Orlando Is #1 Vacation Choice Among Families, Say Travel Agents
Orlando is the place to be if you have a family and are planning a vacation this summer or fall. According to a nationwide survey of Travelsavers travel agents, Orlando (which includes Universal Studios, Disney World, and SeaWorld all in one fell swoop) is the leading destination for families.
The undisputed second runner-up option for families traveling together was cruising, especially in the Caribbean. Next in line as favorite destination picks were: Mexico, the rest of Florida (beyond the theme park complexes), Hawaii, and California.
"Summer is the perfect time for families to set out on adventures together, to explore new places and have fun as a family unit," said Anne Marie Powell-Moebes, Chief Marketing Officer at Travelsavers. "Whether you're going on a day-long road trip to a nearby theme park or venturing farther to, say, the Caribbean, lasting memories can be made on family vacations."
The Travelsavers survey revealed that the majority of families (44 percent) spend $3,000-$3,999 on the average family vacation. About one-third (30 percent) lay out $2,000-$2,999 per trip, and another 25 percent splurge by spending $4,000 or more per vacation. Just one percent of families budget under $1,000 for their travels together.
What types of vacation activities attract today's families? Topping the list is relaxing and playing on the beach, followed by thrill seeking at a theme park. Many families also enjoy cruising together, said travel agents polled. Other popular activities include taking road trips, heading out together on family reunions, and getting immersed in educational/learning experiences.
The majority of families (60 percent) vacation together for 7-10 days. But, a large segment of the traveling population (39 percent) opts for shorter trips of 4-6 days in duration.
As far as planning goes, the survey showed that more than half (55 percent) of traveling American families arrange their trips 4-6 months in advance, and another 34 percent plan only 1-3 months out.
Those looking for an unusual family vacation might want to consider one of these options, says the survey: a rafting adventure, an ecotrip to the Galapagos Islands or Belize, a canopy tour in Costa Rico, a trip to Machu Picchu and the Amazon, or an African safari (some even include gorilla tracking). Maybe a visit to a Dude Ranch, a stay in a tressort (a treehouse in Oregon), or an RV trip across the U.S. How about trekking through Turkey, skiing in Iceland, snake hunting in Mexico, or swimming with sharks at the Great Barrier Reef? For something less strenuous, an escorted tour of Asia might do. Or for something a bit spooky, maybe a Harry Potter tour through England.
