Kissimmee, Florida Tops List of Most Popular U.S. Vacation Rental Destinations
TripAdvisor announced America’s top vacation rental hot spots for 2011, based on TripAdvisor search data and site editors. These outstanding destinations offer a wealth of fun family activities and natural beauty, as well as plentiful vacation rental options for travelers looking to save money on their trips.
“Vacation rentals can offer families and groups of travelers significant savings over other accommodation options,” said Hank Hudepohl, director of vacation rentals at TripAdvisor. “Our list shows off some of the best vacation rental destinations in the U.S. where travelers can save big, ranging from prime summer beach spots to areas with first-rate ski resorts.”
Top 10 Vacation Rental Hot Spots in the U.S.
1. Kissimmee, Florida – 959 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor
With balmy weather and family-friendly activities spanning everything from hot air balloon rides to bass fishing, Kissimmee is at the heart of Florida’s famous amusement park country and neighbors Orlando, another great vacation rental destination for families.
Potential Vacation Rental Savings: $750 for a weeklong trip (1).
2. Big Bear Lake, California – 547 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor
Offering year-round activities including skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and fishing in the summer, this beautiful destination to the northeast of Los Angeles is perfect for travelers looking to explore the great outdoors.
Potential Vacation Rental Savings: $640 for a weeklong trip.
3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee – 444 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor
Situated in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a scenic spot for outdoor adventures, from hiking and horseback riding to fishing and whitewater rafting.
Potential Vacation Rental Savings: $810 for a weeklong trip.
4. Kihei, Hawaii – 653 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor
Located on the island of Maui, Kihei features six miles of sunny beaches that, beyond sunbathing, offer travelers a number of aquatic activities including swimming, snorkeling, surfing and kayaking.
Potential Vacation Rental Savings: $2,860 for a weeklong trip.
5. Destin, Florida – 734 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor
A perfect place for a relaxing vacation on the beach, this destination on the Florida panhandle boasts warm weather fun for the whole family, from top-rated golf courses to a free exhibit featuring 100 live alligators.
Potential Vacation Rental Savings: $1,890 for a weeklong trip.
6. Palm Springs, California – 492 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor
Resting at the base of the Mount San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs is a gorgeous resort town where travelers can get their fill of adventure or relaxation, with attractions ranging from an aerial tramway and hiking trails to downtown shopping and spas.
Potential Vacation Rental Savings: $1,470 for a weeklong trip.
7. Outer Banks, North Carolina – 1,302 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor
A narrow strip of land just off the Atlantic Coast, the Outer Banks boasts miles of picturesque beaches and a wide array of wildlife, including herds of wild horses that roam the beaches in the northern portion of the islands.
Potential Vacation Rental Savings: $1,580 for a weeklong trip.
8. Lahaina, Hawaii – 229 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor
At one time the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, Lahaina is still a royal place to get away from it all and enjoy spectacular beaches, as well as a wealth of activities from whale watching tours to hiking through the nearby West Maui Forest Reserve.
Potential Vacation Rental Savings: $1,540 for a weeklong trip.
9. Hilton Head, South Carolina – 2,040 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor
A fabulous beach destination for the entire family, Hilton Head offers a relaxing place to escape with miles of pristine sand, 24 top-notch golf courses, upscale shopping and outdoor activities galore.
Potential Vacation Rental Savings: $2,000 for a weeklong trip.
10. Cape Cod, Massachusetts – 1,400 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor
Bursting with old-fashioned New England charm, Cape Cod is a fantastic summer destination for the family with outstanding beaches, historic lighthouses, miles of bike trails and plenty of options for shopping and dining.
Potential Vacation Rental Savings: $1,200 for a weeklong trip.
More information about TripAdvisor’s more than 100,000 vacation rentals listings from around the world, as well as its innovative Vacation Rentals Calculator, can be found at: http://www.tripadvisor.com/vacationrentals.