America’s wealthiest families plan to spend 55 percent more this summer than they did in summer 2005. The Summer Spending Survey, involving households with assets of more than $10 million and conducted by Elite Traveler magazine and Prince & Associates, shows that families plan to up their spending in 17 luxury categories to $622,202 per household, compared to $399,187 two years ago. Figures from 2006 were not available.

The three largest growth categories are audio-visual products, up 121 percent to $31,000; designer apparel and accessories, 112 percent to $34,000; and resort stays, 112 percent to $41,000. More than 93 percent of the respondents said they plan to spend an average of $56,000 on entertaining, plus an additional $41,000 for wine and spirits.

The respondents also said they plan to increase charitable giving to an average of $82,000, a $30,000 jump over 2005.

The survey, conducted earlier this month, included 198 households.