for parents.

While the above tips may seem like common sense solutions, families need to take advantage of them in order to enjoy the benefits and enhance the quality of the family travel experience.

For more information or to make reservations at any Vacation Station hotel, travelers can visit www.hilton.com/families or www.doubletree.com/families or call 1-800-HILTONS or 1-800-222-TREE.

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