Parents put "Family-Friendly" to the Test

PENNINGTON, N.J., July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Family Vacation Critic(TM) (www.familyvacationcritic.com) -- launched today by the publishers of leading cruise reviews and news site Cruise Critic(R) -- will offer the low-down on "family-friendly" hotels, resorts and destinations, helping families decide which are truly "friendly" -- and which should be avoided.

The site offers a wealth of information for parents and aims to take the guesswork out of family vacation planning by offering tips on where to stay, what to do and all aspects of traveling with kids. Family Vacation Critic features reviews of family resorts, kids' activities and attractions, as well as detailed destination guides, travel deals and family travel forums.

A family vacation planning resource and online community, Family Vacation Critic boasts an informative, balanced mix of expert travel advice and member reviews, plus access to first-hand knowledge and tips from its extensive network of family travelers.

"The best family vacations are those that make everyone in the family happy -- the kids, as well as mom and dad," explains Carrie Calzaretta, editor of Family Vacation Critic. "There are so many resorts out there that cater to families these days, and it can be difficult to determine which ones are the best and which one is right for you. You need a trusted source, and that's where Family Vacation Critic can help."

"The site brings parents together and offers indispensable advice you can only get from fellow family travelers. Our experienced travel writers are parents themselves and truly understand the joys -- and challenges -- of traveling with kids."

Family Vacation Critic features detailed destination guides to help families make the most of their vacations. The guides give details of places to visit, family attractions and kid-friendly restaurants, as well as tips on planning your trip, such as when to go and how to get there. The site is entirely dedicated to family travel, and every guide, tip and review is written specifically with families in mind.

Parents are also encouraged to connect with other families via the site's forums. The community travel forums provide a place to share travel stories and ask questions, post photos and get the inside scoop on theme parks, attractions and destinations.

Family Vacation Critic writers and editors review family resorts and hotels to test their "family-friendliness" and offer recommendations and ratings for accommodations, dining, kids' activities, play areas, pools, staff and value. Overall ratings are assigned to properties, along with recommendations as to their suitability for tots through teens. The reviews also contain valuable tips on planning your vacation and list nearby attractions. Editors visit the properties they review, with their kids, to offer unbiased, in-depth reviews.

Family Vacation Critic was launched by The Independent Traveler, Inc., and is the latest addition to the publisher's portfolio of travel sites. The Independent Traveler, a subsidiary of TripAdvisor LLC, also publishes Cruise Critic, the leading online cruise community, offering cruise travel news, and information. The company's first travel Web site, IndependentTraveler.com is a comprehensive travel resource for travelers who prefer to create their own itineraries. The site debuted on AOL in 1990 and enjoys a loyal following that visits the site for tips and advice on everything from baggage allowances to discount travel.

About Family Vacation Critic

Family Vacation Critic was launched in July 2009 by The Independent Traveler, Inc. to provide a comprehensive online travel resource for family travelers that offers expert editorial, family vacation reviews, community forums, family travel tips and advice. The Independent Traveler, Inc. is a subsidiary of TripAdvisor(R) LLC, which is an operating company of Expedia.

Cruise Critic, The Independent Traveler and Family Vacation Critic are either trademarks or registered trademarks of The Independent Traveler, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.

(C) 2009 The Independent Traveler, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Media Contact
    Carrie Gonzalez - Family Vacation Critic
    cgonzalez@familyvacationcritic.com
    (609) 730-9155 ext 231

SOURCE Family Vacation Critic

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