RISMEDIA, June 25, 2010—TripAdvisor, one of the world’s most popular and largest travel communities announced the top vacation rental hot spots for 2010, based on TripAdvisor shopping data and site editors. These outstanding vacation rental destinations offer easy access to wonderful attractions and provide plentiful vacation rental options for travelers looking to save money and get more space during their stay. According to TripAdvisor’s recent vacation rentals survey, 28% of travelers are planning a visit to a rental property in 2010, and 40% are considering a stay.
“Vacation rentals are emerging as a popular accommodation choice for travelers in 2010 because of both their wealth of amenities and the great value they offer compared with other lodging options,” said Hank Hudepohl, director of vacation rentals at TripAdvisor. “Travelers can find rental homes in every major vacation destination on TripAdvisor and even calculate the savings compared to the cost of a hotel with innovative tools like our Vacation Rentals Calculator.”
Top 10 Vacation Rental Hot Spots in the U.S.
1. Kissimmee, Florida
In the heart of Florida’s famous amusement park country just south of Orlando, Kissimmee is a great vacation spot for families.
2. Maui, Hawaii
With a 10,000-foot volcano, lush waterfalls, pristine beaches and plenty of waves for surfing and windsurfing, Maui is a great getaway for some fun in the sun.
3. Panama City Beach, Florida
Located on the Florida panhandle, Panama City Beach is well known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters and is a top spot for fishers, with coastal waters filled with blue marlins, red snappers and trout.
4. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu features world-class shopping, historic landmarks and a thriving arts scene. It is also a great base camp for visiting some of Hawaii’s best beaches, including famous Waikiki.
5. South Padre Island, Texas
The Lone Star State’s most popular beach escape, South Padre Island has a lot to offer travelers looking for outdoor adventure, whether it be parasailing, hiking, bird watching or scuba diving.
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
A golfer’s paradise, Myrtle Beach is also a terrific vacation destination for families and other travelers looking for a mix of sandy beaches, live entertainment and great amusement parks.
7. Palm Springs, California
Featuring opportunities for adventure or relaxation, Palm Springs has a myriad of shops, restaurants and spas, but also access to many outdoor activities, including canyon hiking, an aerial tramway and golf courses a-plenty.
8. Tybee Island, Georgia
Located a short drive east of Savannah, Tybee Island is a fantastic vacation destination for beach bums and history buffs alike. Its great waves and miles of beaches draw travelers from around the country, but vacationers can also enjoy the island’s historic forts and lighthouses.
9. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Offering the warm waters of the gulf coast, Gulf Shores is a fantastic spot to hit the beach, and also boasts a number of popular museums, amusement parks, golf courses and even dolphin watching cruises.
10. Ocean City, Maryland
Whether travelers want to try Maryland’s legendary crab cakes on the board walk, enjoy the beach and a bonfire sing along, or visit nearby nature trails, Ocean City has them covered.
Top 10 International Vacation Rental Hot Spots
1. Paris, France
2. Rome, Italy
3. London, England
4. Barcelona, Spain
5. Tuscany, Italy
6. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
7. Bali, Indonesia
8. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
9. Nice, France
10. Madrid, Spain
For more information, visit www.tripadvisor.com.