Families are always looking for their next great vacation. And with recent studies showing that dads are more involved in the family vacation planning than before, Father’s Day is the perfect time to pack up the car and let him determine the final destination.

Many families are opting to take shorter trips to save on expenses. Forty-three percent of dads want to spend less than $300 per day on travel, accommodations and entertainment while on a vacation, according to a new Research Now survey commissioned by Great Wolf Lodge.

And 55 percent of dads prefer traveling by car, with 45 percent wanting to travel a distance that is 2-5 hours away, according to the survey.

“When looking for our next affordable summer travel destination, I like to begin with places that are within driving distance,” said Dave Parfitt, founder of AdventuresbyDaddy.com, a nationally known family travel website. “It is often easy to forget how many great destinations, like Great Wolf Lodge, are within a two to three hour drive from home. Plus, without the cost of airfare, families can stretch their vacation budget a little further.”

Here are some tips for easy travel close to home:

Plan Ahead

While hopping in the car and taking off on a whim might sound exciting, this often ends up costing more. Many resorts and hotels offer their best pricing when booked in advance. In addition, you will have a wider range of room or suite styles to pick from.

Pick the Right Place

When taking a family vacation, kids are dad’s top priority. The best way to make a family vacation great is to visit a destination that includes activities children find fun and entertaining. Eighty-nine percent of dads say this is extremely or very important, according to the survey.

One type of destination that fits this bill is an indoor water park resort, like Great Wolf Lodge, which has 11 locations throughout North America. Each resort features fun activities for kids and adults, including waterslides and attractions, interactive experiences like MagiQuest, the Scooops Kid Spa and more. Even better, parents can avoid the high cost of airfare.

And since the resorts’ water parks are indoors, families don’t have to worry that a summer shower or cold snap will ruin their travel plans. To learn more about planning a family vacation to an indoor water park resort, visit www.greatwolf.com.

Pack the Car

For extended car rides, it’s important to make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Be sure to bring healthy snacks and drinks. Pack travel games to help pass the time - the car ride is a great time for family bonding.

Dads want to have more say in vacation planning and this Father’s Day is the perfect time to encourage him to plan the family’s next great vacation. (Statepoint)