Family Summer Vacation Packages Can Mean Savings, Perks

Summer is approaching, and for many, it's time to get the family together and explore the outdoors. The summer vacation deals below offer excellent savings and bonus perks on your next big trip.

Remember to include loyalty numbers when booking to maximize benefits and savings. When it makes sense, pay with a hotel-affiliate credit card to accelerate earnings toward a future vacation.

» Learn more: A beginner’s guide to traveling on points and miles

Here are some of our favorite summer vacation family packages to create awesome memories with your loved ones.

1. Summer of More at Gaylord Hotels

Families can take advantage of two promotions at participating Gaylord Hotels locations. During the "Summer of More," hotel guests can take advantage of promotions from mid-May through early September.

Gaylord Hotels are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of hotels so you can earn and redeem points for your stay. Each of the six locations offers spectacular atrium spaces, thrilling water parks and pools, unique events and entertainment and multiple dining venues.

The first package includes an overnight stay, two scavenger hunt booklets and two crafts in the Adventure Kids' Clubhouse. A second promo offering includes the above plus four tickets to the hotel's water park or a unique show. Details of each package and available dates vary by hotel location.

The five Gaylord resorts in the U.S. are located in Aurora, Colorado; Grapevine, Texas; Kissimmee, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; and National Harbor, Maryland.

2. Flight-included vacation packages with Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, Bahamas

Coordinating flights with a visit to a hard-to-reach destination with your hotel stay is quite helpful. Hilton at Resorts World Bimini is offering a package that includes round-trip flights from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, via Tropic Ocean Airways. The two- or three-night Fly & Stay package starts at $835 per person for a two-night stay with flights and accommodations.

Eligible onsite spending will rack up Hilton Honors points, especially when using a Hilton Honors-affiliated credit card during a trip to paradise.

The 4.5-acre Resorts World Bimini Beach area is similar to party-style beach clubs on other islands and a favorite of sun-seeking guests.

Another benefit of this package is that it includes complimentary access to visiting guest-performer events and concerts.

3. Free room upgrade and perks at Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel in Miami

Whether you're splashing in the ocean, playing in the sand or lounging at the pool, the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida, is the place to be. Guests receive a free room upgrade and bonus perks during their stay at this IHG-branded hotel.

The perks vary based on the length of your stay, but can include a waived resort fee, food and beverage credits, free valet parking or a complimentary poolside cabana.

Kimpton is a pet-friendly hotel, so you don't have to leave your pet at home during your family vacation. Plus, you get the usual Kimpton benefits, like complimentary bikes, free Wi-Fi and an evening social hour. Book and stay by Sept. 30, 2023, for this package.

4. Fourth night free at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and SLS Baha Mar

This popular World of Hyatt Resort in the Bahamas is offering the fourth night free in a special summer package.

There are several hotels within the complex. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is celebrating its sixth anniversary, and this special package includes free dining for kids under 5 and a $100 resort credit.

Neighbors SLS Baha Mar and Rosewood Baha Mar are offering similar family-friendly offers this summer, too. For example, the Rosewood Baha Mar includes an extra night for every three paid nights from May 12 to Oct. 31, 2023.

5. Save 25% on award stays at select Choice Hotels

Through June 30th, you can book your family vacation at select Choice Hotels locations with fewer points. Choice Hotels is known for budget-friendly properties, and this promotion makes planning your vacation even more affordable.

Rooms start at 8,000 Choice Privileges points per night, and more than 20 properties across the U.S., Canada and Europe are participating in this promotion. While the selection is limited, you may find inspiration (and a great deal) at one of these destinations.

» Learn more: Can Americans travel to Europe?

6. Three-night vacation packages starting at $199

Holiday Inn Club Vacations is offering a three-night vacation package starting below $200. Guests get to choose one of 10 locations across the U.S., including Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Williamsburg, Virginia.

The only catch with this IHG promotion is that it's a timeshare offer, which means you'll need to attend a timeshare presentation.

For those families willing to give up a couple of hours of their trip, you'll get a four-day, three-night vacation for around $200.

Vacation packages are $199 plus tax for a hotel vacation or $249 plus tax to stay at a Holiday Inn Club Vacations resort. You have 12 months to reserve your trip, and extra nights can be added for an additional fee.

Guest rooms accommodate up to four travelers which makes them perfect for a family vacation. Plus, you'll receive 10,000 IHG bonus points after attending the presentation.

» Learn more: Holiday Inn vs. Holiday Inn Express — Which is best?

How to save money on summer vacation packages

Family summer vacations can get expensive quickly, but these tips will help you reduce costs, so you can focus on creating lifelong memories.

Free night when redeeming points

Create your own summer vacation package by taking advantage of special redemption rules for hotel points.

Hilton offers the fifth night free on award reservations for Hilton Honors members with Silver status or higher. When you redeem Marriott Bonvoy points, you'll get the fifth night free, no matter what level of status you have.

IHG offers the fourth night free to all members who have one of the IHG's co-branded credit cards.

» Learn more: The best hotel credit cards right now

Use companion tickets for flights

Summer travel deals can save money, but you still have to get to the destination. Using an airline's companion ticket gets you there for a fraction of the cost.

The Southwest Companion Pass can be used an unlimited number of times, and you can change your companion up to three times per year.

Other airlines, like Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, offer this benefit once per year through their credit cards. However, some credit cards require meeting spending requirements to earn the companion ticket.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Bonus points for travel purchases

When paying for your summer vacation package, use a credit card that offers bonus points on travel purchases.

While this won't save money on this reservation, you'll earn extra rewards toward your next vacation.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Compare flexible points options

Travelers often get the most value when transferring flexible points (like American Express Membership Points, Chase Ultimate Rewards® or Citi ThankYou Points) to airlines and hotels, but that isn't always the best option.

Compare the cost of an award reservation versus using your points like cash. Some cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, offer high redemption values when booking travel through the bank's travel portal.

Plan early to book vacation packages this year

When traveling with the whole family, vacation packages can help you make the most of your summer trip and save cash while racking up perks.

It’s not just about hotel points and elite status benefits. These packages are great add-ons to your existing loyalty program benefits and credit card perks to enhance any trip.