DALLAS, May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Mom and Dad shouldn't have to sneak into the college fund to pay for a family vacation. According to Vacationspot.com, the most comprehensive resource for booking vacation rentals and bed & breakfasts worldwide on the Internet, families looking to get away this summer can plan for and experience a top quality family vacation without breaking the bank.

According to a Yankelovich, Inc. study commissioned by Expedia, Inc.*, 10 percent of all leisure trips were classified as Family Fun trips and 11.5 percent of Family Fun trip-goers stayed in a vacation rental-type property (condo, villa, suite or private home). The study also revealed that the average Family Fun vacation is seven days, and that families booking vacation rentals prefer to stay in accommodations rated with three or more stars.

To that end, Vacationspot.com has developed the following suggestions to ensure a memorable summer vacation that won't leave a lasting impression on your credit card bill:

1. Vacation rentals offer more value. Vacation rentals offer an excellent value per person when it comes to family travel. According to Rick Fisher, vice president of specialty lodging for Vacationspot.com, "Simply said, booking an additional hotel room for your family can double your cost. The cost for a vacation rental with multiple bedrooms is only a small percentage more than a rental with one bedroom," he explained. "It's by far the better deal and more economical for families." 2. Eat in. Travel industry research shows that vacationers often spend more on food and beverages per day than on lodging. Vacation rental kitchens offer a convenient option for breakfasts-on-the-go, snacks and even an occasional festive, casual family dinner. In short, all the family food favorites are conveniently located and efficiently budgeted to allow more for shopping and excursions. 3. Bring your own entertainment. Vacation rentals have plenty of room for toys, games and other fun forms of entertainment. There's plenty of room to spread out in the living room and store your rollerblades, fishing gear, golf clubs, videos and board games. Many vacation rentals also have DVDs, VCRs, multiple TVs and whirlpool baths as well. 4. Stay, don't stray. Explore interesting destinations in your own backyard. With high cost of gas this summer you may find some terrific destinations within 300 miles of your home. 5. Free fun. Choose a destination with a built-in (and in most cases) free activity, such as the beach or the mountains -- great for family hiking and picture-taking of scenic vistas. 6. Peek into non-peak times. Travel during non-peak times, according to Rick Fisher, vice president of specialty lodging for Vacationspot.com. "Prices for accommodations start to come down when school might still be in session, such as late May before Memorial Day, or when school is just about to start, in August," Fisher explained. 7. Go with friends (and take turns babysitting). Even "doing nothin'" is more fun with buddies along. And by sharing babysitting duties, couples can find cherished time for a night on the town ... knowing the kids are being well-cared for! 8. Return to "simpler times." Remember the days before iPods, DVD players and Xboxes? Dig out the jacks (oh, the memories!), the Yahtzee, the gin rummy and such. With extra time on your hands, teach the kids a craft (knitting, anyone?), how to cook or the old-fashioned art of scrap booking (create a family travel log of your trip).

VacationSpot.com has also developed a list of family fun destinations to consider this summer:

East Village and The Village in Copper Mountain, CO. are easily accessible from Denver and offer a special condo upgrade promotion from June through October . Onsite activities include a free sightseeing chair ride up the mountain, golf, climbing wall, pedal kayaks, canoes, go-carting, mini golf, nature hikes, fishing, mountain biking and horseback riding. There are also free outdoor concerts throughout the summer.

Zephyr Mountain Lodge in Winter Park, CO is only 23 miles from the Rocky Mountain National Park and is located in the heart of mountain biking country. They offer chairlift rides, climbing walls, golf and mini golf. Through Nov. 15, they are offering 15 percent off of stays of three nights or more.

Regal Palms Resort at Highlands Reserve, Orlando, FL, is located near the Walt Disney World Resort area and other attractions, including dining, shopping and golf. Private town homes are offered, as well as four, five, or six-bedroom private pool homes in the resort golf community. The clubhouse has a restaurant, sports pub and an outdoor swimming complex with water slide and a lazy river. Fitness and spa service is also available.

The Village at Squaw Valley in Squaw Valley, CA, is only 45 minutes from the Reno, NV airport or 3.5 hours from San Francisco and is ideal for families that want to visit the Lake Tahoe area, as it is only six miles from Tahoe City. Travelers staying three nights or more can save 15 percent off their bill from May 15 through July 30.

Ocean Reef Resort in Myrtle Beach, GA is situated on a quiet beachfront, yet is only four miles north of downtown. The resort includes a 250-foot lazy river, two pools, and a water playground. Guests enjoy playing privileges at the private Dunes Golf Club, proximity to shopping, beach access and pool activities, and complimentary, supervised children's activities in summer. Family Value packages are available from June 15 through August 15 and include breakfast for four and 16 tickets to local attractions.

About VacationSpot.com

Vacationspot.com, powered by hotels.com, is the most comprehensive resource for booking vacation rentals and bed & breakfasts worldwide on the Internet. Vacationspot.com offers thousands of properties in hundreds of the most popular destinations. Travelers can book vacation rentals through the Web site, http://www.vacationspot.com/, and through travel specialists available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-290-SPOT (7768). Hotels.com is an operating business of Expedia, Inc. CST: 2059975-40.

NOTE: Vacationspot.com is a trademark or registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries.

*VacationSpot.com is an operating business of Expedia, Inc. Media Contact: Liz Greene The Powell Group for VacationSpot.com 214.363.7763 lizgreene@greenecomm.com

CONTACT: Liz Greene of The Powell Group, +1-214-363-7763, or
lizgreene@greenecomm.com, for VacationSpot.com

Web site: http://www.hotels.com/

Web site: http://www.vacationspot.com/