Family-Friendly Summer Vacation Tips from HotelPlanner

Family travelers can find the best deals and values for summer with help from HotelPlanner. The vacation planning platform suggests families should flip the script and go to places typically overlooked. Make this summer the best yet with these tips:

• Consider traveling by train if your trip is between 200 and 500 miles, or destinations too close to fly but too far of a drive
• Book your flights and hotels as early as possible to lock in a lower rate. Airfares and gas prices are projected to go up throughout the summer
• The exchange rate for overseas travel is low, so consider taking your dream international vacation now. It’s much cheaper to travel to London or Japan right now
• Always book your flight first thing in the morning, as these are less likely to be delayed or disrupted. You can also get to your destination early and get a day of exploration in before checking into the hotel.
• Become a travel minimalist and travel lightly so you don’t have to check your bag
• Sign up for flight alerts on sites like Skyscanner or Hopper and be willing to book your trip immediately when prices drop. Also, keep flexible travel dates in mind for cheaper travel
• If you are bringing your family on a business trip, extend your trip a few extra days to explore the city for a small extra cost.

“While we anticipate a slight dip in overall travel spending by the end of this summer compared to last year, this will be a very strong summer travel season nonetheless. Leisure travel is still leading our nation’s economic recovery with most American’s planning at least one big trip this year. Most hotels, restaurants, and airlines have already increased prices to keep up with inflation and maintain profitability. Average Daily Room Rates are up about 14% in the past year, according to STR. Good news is that occupancy rates are nearing or surpassing pre-pandemic levels across the U.S.,” said Philip Ballard, CCO and head of investor relations, HotelPlanner.