(Entertainment-NewsWire.com, July 02, 2013 ) Orlando, FL -- OrlandoVacation.com recently released a new info-graphic on family vacations. In fact, they also conducted a survey to find out how these families plan for their vacations. Over 60 families participated in the survey, and allowed their responses to be showcased on the infographic. Whether you and your loved ones visit Orlando or another destination, Orlando Vacation offers great tips and suggestions to make your family vacations fun and memorable.
One of the questions within the survey asked families how they decide where to go? 58% of these families said they choose their destinations based on recommendations. 100% of families also said they go to review sites before making final vacation plans or decisions. If you and your loved ones are planning a vacation this summer, visit Tripadvisor on the Internet. They feature timely answers to all your travel questions, and have extensive vacation forums at their site.
When it comes to lodging, 52% of families stay at hotels or motels. While 35% prefer vacation homes, 8% choose to stay with friends or relatives. An additional 5% of family vacationers selected “other” when it came to lodging on the survey. When it comes to lodging, the debate between hotels versus vacation homes continues on. While both options ensure quality accommodations, they do have pros and cons as well.
In terms of pros, many hotels feature on-site restaurants, fitness centers, business rooms, and shuttle services. They also have indoor/outdoor swimming pools, along with free high-speed Internet. Guests do not have to worry about cleaning their rooms, and most hotels offer complimentary beverages and free continental breakfast. In terms of the cons, however, most hotels have small rooms. Unless you pay for an exquisite suite, chances are you and your loved ones may need to get more than one room. Several hotels do not have kitchens, and their bathrooms are small as well.
When it comes to vacation homes, there is certainly more space for the family. These venues also have fully equipped and large kitchens, along with multiple full baths and bedrooms. In addition to the ample room and amenities, there is certainly more privacy as well. In terms of the cons, guests will have to clean and make up their rooms. Unless they hire a maid, there is not daily cleaning or maid service available. There is also no shuttle service, and high-speed Internet access is not guaranteed.
When it comes to selecting a lodge on the Internet, images play an instrumental role in helping customers make the right decision. According to the infographic and survey, 90% of vacation home and hotel sites do a good job of showing accurate pictures of their properties and rooms. 97% of those surveyed believed room and hotel cleanliness were also very important. Sadly, a number of hotels fail to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness on a regular basis. This leads to bed bugs that can cause all types of sicknesses and diseases for guests. According to industry experts, it is important to lift all hotel bed sheets and mattresses for bed bugs. You also need to check the creases and folds to find these annoying critters as well. If bed bugs or evidence of bed bugs are present, you are entitled to a full refund from the hotel. The hotel, at their expense, can also move you and your loved ones to a more lavish and elegant room.
Whether you want to say at hotels, motels, or other hospitality venues, travel experts recommend early bookings. This will ensure a room for you and your loved ones without the hassle of overbooking or no vacancies. Due to the nature of this ever changing industry, the idea of last minute travel deals is virtually gone. Even with early bookings, however, you have to spot check the venue where you booked your rooms. If the prices went down, you have the right to call the venue and ask them to change the price they gave you. This will reflect the new price they are advertising and will surely save you money.
Even with travel expert recommendations, family vacationers still book their rooms in different ways. In fact, 55% of these travelers do the smart thing and make hotel reservations a few months in advance. Again, if you do book early, make sure to keep checking the rates to see if they have dropped. If they have, the venue should be able to give you a new and lower rate. 29% of those surveyed also book their rooms on the first of the year. 13% choose to book their rooms a few weeks before the vacation, while only 3% choose to book at the last minute.
The survey also asked these families how they pick their vacation dates. 60% said they base their dates off of school and work calendars. 29% said they base this on off-season costs, while 8% selected the weather. Only 3% chose vacation dates based on holidays. Families were also asked if they listen to their kids about vacation ideas and destinations. 83% of families said their children certainly have input. The final decision, however, is made by the parents. 10% of parents also decide vacation spots without their kid’s input, while 7% of children have complete control on where the family should travel to.
When asked about the goals of their family vacation, 47% want to spend quality time with loved ones and family. 19% want to experience new things, while 18% simply want to have fun. An additional 15% of families just want to relax, while 2% want an educational experience.
Vacations help families spend quality with time with one another. This helps build everlasting bonds, while ensuring unity, stability, and the ability to adapt. Children who experience these types of bonds at an early age see positive cognitive and emotional support. They also have a healthy social attachment. See their newly released infographic here - http://www.orlandovacation.com/your-family-vacation-planner/.
