Summer travel trends according to hotels.com

June 23, 2009 | Online Travel

Among those polled who are planning a summer vacation, nearly two-thirds will be staying at a hotel or other kind of rental property, like a condo or resort. Despite tough economic times, only 33 percent plan to stay with friends and family.

With summer officially here, many Americans will plan to pack up, fill up and head out of town in pursuit of some relaxing time away from home. How are travelers vacationing this summer, and what’s on their minds as they prepare for their trips? A recent hotels.com survey of U.S. adults revealed the following:

Their home away from home - Among those polled who are planning a summer vacation, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) will be staying at a hotel or other kind of rental property, like a condo or resort. Despite tough economic times, only 33 percent plan to stay with friends and family.

Extras are king - Fifty-two percent of those polled note they’re looking for added perks and benefits more often than they did 12 months ago. Breakfast is a favorite complimentary offering with 87 percent surveyed taking advantage of this added perk when they travel.

The cost of getting away - Sixty percent of those polled think it will be more expensive to travel this summer than last, while 18 percent feel it will be less expensive. Twenty-two percent feel costs will be about the same.

Are travelers headed for a more expensive travel season compared to last year? Not so, according to Carl Sparks, general manager of hotels.com. “Properties continue to offer incredible rates and other incentives to add substantial value to the stay; this is the season of the great deal. In addition, with gas prices lower now compared to this time last year, travelers can incur a lower overall cost of getting to and from their destination.”

While many Americans continue to watch their spending habits more carefully in all areas - including travel - there are many options to keep a vacation budget in check. Sparks added that planning carefully and choosing the right property can play a large role in keeping a lid on expenses. He offers the following four tips:

1. If you like it, book it. Waiting to book in hopes that you’ll get a better rate can easily backfire - rates may rise and the property could fill up, leaving you disappointed and without a place to stay. After booking on hotels.com, if you happen to find a lower rate anytime up until the time of your stay, our Price Match Guarantee will honor it.

2. Stack up the value. Lots of incentives are available for summer travelers. Look beyond a great rate to find options like free nights on a multiple night stay, gift cards, spa credits, complimentary dining, and more. A family of four can save around $40 a day if the hotel provides free breakfast, a favorite added perk as our survey shows.

3. Take the load off family and friends. While staying with loved ones can be an economical choice, the lack of privacy and tight quarters can add unexpected stress to what should be a relaxing vacation time. Consider booking multi-room suites or vacation rentals, which are great options for family travelers. You’ll have the comforts of home, more space and conveniences, and a lower cost versus booking several separate hotel rooms.

4. Plan it carefully. Read recent reviews to get other travelers’ perspectives on the property you’re considering. Make sure you know what’s included in the stay, and what’s not, to avoid any surprise fees. Also, if you don’t belong to any rewards programs, now is the time to sign up so your summer getaway can begin building credits for you.