Last month, a friend asked me if I could recommend some ideas for her family’s summer vacation. She told me that they wanted to travel in July (“High season, I know,” she said) and that they had between $4,000 and $6,000 to spend. Her children, ages 14 and 11, are active, and they would like to do something adventurous, yet economic. The family was open to everything from a road trip in the continental U.S. to something more far-flung such as Alaska or Hawaii.
After thinking about it for awhile and knowing what they enjoy doing as a family, I recommended a cruise to Alaska — and so did their travel agent.
While a cruise to Alaska is an ideal fit for their family, there is value to be found — even during peak travel months — in all categories of travel, from tours and cruises to hotel stays and beach vacations.
“Always sell the experience,” said Paul Wiseman, president of Trafalgar. “The experience is more important than the vacation.”
Sign Up for Our Monthly Family Getaways Newsletter
I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.
Wiseman advises that agents ask about what their clients would like to experience and then discuss the price.
“Once you settle on the experience, then it’s the agent’s job to back that into the family’s budget,” he said.
Guided Vacations
As Wiseman points out, it’s the travel agent’s job to match the right experience to the right family. Tours are one way that families can combine savings with great experiences. While it might be less obvious than booking an all-inclusive resort, the advantages are that everything is taken care of for them: baggage handling, airport transfers, hotel reservations, dining and more.
“It’s practically worry free,” said Wiseman. “For families who are interested in a guided vacation, I would clearly enunciate the inclusions — transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and meals.”
According to Wiseman, booking all of these things individually would cost up to 30 percent to 40 percent more.
“Families are saving really big money,” he said. “Agents should highlight the hidden costs, such as bag fees, road tolls, transfers and more when selling a guided vacation.”
Wiseman also notes that agents should be smart about room configurations and what is offered.
“At Trafalgar, we find quad rooms, and families can save a lot by utilizing this option,” said Wiseman, noting that families can save up to 15 percent by booking quad rooms.
In addition, many tour operators offer discounts for younger travelers. At Trafalgar, there is a 10 percent discount for children ages 5 to 17 years old.
Hotel Stays
While some families might be looking to move about, many multigenerational groups want a more sedentary experience, exploring a single destination. So, when it comes to saving on a hotel stay, there are a few ways in which families can maximize their vacation dollars.
“Families are looking for great value and memorable experiences,” said Shari Chang, senior vice president of sales, marketing and revenue management at Aston Hotels & Resorts.
Chang recommends that families look for savings such as those they receive with Aston’s Aloha Book, which is available year-round.
“Aston’s Aloha Book encourages families to save money while experiencing all the unique restaurants, exciting attractions and fun, family experiences that our islands have to offer,” she said.
According to Chang, the Aloha Book can save families up to $2,500. She also recommends families look for hotels with a kids’ camp or kids’ club.
“We have the Camp Kaanapali kids’ program that guests at all nine Aston Hotels & Resorts on Maui can take advantage of,” said Chang.
Free meals are another way to economize on a trip and many hotels, such as Homewood Suites by Hilton, offer free hot breakfasts and dinners. Many of these hotels are close to resorts such as Legoland and Disneyland as well as in the hearts of cities, such as downtown Seattle. The Homewood Suites by Hilton Seattle Convention Center/Pike Street features the complimentary SuiteStart hot breakfast buffet, a light dinner, including beer and wine, Monday through Thursday evenings and a grocery shopping service. The added bonus — all rooms are suites, offering plenty of space for families. The Pike Street property is walking distance from many of the city’s most popular attractions and the hotel even provides free shuttle service.
Condominiums are another great way for families to capitalize on their vacation dollars. With more space and household facilities such as washers and dryers as well as full-size kitchens, families can save on food as well as baggage fees.
In addition, all-inclusive resorts offer families the most bang for their bucks. Most all-inclusive resorts include meals, evening entertainment and non-motorized watersports such as kayaking, sailing and snorkeling. Some resorts even offer additional benefits for parents with small children such as strollers, playards, toys, bottle warmers, baby food, diapers and more. Many offer kids’ and teen clubs that are free or that cost a nominal fee.
Cruising
And, as it worked out for my friend, cruising can often offer a lot of fun for a minimal price — even during peak periods. Similar to a tour or an all-inclusive resort, cruises offer imbedded entertainment, included meals and low-cost accommodation as well as great destinations. From “kids cruise free” deals to waterslides and onboard musicals, cruising is an ideal way for families to maximize vacation dollars while still getting a great experience.
“The more family members who cruise together, the better the deal because of the group rates,” said Marilyn Green, Family Getaways Cruise Editor.
Green also suggests that agents get a breakdown on the per person rate for a third or fourth passenger in a stateroom as well as in adjoining rooms, which can mean additional savings for multigenerational groups. She also recommends cruise lines such as MSC, on which children age 11 and under sail free, and the cruise line offers dedicated entertainment options for children ages 3 to 17.
Whatever type of experience a family is looking for, creative agents can find a way to help families save on their ultimate getaways.
 |
| Piggy Banks // © 2012 Thinkstock |
