Embassy Suites Hotels Encourages Busy Families to “More-imize” Summer Vacation and Get More Out of Time Off Together

Survey Finds That Most American Families Only “Dabble” with Vacation; Health & Happiness Expert Dr. Susan Biali Shares Tips to Maximize Vacation Benefits

MCLEAN, Va.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--As part of Embassy Suites Hotels’ pledge to give guests 366 days of more value in unexpected ways this year, the full service, all-suites hotel brand is celebrating the summer travel season by encouraging families to get more out of their vacations and make the most of their time off. According to a new survey with Parents magazine*, more than one-half of families consider themselves “vacation dabblers” who take days off sporadically throughout the year for shorter, one- to two-night trips. That’s why Embassy Suites is helping families “more-imize” those vacation days to get as much fun, relaxation and family time out of them as possible with a “Get More Vacation” contest launching today on Facebook.

“With many American families opting to take a day or two off instead of an extended getaway, each of these quick trips throughout the summer needs to provide more excitement, relaxation and fun in a shorter period of time”

Between now and July 20, visitors can simply upload a picture of their family’s “vacation face” – that look of excitement and joy when they’ve finally booked that much-needed vacation – and a caption explaining how their family plans to get the most out of their summer travel, for a chance to win even more down-time with one of five week-long trips**, courtesy of Embassy Suites.

“With many American families opting to take a day or two off instead of an extended getaway, each of these quick trips throughout the summer needs to provide more excitement, relaxation and fun in a shorter period of time,” said John Lee, vice president, brand marketing for Embassy Suites Hotels - Hilton Worldwide. “As a hotel brand that families consistently count on to deliver more value and comfort during each stay, the goal of the ‘Get More Vacation’ contest is to help them ‘Get More’ of that good vacation feeling at an Embassy Suites this summer and beyond.”

Revealing Current Family Vacation Habits: An Increase in Shorter Getaways

To get a read on family vacations, Embassy Suites partnered with Parents magazine to survey the time off-taking habits of 1,800+ American families and found that those who bank up days for a long, extended break are in the minority. Fifty-six percent of respondents classify themselves as “vacation dabblers” who take short getaways here and there throughout the year, followed by the “vacation extenders” (30 percent) who tack days onto holidays when they already get time off from work or school. This prevalence of vacation dabbling behavior means that nearly three-quarters of families take shorter one- to two-night trips as opposed to longer trips of five or more nights (49 percent).

Embassy Suites teamed up with health and happiness expert, Dr. Susan Biali, to provide advice on the benefits of vacation and ways to get more out of each and every day off. The author of Live a Life You Love: 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You, Dr. Biali offers the following tips for families this summer:

• Taking regular vacation makes us more productive and happier in our lives at work and at home. General rule of thumb is that people need at least three days to reap the full restorative effects of time off, but the reality is that families are taking shorter trips so it’s important to get as much as you can out of each and every vacation day.
• Looking forward to a vacation improves your attitude at work and makes you more productive, so harness the power of what Dr. Biali calls “vacation anticipation” to get a jumpstart on those good vacation feelings.
• If you’re a vacation dabbler, actually use the days to relax and do something fun – not to run around and do errands all day. That’s not a “real” day off!
• If you’re a vacation extender and traveling for a family obligation, turn that trip into a mini getaway. Look for local family-friendly sightseeing opportunities, treat yourself to a special family dinner on the road, and stay somewhere that is a treat for both you and your spouse and the kids.
• Hold onto that post-vacation feeling, as recalling fun, relaxing family times can help rejuvenate you when you’re stressed and need a burst of energy. Create a scrap book or photo album of your vacation memories and remember to look at it often.

Recently named one of the 10 Best Hotel Chains for Families of 2012 by Parents magazine, Embassy Suites Hotels has become a go-to favorite for families who want to get more out of their stay, with its comfortable atmosphere and value offering. For the price of a standard hotel room, a two-room suite at Embassy Suites gives families space to spread out in separate living and sleeping areas, free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning and an evening reception*** with complimentary drinks and snacks.

To make reservations, travelers can visit embassysuites.com or call 1-800-EMBASSY.

*Survey Methodology

All data collected by Research Solutions, Inc. using standard online research methods. Field Work: April 12 – April 20, 2012; reminders were sent out on April 16, 2012. The invitation was sent to 17,494 Parents panelists, resulting in 1,873 qualified respondents, for an 11% response rate. Findings are rounded to the whole percent. As a result, the total may not add to 100%.

**Each grand prize package includes seven nights at any of the 200+ Embassy Suites Hotels across the Americas and $10,000 in spending cash. Winners will be announced on August 1. No Purchase Necessary. Open to residents of the 50 US, DC, Puerto Rico and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are of majority age. Starts 6/5/12 at 12am EDT and ends 7/20/12 at 9pm EDT. Void where prohibited and in Quebec. Embassy Suites Get More Vacation Contest sponsored by Hilton Worldwide. Subject to official rules at: http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/about/more-vacation-rules.html.

***Service of alcohol subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age.

About Embassy Suites Hotels

Embassy Suites Hotels, one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands and one of Parents magazine’s 10 Best Hotel Chains for Families of 2012, gives guests more during every stay. The full service, upscale brand offers spacious two-room suites, free cooked-to-order breakfast and a nightly Manager’s Reception with complimentary appetizers and beverages. Both leisure and business travelers looking for an approachable, upscale experience feel right at home in the brand’s inviting atrium environment. Embassy Suites Hotels has 213 properties across the Americas and an additional 25 in the pipeline. For more information, visit embassysuites.com, and connect with Embassy Suites at embassysuitesmediacenter.com, facebook.com/embassysuiteshotels and twitter.com/EmbassySuites.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,800 hotels and timeshare properties, with 630,000 rooms in 91 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.