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Think back to your last vacation. Was it as restful as you imagine? Or didn't
you even take one? If you're like most Americans, your free time is dwindling.
Americans are taking fewer vacations, according to a Hilton Hotels Corporation
survey. While a majority of Americans feel they owe themselves a vacation each
year (81 percent), more than a third (38 percent) haven't even taken one in the
past year.
"With today's super information highway, our work is following us from the
office into our homes, squeezing our free time even more," said Joanie Flynn,
director of leisure and resort marketing for Hilton Hotels. "In fact, our survey
showed that half of us would offer up a day's pay just to get another day off.
That's how serious people are getting about their leisure time."
As leisure director for the company which has more than 40 resort properties
-- more than any other hotel chain in the country -- Flynn has observed and talked
to her share of vacationing families, couples and friends. Here are some tips
she offers on how to get the most out of a vacation.
- Reduce your research time and conserve your money. Ask your travel
agent about special hotel packages or incentive programs. Check out airline mileage
redemption issues early to take maximum advantage of your free time.
- For a broad selection of hotel and destination options, you may want to
consider going online. Websites, such as HiltonNet, provide a wealth of information
about a company's hotel locations, amenities and special services.
- Keep your vacation simple, yet versatile. Choose a full-service resort
that offers a variety of activities and restaurants onsite, so you don't have
to worry about transportation.
- When traveling with children, look for a family-friendly vacation destination.
Some hotel programs, such as Hilton Vacation Station, offer activities and services
targeted toward children and families.
- Make your vacation an adventure or arrange to pursue your favorite hobby.
Do something memorable to relax.
- Take care of as much of the vacation planning as possible before your trip.
Leave little to do at the airport and final destination. (Find out if there's
a concierge who can secure tickets to attractions or restaurant reservations.)
- If you have an early morning flight, consider spending the night before
at an airport hotel. It gives you an early start on your vacation and eliminates
the stress of driving to the airport. Inquire about the availability of special
vacation parking rates. This also works well if you have a late arriving flight
on your return.
To make a reservation at any U.S. Hilton hotel, log-on the Internet at http://www.hilton.com,
or call your professional travel agent or 1-800-HILTONS. The Hilton Vacation Values
survey is the seventh in a series of Hilton Hotels Corporation studies exploring
travel, leisure and time. (NAPSI) |
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