(ARA) – After the long, cold winter, spring marks the beginning of a new season – family travel season. Recent surveys point to more Americans planning to take family vacations in 2011, especially to domestic destinations – 35 percent of adults plan to increase their travel this year, according to a Travelocity survey. Even though parents handle most of the vacation planning, kids have their own ideas about what constitutes a great trip.

In fact, 85 percent of children ages 6 to 14 say that it is very important to choose a vacation spot where they can spend time with their entire family, according to a recent survey by ORC International. And most children – 93 percent – also think it’s important for their parents to take a break. They want to see their parents disconnect from their laptops and mobile devices and focus more on family time while vacationing.

“As families look at their vacation options, they should focus on two things in a destination: first, a place where they receive a great value for their money, and second, a place to spend quality time together,” says Emily Kaufman, founder of The Travel Mom (www.thetravelmom.com). “Whether it’s a quick weekend over spring break or a longer trip over summer vacation, families ought to maximize their vacation time while getting the most for their travel dollar.”

As families look for a break from the usual routine without breaking the bank, Kaufman offers the following tips:

Look for great values – There’s no question that families want great value from their getaways. Look for a hotel or resort where you are offered amenities on top of the room, such as free Wi-Fi. Great Wolf Lodge (www.greatwolf.com), for example, includes passes to its waterpark with your stay. Searching online is a great way to find these kinds of deals and discounts.

Think outside the weekend – If you have flexibility in your travel dates, many destinations have flexibility in their rates. Consider traveling midweek or during nonpeak weekends. You’ll find great room rates and even some economical value-added packages.

Pick a place with plenty to do – Experts say that for each hour you drive to get to your destination, it should be able to offer at least a half day of activities. Be sure there are a good variety of indoor activities too, so your vacation isn’t ruined because of bad weather.

Remember the whole family – Not only should your destination have lots to do, it should offer something for everyone. Don’t forget – this could even include easy access back to the room or a quiet spot for nap time. Multifaceted destinations, like Great Wolf Lodge, offer a variety of activities for every age – from the indoor waterpark to the spa to nightly story time. With activities for varying age ranges in mind, you can be assured that your decision is virtually fail-safe.

Kaufman reminds parents that above all, don’t forget the family in family vacation. The most important thing to remember in planning is that it’s all about spending quality time together with the ones you love.