TripAdvisor®, the world’s most popular and largest travel community, today 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 percent of travelers are planning a visit to a rental property in 2010, and 40 percent 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.”
TripAdvisor’s listings of more than 100,000 vacation rentals from around the world can be found at: http://www.tripadvisor.com/vacationrentals.
Top 10 Vacation Rental Hot Spots in the U.S.
1. Kissimmee, Florida
www.tripadvisor.com/kissimmee-vacation-rentals
In the heart of Florida’s famous amusement park country just south of Orlando, Kissimmee is a great vacation spot for families.
A group of four could save up to $780 by staying at a vacation rental in Kissimmee versus a hotel for a weeklong trip, according to TripAdvisor’s Vacation Rentals Calculator. There are 1,099 rental properties listed on TripAdvisor in Kissimmee.
2. Maui, Hawaii
www.tripadvisor.com/maui-vacation-rentals
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.
A group of four could save up to $2,030 by staying at a vacation rental in Maui versus a hotel for a weeklong trip, according to TripAdvisor’s Vacation Rentals Calculator. There are 623 rental properties listed on TripAdvisor in Maui.
3. Panama City Beach, Florida
www.tripadvisor.com/panama-city-beach-vacation-rentals
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.
A group of four could save up to $1,690 by staying at a vacation rental in Panama City Beach versus a hotel for a weeklong trip, according to TripAdvisor’s Vacation Rentals Calculator. There are 641 rental properties listed on TripAdvisor in Panama City Beach.
4. Honolulu, Hawaii
www.tripadvisor.com/honolulu-vacation-rentals
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.
A group of four could save up to $1,370 by staying at a vacation rental in Honolulu versus a hotel for a weeklong trip, according to TripAdvisor’s Vacation Rentals Calculator. There are 284 rental properties listed on TripAdvisor in Honolulu.
5. South Padre Island, Texas
www.tripadvisor.com/south-padre-island-vacation-rentals
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.
A group of four could save up to $1,770 by staying at a vacation rental on South Padre Island versus a hotel for a weeklong trip, according to TripAdvisor’s Vacation Rentals Calculator. There are 329 rental properties listed on TripAdvisor on South Padre Island.
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
www.tripadvisor.com/myrtle-beach-vacation-rentals
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.
A group of four could save up to $1,700 by staying at a vacation rental in Myrtle Beach versus a hotel for a weeklong trip, according to TripAdvisor’s Vacation Rentals Calculator. There are 369 rental properties listed on TripAdvisor in Myrtle Beach.
7. Palm Springs, California
www.tripadvisor.com/palm-springs-vacation-rentals
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.
A group of four could save up to $1,320 by staying at a vacation rental in Palm Springs versus a hotel for a weeklong trip, according to TripAdvisor’s Vacation Rentals Calculator. There are 437 rental properties listed on TripAdvisor in Palm Springs.
8. Tybee Island, Georgia
www.tripadvisor.com/tybee-island-vacation-rentals
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.
A group of four could save up to $1,750 by staying at a vacation rental on Tybee Island versus a hotel for a weeklong trip, according to TripAdvisor’s Vacation Rentals Calculator. There are 229 rental properties listed on TripAdvisor on Tybee Island.
9. Gulf Shores, Alabama
www.tripadvisor.com/gulf-shores-vacation-rentals
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.
A group of four could save up to $1,500 by staying at a vacation rental in Gulf Shores versus a hotel for a weeklong trip, according to TripAdvisor’s Vacation Rentals Calculator. There are 1,489 rental properties listed on TripAdvisor in Gulf Shores.
10. Ocean City, Maryland
www.tripadvisor.com/ocean-city-vacation-rentals
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.
A group of four could save up to $2,110 by staying at a vacation rental in Ocean City versus a hotel for a weeklong trip, according to TripAdvisor’s Vacation Rentals Calculator. There are 356 rental properties listed on TripAdvisor in Ocean City.
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
