Imperial Valley News

San Diego, California (NAPSI) - Americans are once again preparing to travel. According to a recent Deloitte survey, 31 percent of respondents said that while they postponed a vacation last year, they are ready to take one now.

Although American families are ready to hit the road, they are still wary of spending too much of their budget on travel plans. Fortunately, when it comes to planning budget-friendly family vacations, there are countless resources to consult. In an effort to ease your planning, here are four effective ways to get the most bang for your buck:

• The More, the Merrier: Want to save money on hotel accommodations? Turn your family vacation into a group trip. Invite other families along and save money by reserving a block of rooms at a group rate.

• Become a Road Warrior: A great way to explore America with your family is behind the wheel of your car. Pick a state and plan your road trip using the state's official tourism website, which usually allows visitors to customize a road trip route for everything from the breakfast diner to the afternoon amusement parks.

• Take Advantage of Hotel Packages: Hotels are constantly creating a wide array of activity-inclusive packages. With just a little research, you can find hotel packages that include popular local activities, such as tickets to sporting events, recreational activities and spa services. When making your accommodation reservations, pick hotel packages that align with your family's interests and enjoy the savings.

• Use Your Hotel Loyalty Program: In this economy, loyalty programs are taking a front seat. They provide millions of members with a steady stream of quality promotions that help families enjoy a top-notch hotel experience at an affordable price. For example, until September 30th, Hilton HHonors members can participate in the Double Your HHonors™ promotion and earn Double Points or Double Airline Miles for stays at any of the participating 3,600 hotels in 81 countries within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio.

Traveling can be both affordable and fun as long as you plan ahead. Learn more at www.hhonors.com/bonus.