Skyscanner reveals the world’s biggest spenders: Tourists who splash the cash
When it comes to international travels, who spends the most and where should travel and tourism organisations be targeting their marketing budgets to attract the big spenders?
Flight comparison site Skyscanner investigates which countries like to flash their cash the most when they travel – the Germans are in the lead, but China is hot on their trail. With the world economy apparently on the road to recovery, tourism will play a huge part in many countries’ income and competition is high to capture the biggest share of that market.
At number one, it’s the Germans who spend over $90 billion a year on their travels, a disproportionate amount compared to their population which numbers just over 80 million, less than a third of the next biggest spenders – the USA, who splash $79.7 billion a year on holidays. Known for tipping big in restaurant and bars, Americans certainly know how to spend.
In third place it’s the UK who splurge $68.5 billion to escape the UK on cheap flights each year. No doubt the lure of sun and sand plays a huge part in the mass exodus, with Spain by far our favourite holiday escape. This is also backed up by recent Skyscanner stats, with cheap flights to Malaga topping the most popular search list in January.
France, which is also the world’s most popular country in terms of tourist arrivals, empties their wallets of $42.1 billion per year, whilst the Chinese spend $36.2 billion annually on their travels.
Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder and business director commented: “It will be very interesting to see how tourist spending changes since the downturn. So far, the latest figures show that only the Japanese spent less on international tourism than the previous year. China is fast rising, spending 21% more on their global travels, and are likely set to grow even more. Meanwhile, it’s the Germans who remain the world’s biggest spending tourists, and there would have to be significant change for anyone else to catch up with them.”
1. Germany – $91.0 billion (+2%)
2. USA – $79.7 billion (+4.4%)
3. UK – $68.5 billion (+4.4%)
4. France – $43.1 billion (+9.6%)
5. China – $36.2 billion (+21.4%)
6. Italy – $30.8 billion (+4.9%)
7. Japan – $27.9 billion (-7.9%)
8. Canada – $26.9 billion (+8.4%)
9. Russia – $24.9 billion (+11.8%)
10. Netherlands – $21.7 billion (+9.2%)
Source: Skyscanner
TripAdvisor unlocks the door to the World’s Quirkiest Vacation Rentals
DOME ECILE in St. George Island, Florida Takes Quirky Crown in Top Ten List TripAdvisor Survey Reveals More Travelers Likely to Stay at Vacation Rentals in 2010 and Southeast is Most Popular U.S. Region
TripAdvisor announced its list of the ten quirkiest vacation rentals around the world according to TripAdvisor editors. In addition, the site released the results of its 2010 vacation rentals survey of more than 1,000 U.S. respondents. Sixty-eight percent of travelers are either planning or considering a stay at a vacation rental in 2010, indicating an increase in interest from the 52 percent of past renters who said they stayed at a rental home in 2009. Eighty-eight percent of travelers said they would choose a vacation rental over a hotel if it was a better value.
Opening the Door to Vacation Rental Deals
Travelers have been taking to their keyboards over the month of January to begin planning their 2010 vacation rental stays. Search volume on TripAdvisor’s vacation rentals listings is up 123 percent month-over-month from December 2009 to January 2010, indicating an increased interest in rentals for the new year.
Bring on the Sunshine
Of the travelers planning to stay at a vacation rental this year, 53 percent said they are planning their trips for the summer months, followed by 34 percent for the winter, 29 percent for the spring, and 26 percent for the fall. More travelers are planning to stay at a vacation rental in the Southeast than any other region, according to the survey. The Northeast and Southwest were next in popularity, coming in second and third place, respectively.
Top 10 Quirkiest Vacation Rentals Around the World According to TripAdvisor Editors:
1. DOME ECILE, St. George Island, Florida
Weekly Rate Range: $765 – $950
A geometrical wonder, DOME ECILE not only is a sight in and of itself, but it also sports beautiful beach views. One TripAdvisor traveler says, “All of my kids were excited to be staying on the beach, in a house like no other.”
2. Calypso Castle, Skopelos, Greece
Weekly Rate Range: $1,445 – $3,636
Complete with a stone tower and gorgeous views, Calypso Castle is a great rental home for travelers looking for a royal retreat. One TripAdvisor traveler raves about the “beautiful view” and “island” of Skopelos.
3. Unique Hilltop Windmill Rental, Odemira, Portugal
Weekly Rate Range: $526 – $756
Only in Portugal can you rent your own windmill-inspired house on top of its own mini-mountain for under $800 per week. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, “The Mill on the hill is rustic, homely, cozy and down to earth – just the way it should be!”
4. 1926 C&O Caboose, Natural Bridge, Virginia
Weekly Rate: $900
Put on your conductor’s hat and all aboard this bright red vacation rental constructed out of a classic railcar. One TripAdvisor traveler gushes, “I highly recommend the Caboose for anyone, especially train buffs.”
5. Chalet Tropical Crazy Cottages, Las Galeras, Dominican Republic
Weekly Rate Range: $367 – $798
While this rental may look like a giant, thatched hut from the outside, it’s spacious and stocked with all the comforts of home on the inside. It’s also a short walk from the beach and the village of Las Galeras.
6. The White Elephant Floating Inn, Boston, Massachusetts
Weekly Rate Range: $1,675 – $2,200
For travelers looking to relive history and have their own Boston Tea Party, The White Elephant Floating Inn in Boston may be the perfect place to stay. One TripAdvisor traveler notes, “It was such a comfortable and unique way to spend two beautiful days together AND be on the water with a Boston skyline!”
7. ModernCottage, Vancouver, Canada
Weekly Rate Range: $1,323 – $1,654
Sprouting up from among the trees overlooking Pender Harbor, this modern architectural marvel has the look of a giant wooden box resting on a steep hill. It comes complete with chic décor and great views of the surrounding wilderness.
8. Elk Run, Crested Butte, Colorado
Weekly Rate Range: $2,550 – $6,662
Say hello to the “not-so-little” house on the prairie, offering enough space to sleep 12 and access to over 800 acres of land for hiking, biking, fishing and snowmobiling. One TripAdvisor traveler raves, “This rental was our very best over a period of 30 years of renting.”
9. Anna Maria Island Private Tropical Garden Home, Holmes Beach, Florida
Weekly Rate Range: $1,399 – $2,599
With a tropical garden and waterfall pool right in its backyard, travelers staying at this rental may not find many reasons to leave “home” during their vacation. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, “Our island oasis was every bit as advertised. It was tough just to leave the backyard paradise to run out for replenishments.”
10. 18′x86′ Houseboat for Weekend Rentals, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nightly Rate: $900
For travelers with strong sea legs, the 18′x86′ Houseboat offers not only a unique vacation rental experience but also plenty of amenities, including an upper deck hot tub, two entertainment bars and a gas grill with eight burners.
Additional Vacation Rentals Survey Findings
– Twenty-five percent of respondents said they usually book their rental home more than six months out, while 28 percent typically book three to six months in advance.
– Thirty-two percent of travelers said their favorite feature of rental homes is that they sleep more people, followed by 22 percent who cited access to common areas and 17 percent who said they enjoy the ability to have homemade meals with their travel companions.
– Twenty-nine percent of respondents said they either always or often stay at the same vacation rental year after year.
– Thirty percent of travelers think that on average, the vacation rental homes they stay at are nicer than their actual homes.
– Forty-nine percent of respondents said their main concern about staying at a vacation rental is that it will not be as advertised.
“From castles to railcars to thatched huts, there really is a rental home out there for everyone’s tastes and needs,” said Bryan Saltzburg, general manager of new initiatives at TripAdvisor. “Our list of the quirkiest vacation rentals on TripAdvisor showcases the broad range of properties available. Where you stay really can be one of the highlights of your trip.”
Source: TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor sniffs out America’s Dirtiest Hotels
Top 10 Grimiest U.S. Hotels Named and Shamed Based on Traveler Cleanliness Ratings San Francisco Hotel Wins the Crummy Crown
TripAdvisor®, the world’s most trusted source of travel advice, announced the top 10 dirtiest hotels in America, based on TripAdvisor traveler ratings for cleanliness. For the fifth consecutive year, TripAdvisor reveals the truth about hotels around the world, from the most gleaming to the most grimy.
2010’s Top 10 Dirtiest Hotels in the U.S.
1. Heritage Marina Hotel, San Francisco, California
2. Days Inn Eureka/Six Flags, Eureka, Missouri
3. Tropicana Resort Hotel, Virginia Beach, Virginia
4. Super 8 Virginia Beach/At the Ocean, Virginia Beach, Virginia
5. Quality Inn, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
6. New York Inn, New York City, New York
7. Parisian Hotel & Suites, Miami Beach, Florida
8. Capistrano Seaside Inn, Capistrano Beach, California
9. Desert Lodge, Palm Springs, California
10. Continental Oceanfront Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
San Francisco’s Heritage Marina Hotel claims the dubious title of America’s dirtiest hotel; 80 percent of TripAdvisor travelers who reviewed the Heritage Marina recommended against staying there. While last year’s dirtiest hotels list contained zero hotels from California, this year three California contenders made the list. Miami and Virginia Beach also delivered two hair-raising hotels each to this year’s list.
New York City cleaned up its act this year, with just one hotel on the list, down from three in 2009. While the New York Inn (# 6) has now blemished the list four times in the past five years, the three-time #1 dirtiest hotel in America, New York City’s Hotel Carter, doesn’t appear at all this year.
Here are some choice comments from recent TripAdvisor traveler reviews on the U.S.’s dirtiest hotels:
1. Heritage Marina Hotel, San Francisco, California:
“When we woke in the middle of the night to find BED BUGS all over the bed, we ended up sleeping in our rental car!”
“We opened the door, and the smell of mold hit us in the face like a brick.”
“This hotel is like in a horrible horror movie! The bed was a nightmare. It smelled like urine and had strange spots.”
2. Days Inn Eureka/Six Flags, Eureka, Missouri:
“If Hell had a hotel it would be something like this. The worst, nastiest hotel I have ever stayed in, in my life. Dirty towels, dirty room. Rude manager. Run from this place as fast as you can!”
3. Tropicana Resort Hotel, Virginia Beach, Virginia:
“The entire hotel is very dirty and smells very bad; it looks like a ghost house. We called the Virginia Beach health department and filed a complaint. We do not recommend this Place to any human being.”
4. Super 8 Virginia Beach/At the Ocean, Virginia Beach, Virginia:
“I am still recovering from my stay in this hell-hole. Upon checking in there were hairs in the bathtub, and bugs on the counter…the streets are cleaner. Disgusting!”
5. Quality Inn, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania:
“Our room looked like something from a very bad horror movie. I was scared to sleep in the bed. Just looking at it made me want to itch.”
6. New York Inn, New York City, New York:
“We were greeted on our arrival by a cleaner sitting on our bed smoking and watching TV.”
7. Parisian Hotel & Suites, Miami Beach, Florida:
“I had been bitten on my chin several times, my hands, forearms, legs and feet. At least 15% of my body was covered in red, burning, bites.”
8. Capistrano Seaside Inn, Capistrano Beach, California:
“We spilled water on the floor and cleaned it, and the towel turned brown from all the dirt on the ground.”
9. Desert Lodge, Palm Springs, California:
“Mold smell and bugs! Unavailable staff. Dirty sheets and bath tub was gross. DO NOT STAY HERE!”
10. Continental Oceanfront Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida:
“There was so much mold and dirt in the rooms, our tub had a huge hole with some nasty ‘patch’ over it. I felt more dirty getting out of the shower than getting in.”
“For the fifth year running, TripAdvisor’s dirtiest hotels list reveals that unfortunately, some hotels take the notion of offering dirt cheap rooms far too literally,” said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “Our candid traveler reviews prepare future guests for grimy lodgings that might otherwise be an unwelcome surprise.”
For a cleaner scene, check out the complete 2010 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® list of the world’s best hotels at http://www.tripadvisor.com/travelerschoice.
TripAdvisor travellers reveal 2010 trends
TripAdvisor(R), the world’s largest and most popular travel community, announced the results of its annual travel trends survey of more than 700 Britons, revealing that travellers are unable to predict the final cost of their flight, with nearly one-third paying unexpected additional costs at check-in.
Flight Costs
Travellers have become more surprised by the final price of their air ticket in the past three months. As a result of ‘add-ons,’ 73 percent have been surprised by the final cost of flight, up five percent from a survey conducted in September.*
Additionally, 32 percent, up 18 percent from three months ago, have checked in at an airport and paid additional costs they were not expecting.
Top Airlines
The favourite airline for British travellers is Virgin Atlantic, for the second year running, followed by British Airways and Singapore Airlines. For the fourth year in a row,Ryanair is travellers’ least favourite airline by an overwhelming 41 percent, up from 30 percent last year. Eighty-two percent of travellers said that the brand of airline is at least somewhat important when making a booking decision, with 41 percent identifying it as very or extremely important.
When choosing an airline, the most important factor is price followed by preferred route. Twenty-three percent are willing to fly the same airline, if it’s the cheapest option, after a really bad experience on a flight.
Leisure Spending
Nearly three-quarters (71 percent) of travellers will spend more than GBP1,700 on leisure travel next year, with more than one-quarter (28 percent) spending more than GBP5,300.
Mobiles and Wifi
British travellers are in favour of staying connected while flying, as 62 percent think Internet access should be allowed on flights, up 16 percent from last year. Nine percent are even willing to pay extra for it. In regards to mobiles, 13 percent think they should be allowed on flights, compared to 10 percent last year.
Germs While Travelling
H1N1 virus threats will cause British travellers to be more concerned about germs when travelling this year, with 26 percent packing hand sanitizer and 28 percent washing their hands more frequently. Seven percent of travellers’ holiday plans are likely to be affected by concerns about illness or the flu in the upcoming year. Additionally, 10 percent of travellers find the biggest traveller faux pas is sneezing or coughing without covering up.
Environmentally Conscious
Fourteen percent of British travellers will be more environmentally conscious in their travel decisions in 2010 than they were last year, far less than the French (20 percent), Italians (30 percent) and Spaniards (23 percent) revealed in a survey of 2,800 European travellers. According to Brits, the most suitable country to plan an eco-friendly holiday is Sweden, followed by Norway and Switzerland. One-fifth (21 percent) of travellers said there aren’t enough resources to easily plan an eco-friendly holiday.
Holiday Activities
Over three quarters of British travellers will visit a historic site in the next year, 68 percent are likely to visit a national park and over half (52 percent) will go to the theatre or opera. Nearly one-quarter (22 percent) are likely to attend a festival and 27 percent will go hiking.
British Traveller Tidbits:
- Fifteen percent have taken slippers from a hotel room, while 10 percent have taken a washcloth and 9 percent towels.
- Thirty-three percent would do a holiday “house swap” if given the right opportunity.
- Perhaps because of its implementation at some U.K. airports in the past year, only 67 percent are comfortable with the new body scanners, compared to 80 percent last year.
- Sixteen percent of travellers will book their holiday earlier this year than last year.
- Rude seat recliners (33 percent) and children kicking the back of seats (32 percent) top the traveller faux pas onboard a flight.
Troncones, Mexico is TravelCast’s Emerging Hotspot for 2010
The TripAdvisor TravelCast identifies up-and-coming travel destinations based on site data**, including increases in search activity and postings for the past year on TripAdvisor.
TripAdvisor TravelCast Top Five World Destinations for 2010
1. Troncones, Mexico
2. Nairn, Scotland
3. El Chalten, Patagonia
4. Patara, Turkey
5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
*600 Britons took part in the TripAdvisor survey (September 2009)
**Site data on TripAdvisor.com
Source: TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor reads traveler tea leaves to reveal 2010 Trends
Annual Traveler Survey Discovers a Flu-nomenon as U.S. Respondents Becoming Far More Cautious When it Comes to Germs U.S. Travelers Expect to Take More Leisure Trips in the Coming Year Troncones, Mexico is 2010’s Top Up-and-Coming Travel Destination
TripAdvisor®, the world’s most trusted source of travel advice, today announced the results of its annual travel trends survey of more than 3,000 U.S. travelers. Americans are not taking the H1N1 warnings lightly, as 88 percent of respondents said they are concerned about germs, bacteria and viruses when traveling, compared to 83 percent last year. Seventy-seven percent of travelers said they are washing their hands more often on the road than they normally do, an increase of 17 percent from one year ago.
Despite the concerns over germs, Americans expect to travel more in 2010 than in 2009. Forty-one percent of U.S. respondents said they plan to spend more on leisure travel in 2010 than they did in 2009 and 92 percent of travelers are planning to take two or more leisure trips in 2010, up from 89 percent last year. Sixty-six percent said the economy will not affect their travel plans for the coming year.
Troncones, Mexico is TravelCast’s Emerging Hotspot for 2010
The TripAdvisor TravelCast identifies up-and-coming travel destinations based on site data, including increases in search activity and postings for the past year on TripAdvisor.com.
TripAdvisor TravelCast Top Five World Destinations for 2010
1. Troncones, Mexico
Boasting miles of white sand beaches, Troncones is a peaceful and secluded haven nestled between the jungle foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains and the warm tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean.
2. Nairn, Scotland
Located on the Moray Forth coast, this small seaside town enjoys one of the sunniest climates in Scotland, and is a perfect base from which to explore the Highlands.
3. El Chalten, Patagonia
Your cell phone won’t work here and the town’s limited capacity means you’ve got to book in advance — but you’ll be richly rewarded with incredible hiking in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. Patara, Turkey
With a 12-mile long beach (also a national park) and an abundance of Lycian and Roman ruins peeking out of the sand dunes, Patara is steeped in both natural beauty and history.
5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
This picturesque Bavarian town is celebrated not only for its well-preserved medieval buildings and walls, but also for its unspoiled setting.
TripAdvisor TravelCast Top Five U.S. Destinations for 2010
1. Seward, Alaska
Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, this historic and picturesque town is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, rich with wildlife, spectacular fjords and tidewater glaciers.
2. Hyannis, Massachusetts
John F. Kennedy’s former Presidential retreat can be found in Hyannis, the largest and most central village in Cape Cod’s Town of Barnstable, and its picturesque sandy stretches make it a fantastic retreat.
3. Hot Springs, Arkansas
True to its name, nature’s geological wonders are a key feature of this picture-perfect town, which boasts natural hot and cold mineral springs in which to relax, restore and renew.
4. Chinle, Arizona
Drive around nearby Canyon de Chelly’s rim roads for a bird’s eye view of the spectacular scenery below, or take a tour of the canyon floor for a closer look at its breath-taking rock formations, cave art and cliff dwellings.
5. Waimea, Hawaii
Situated on the Southwest side of the beautiful island of Kauai, this unassuming beach-side town is the gateway to Waimea Canyon, the largest canyon in the Pacific, which oozes natural beauty.
Additional 2010 Travel Trends Survey Findings
Just Plane Sick
Eighty-nine percent of travelers would react if they noticed their flight seatmate was displaying visible flu-like symptoms. While 55 percent would request to be moved to a different seat, 27 percent would notify a flight attendant, four percent would put on a face mask or scarf and an additional three percent would request that their fellow passenger cover up with a mask or scarf.
Airplanes are considered the top spot to beware of unwanted microbes (48 percent), followed by public transportation (19 percent) and hotels (six percent).
Mile-High Misdemeanors
Sixty-one percent of travelers confess they have disregarded airline rules on a flight. Unbuckling seatbelts before the light is off tops the list of flier felonies, with almost half of travelers (49 percent) admitting to unclipping prematurely. Further indiscretions include moving someone else’s luggage to make room for their own (23 percent), standing up before the seatbelt light is turned off (16 percent), and six percent even admit to using a forbidden electronic device in-flight, such as a cell phone or pager.
Sketchy Seatmates
Sitting next to a traveler with noticeable body odor is most likely to get travelers switching seats on a flight, with 38 percent confessing that if their neighbor was whiffy, they’d be gone in a jiffy. Intoxicated travelers take second place on the list of nightmarish neighbors, with obese travelers rounding out the top three. The survey results also reveal that 69 percent of travelers believe that passengers over a certain weight should be required to pay for two seats.
Flying Faux Pas
Children may be small in stature, but when it comes to the top travel annoyances, they deliver a mean punch — or rather, kick. Thirty-seven percent of travelers cite seat-kicking kids as their primary pet peeve, while fliers that sneeze and cough without covering their mouth and rude seat recliners claim second and third spots respectively. Forty-two percent of travelers also expressed frustration about not having space on flights for their carry-on bags. Forty-five percent think travelers without carry-on bags should be allowed to board flights first.
Quiet Sections Preferred
Forty-one percent of travelers said they’d be most likely to pay extra to sit in a “quiet section” of a plane, while 39 percent would love to be free of kids in a “child-free section.” Wi-Fi may be a useful in-flight option, but some travelers would prefer to remain altogether disconnected, with 11 percent saying they’d choose a “Wi-Fi-free section.”
In-flight Indulgences
Seventy-two percent of travelers expect to pay for in-flight extras when flying in 2010, with extra leg-room top of the wish list for more than one-third (35 percent) of respondents. Twenty-six percent are most likely to pay for snacks or an in-flight meal, and more travelers plan to shell out for in-flight alcohol (23 percent) than for seat selection (22 percent) or checked bags (20 percent).
Eco-nsiderations
Twenty-two percent of travelers expect to be more environmentally conscious in their travel decisions in 2010 than they were in 2009. Thirty-two percent consider their carbon footprint when traveling, and as a result, 44 percent of these travelers choose to stay at “green” or environmentally-conscious hotels, while 26 percent choose to drive rather than fly, and 20 percent travel shorter distances. A hotel having “green” policies also factors into 33 percent of travelers’ booking decisions.
Ugly Americans and America the Beautiful
There’s good and bad news for U.S. travelers, with Americans voted the friendliest travelers — but also the most annoying. Twenty-five percent of U.S. respondents consider Americans to be the most irritating travelers, followed by travelers from France (nine percent), Japan (eight percent), China (seven percent) and Germany (six percent).
Nineteen percent said Americans are friendliest, followed by travelers from Australia (16 percent), Canada (nine percent), England (eight percent) and Ireland (four percent).
Pledge Allegiance to the Brand
Fifty-nine percent of travelers said they are brand loyal when it comes to booking hotels, with the survey revealing the top three brands to be Marriott (12 percent), Hilton (nine percent) and Hampton Inn (four percent).
“If it isn’t already, hand sanitizer should be among the first things travelers think to pack these days,” said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “As far as destinations to consider for 2010, Mexico offers some real bargains — and Troncones made the top of our emerging destinations TravelCast list.”
Source: TripAdvisor
Travelers interest in vacation rentals soars in 2010
Nearly 87 percent of travelers who looked into the availability of vacation rentals in the past plan to stay in one in 2010 – Demand for vacation rentals in New Orleans is up by more than 300 percent in third quarter of the year – About 60 percent of vacation rental owners report bookings in the third quarter of 2009 were on par with or higher than the same period last year
Vacation rental homes continue to grow in popularity among travelers in the coming year, according to HomeAway, Inc. – the world’s leading online vacation rental marketplace – which today released its quarterly “HomeAway Vacation Rental Marketplace Report.” In fact, 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 – a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed or plan on staying in a vacation rental in 2009.
Of those travelers who stayed or will stay in a vacation rental in 2009, 75 percent previously stayed in a vacation rental – 25 percent were first-time renters.
“The fact that so many travelers who’ve stayed in a vacation rental home are returning to rent again shows the high satisfaction they had with their experience,” said Brian Sharples, chief executive officer of HomeAway®. “And in this economy, vacation rentals are also attracting many first-time renters who are looking for greater value from their travel dollar. We expect this trend to continue even as the economy improves, as there has been a significant shift toward value in the overall consumer mindset.”
Travelers Look for Value and Ways to Still Get Away in 2010
While more than one-quarter of travelers (28 percent) say the economy will not impact their vacation plans in 2010, most travelers will look for ways to save when it comes time to get away next year.
When travelers were asked how the economy will affect their 2010 vacation plans:
– 41 percent plan to look for specials or deals on vacation rentals
– 40 percent plan to stay in a vacation rental to save or split on the costs of accommodations
– 21 percent will look for hotel specials or deals
– 17 percent will vacation at a destination within driving distance from home
– 7 percent will shorten the length of the vacation
The average booking window (how long travelers book a property before their trip) has begun to climb to its pre-recession pattern. Travelers are booking an average of 94 days out in the third quarter – up from an average of 76 days during the second quarter of the year.
In 2010, only two percent of travelers say they will be unable to take a vacation due to the economy — a decrease from the eight percent who were affected in 2009.
Vacation Rentals Provide a Whole Home for Less than the Cost of a Hotel
Of the cities analyzed in the third quarter, HomeAway finds the following markets offer particularly good value for travelers, especially in Orlando, where the price per square foot for a vacation rental is nearly five times less than the cost per square foot of a hotel.
New Orleans Rebounds; Interest Grows in Miami as Super Bowl Nears
Not surprisingly, the report shows beach destinations continue to draw travelers, with eight out of the top 10 most popular destinations booked in the third quarter located in coastal areas. New York and Las Vegas stand as the two exceptions. The HomeAway Vacation Rental Marketplace report also identifies some emerging and reemerging vacation destinations among travelers. Demand for vacation rentals in the Big Easy is up by more than 300 percent in the third quarter.
“We believe we’re seeing renewed interest in New Orleans vacation rentals because the average daily rate for hotels in the city have increased in the past months, and there are now more vacation rental choices on HomeAway, with listings increasing 133 percent in the third quarter,” says Sharples.
The top five destinations with the largest percent increase in traveler interest from the third quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009 include:
1. New Orleans (307%)
2. Estero, Fla. (149%)
3. Austin, Texas (141%)
4. Wear Valley, Tenn. (129%)
5. Manhattan Beach, Calif. (121%)
Miami, which hosts the Super Bowl in February 2010, is also generating increased demand. Traveler interest in Miami vacation rentals are up 50 percent, compared to last year during the third quarter.
New Vacation Rental Listings on the Rise in Some Markets
As travelers focus on value and owners of second homes look to generate extra income in today’s economy, many markets are seeing significant increases in new vacation rental listings. Carnelian Bay, Calif., and Austin, Texas, retain their positions from the last quarter as the destinations with the fastest percent increase in new listings.
The top 10 destinations with the largest percentage increase of new vacation rental listings in the third quarter of 2009, compared with the same time period last year, include:
1. Carnelian Bay, Calif. (317%)
2. Austin, Texas (155%)
3. Beverly Hills, Calif. (145%)
4. New Orleans (133%)
5. Truckee, Calif. (122%)
6. Canyon Lake, Texas (120%)
7. Santa Monica, Calif. (116%)
8. Lake Norman, N.C. (108%)
9. Chicago (106%)
10. Estes Park, Colo. (103%)
For those who rent out their second homes, approximately 60 percent say their bookings for the third quarter of the year are about the same or higher compared with last year, which represents a negligible dip from the second quarter of the year when 62 percent of owners reported bookings were the same or higher.
Vacation Rental Owners Offer Deals, Make Home Improvements to Attract Renters
To continue to attract travelers and generate income from their properties, approximately 55 percent of vacation rental owners say they will offer some type of special deal or incentive to travelers in the coming year – down from 66 percent earlier this year. Of those:
– 69 percent to offer a specific dollar amount or a percentage off the rental rate
– 35 percent plan to offer a free night with the purchase of a specific number of nights
– 17 percent do not plan to require a minimum-night stay– 16 percent plan to offer complimentary products or services, such as free tickets to a theme park
Beyond adjusting the rental rate for their vacation homes, nearly three quarters of vacation rental owners (73 percent) have other plans for attracting potential renters in the coming year.
Source: HomeAway, Inc.
Royal Caribbean International takes delivery of much anticipated Oasis Of The Seas
World’s Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship Sets Sail for Home Port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
After nearly six years in the making, Royal Caribbean International proudly took delivery of its newest and most revolutionary cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, from STX Europe in Turku, Finland. Kicking off the 12-day countdown until her U.S. debut into Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be departing Turku on Friday, Oct. 30 with Captain William S. Wright at the helm. Her transatlantic crossing will be chronicled on OasisoftheSeas.com as new webisodes are posted daily and via Twitter by following @OasisandAllure. A new feature to OasisoftheSeas.com will allow visitors to view a Google Maps application and follow Oasis of the Seas journey. Richard Fain’s “Chairman’s Blog” on OasisoftheSeas.com and “Adam’s Blog” by President and CEO Adam Goldstein on NationofWhyNot.com also will provide personal updates.
The cruise line that revolutionized the industry with the FlowRider surf simulator, ice-skating rinks, cantilevered whirlpools, rock climbing walls and the Royal Promenade, an entertainment boulevard stretching nearly the length of the ship, is poised to unveil a range of new attractions and engineering marvels onboard Oasis of the Seas. The ultimate expression of Royal Caribbean’s legacy of imagination and innovation, Oasis of the Seas introduces unique industry “firsts” including a neighborhood concept – seven themed areas providing guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood. Within these seven neighborhoods – Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone – are extraordinary elements such as the first park at sea, a thrilling zip line that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium, an original handcrafted carousel, 28 multilevel urban-style loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, an aquatic amphitheater – called the AquaTheater that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling ocean front theater by night; and an array of epicurean innovations that allow for new culinary experiences each day of a guest’s cruise vacation.
This November, just in time for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, Oasis of the Seas will be unveiled on ABC’s “Good Morning America” who will be there to welcome her into her home port in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. as well as give viewers an exclusive first glimpse of the ship during a special live broadcast on Friday, Nov. 20.
The official naming ceremony for Oasis of the Seas will take place on November 30 during a one night inaugural celebration-fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Tickets for the once-in-a-lifetime event begin at $750 per person and guests who wish to continue their adventure onboard will receive an exclusive discount price, beginning at $650 per person, on a four-night cruise package sailing to the cruise line’s private beach destination, Labadee, departing the morning following the event on Dec. 1 (rates based on double-occupancy and stateroom package). For reservations to this exclusive event combined with the four-night sailing, contact Cynthia Paez, Royal Caribbean International, at (877) 202-1520, ext. 12751, or cpaez@rccl.com.
Bookings are also available for Oasis of the Seas’ inaugural sailing departing on December 5. The inaugural sailing will include exclusive entertainment and gifts for guests to commemorate the special occasion.
Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.OasisoftheSeas.com.
Source: Royal Caribbean International
Trivial Pursuits: Britons clock up more holiday hours drinking and sunbathing than fellow Europeans
TripAdvisor Reveals Holiday Habits of British, French, German, Italian & Spanish Travellers
A new survey by TripAdvisor(R), the world’s most popular and largest travel community, has revealed snapshots of 24 hours in the average summer holidays of British, French, German, Italian and Spanish travellers. Whilst Britons clock up more time sunbathing and drinking in bars than their European counterparts, they also spend the least amount of time pursuing cultural activities.
The survey of 2,852 travellers reveals the length of time that each nationality spends on an array of popular pastimes over the course of an average day of their holiday, including active pursuits, dancing and dining. (For full breakdown of results, see Notes to Editors).
Tanning Time: Britons Soak Up Most Rays
Despite prominent sun-safety campaigns, British travellers lead the charge when it comes to sunbathing on holiday, spending an average of two hours and 53 minutes per day catching rays. The Spanish are the most restrained, averaging one hour and 58 minutes of tanning time.
Propping Up the Bar: Britons Clock Up Most Drinking Time
British travellers are the most adept at propping up the bar on holiday, spending an average of one hour and 38 minutes per day enjoying the local brew. Meanwhile, Italians are the most conservative when it comes to alcohol, spending 49 minutes per day in bars.
Cultural Pursuits: Britons Bring Up the Rear
Visiting museums and taking in the local architecture is less of a priority to Britons than other nationalities. Despite spending an average of two hours and 17 minutes per day on such pursuits, Britons bring up the cultural rear, whilst Spanish travellers claim the official ‘culture vulture’ mantle, spending three hours and 28 minutes a day indulging in high-brow activities.
Summer Loving: Italian Couples Cosy Up
Italians spend a whopping four hours and 31 minutes per day enjoying quality couples-time on holiday, whilst Britons average just 47 minutes. However, the French, considered by many to be a nation of great romantics, bring up the rear – spending just 29 minutes of quality time à deux.
From Discos, to Dining: Further TripAdvisor Findings
The survey also reveals that Spanish travellers are Europe’s dancing queens, clocking up 31 minutes per day on the dance-floor, compared to Britons’ paltry eight minutes. However, Britons’ stamina shines through when it comes to both shopping and dining in restaurants, with Brits leading the charge on both fronts. Meanwhile, German travellers are the masters of active pursuits, spending three hours and 37 minutes per day indulging in hiking, swimming and more.
Luke Fredberg, TripAdvisor spokesman, said: “Britons seek out a veritable smorgasbord of activities during their summer holidays, with sun, shopping and sangria proving ever-popular pastimes. And although the survey shows we may not be the biggest ‘culture vultures’, we certainly place great value on also enjoying more cultural pursuits on our holidays.”
Source: TripAdvisor
America’s Top 100 Family Campgrounds Announced by ReserveAmerica
ReserveAmerica’s “Outdoor Recreation Awards” Also Announced Covering Everything from Best Beaches to Scenic Views!
With the summer camping season quickly approaching, ReserveAmerica, the United States’ leading recreation reservation service, announced the nation’s seventh annual “Top 100 Family Campgrounds,” a guide to help campers and their families plan camping trips at locations across America’s great outdoors. The list also includes ReserveAmerica’s top biking trails, beaches, scenic views, water recreation parks and much more.
“Our seventh annual Top 100 Family Campgrounds list honors outstanding public outdoor recreation facilities that provide a high level of service,” explained Seth Rosenberg, General Manager for ActiveOutdoors and ReserveAmerica. “The guide offers a great resource for campers and their families who are looking to plan and reserve a camping trip for this spring or summer.”
To determine the top campgrounds and locations, over 4,000 parks were reviewed and evaluated on criteria including educational programs, overall beauty and scenery, family beaches, visitor centers and camping amenities such as hot showers and laundry facilities. The featured locations were also selected based on testimonials, campground ratings and feedback provided by park rangers, regional park management and campers throughout the year.
Campers can find anything from a weekend retreat to an extended vacation by browsing through more than 300,000 campsites, cabins, day use facilities, and picnic areas at www.ReserveAmerica.com.
2009 Top 100 Family Campgrounds
Anastasia State Park-St.Augustine, FL
Anthony Chabot Regional Park-Castro Valley, CA
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park-San Diego, CA
Applegate Lake Recreation Area-Squaw Lakes-Siskiyou National Forest -OR
Bald Ridge Campground-Lake Sidney Lanier-Burford, GA
Bayou Segnette State Park-Westwego, LA
Bear Lake State Park-Garden City, UT
Bluff View Park -Clearwater Lake-Piedmont, MO
Brooks Camp Campground-Katmai National Park & Preserve-King Salmon, AK
Bulltown Campground-Burnsville Lake-Burnsville, WV
Burlingame State Park & Campground-Providence, RI
Canning Creek Cover Park & Campground-Council Grove Lake-Council Grove, KS
Castle Crags State Park-Shasta, CA
Castle Rocks State Park-Almo, ID
Cedar Ridge Park-Belton Lake-Temple, TX
Channel Islands National Park-Ventura, CA
Chester State Park-Chester, SC
Claytor Lake State Park-Dublin, VA
Columbus-Belmont State Park-Columbus, KY
Cypremort Point State Park-Cypremort Point, LA
D.A.R. State Forest-Goshen, MA
Dam Site River-Beaver Lake-Eureka Springs, AR
Del Valle Regional Park-Livermore, CA
Devils Fork State Park-Salem, SC
Dreher Island State Recreation Area-Prosperity, SC
Eagle Point-Pottersville, NY
Eel Creek Campground-Siuslaw National Forest-OR
ELS/Encore Lake George Escape Camping Resort-Lake George, NY
ELS/Encore Mt. Hood Village RV Resort -Welches, OR
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park-Ashland, NE
Fishermen’s Memorial State Park & Campground-Narragansett, RI
Fort Boonesborough State Park-Richmond, KY
Fort Clinch State Park-Fernandina Beach, FL
Fort Robinson State Park-Crawford, NE
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum-Sevier, UT
George Washington Memorial Camping Area-Providence, RI
Goblin Valley State Park-Green River, UT
Goose Point Park-Philpott Lake-Bassett, VA
Grand Isle State Park-Grand Isle, LA
Grayson Highlands State Park-Mouth of Wilson, VA
Green River Lake State Park-Campbellsville, KY
Greenbelt Campground-Greenbelt Park-Greenbelt, MD
Gun Creek-Rend Lake-Benton, IL
Hodges Gardens State Park-Florien, LA
Hopeville Pond State Park-Griswold, CT
Hungry Gulch Campground-Sequoia National Forest-CA
Indian Creek-Mark Twain Lake-Monroe City, MO
Indian Lake Islands Campground-Sabael, NY
John W. Kyle State Park-Sardis, MS
Juniper Springs Recreation Area-Ocala National Forest-Silver Springs, FL
Kettletown State Park-Southbury, CT
Kiptopeke State Park-Cape Charles, VA
Lafayette Campground-Franconia Notch State Park-Franconia, NH
Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area-Ninety Six, SC
Lake Lincoln State Park-Wesson, MS
Lake Michigan Recreation Area-Huron-Manistee National Forest-MI
Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park-London, KY
Little Manatee River State Park-Sterling, FL
Little Sand Point Campground-Piseco, NY
Loft Mountain Campground-Shenandoah National Park-VA
Longwood Park-John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir-Boydton, VA
Macedonia Brook State Park-Kent, CT
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area-Fresno, CA
Morro Bay State Park-San Luis, CA
Mueller State Park-Divide, CO
New River Trail State Park-Foster Falls, VA
Norway Beach-Chippewa National Forest-MN
Occoneechee State Park-Clarksville, VA
Oconee Point Campground-Hartwell Lake-Seneca, SC
O’Leno State Park-High Springs, FL
Paradox Lake Campground-Paradox, NY
Pawtuckaway State Park-Nottingham, NH
Percy Quin State Park-McComb, MS
Pinegrove Campground-Coconino National Forest-AZ
Pocahontas State Park-Chesterfield, VA
Ponca State Park-Ponca, NE
Ponderosa State Park-McCall, ID
Raystown Lake-Hesston, PA
Red Fleet State Park-Vernal, UT
Rock Creek Canyon-Inyo National Forest-CA
Round Lake State Park-Sagle, ID
Salisbury Beach State Reservation-Salisbury, MA
Salt Rock State Park Campground-Baltic, CT
Santee State Park-Santee, SC
Sonoma Coast State Beach-Sonoma, CA
Sunol Regional Wilderness-Sunol, CA
Talbot Island State Park-Sebring, FL
The Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area-Boston, MA
Tishomingo State Park-Tishomingo, MS
Tolland State Forest-East Otis, MA
Trace State Park-Belden, MS
Trout Pond Recreation Area-George Washington & Jefferson National
Forest-Lost City, WV
Twin Lakes Recreation Area-Hartwell Lake-Pendleton, SC
Two Lakes Campground-Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest-WI
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve-Waquoit, MA
Wells State Park-Sturbridge, MA
White Lake State Park-Tamworth, NH
Willow Grove Campground-Dale Hollow Lake-Allons, TN
Woodland Valley-Phoenicia, NY
Zilpo Campground-Daniel Boone National Forest-Salt Lick, KY
Top 25 Amazing Spots
Arethusa Falls-Crawford Notch State Park-Hart Location, NH
Bayou Segnette State Park-Westwego, LA
Brooks Camp Campground-Katmai National Park & Preserve-King Salmon, AK
Carter Caves State Resort Park-Olive Hill, KY
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park-Corbin, KY
Davis Lake Campground-Mississippi National Forest- MS
False Cape State Park-Virginia Beach, VA
Flume Gorge-Franconia Notch State Park-Franconia, NH
Fort Robinson State Park-Crawford, NE
Goblin Valley State Park-Green River, UT
Grayson Highlands State Park-Mouth of Wilson, VA
Hodges Gardens State Park-Florien, LA
J. P. Coleman State Park-Iuka, MS
John W. Kyle State Park-Sardis, MS
Myakka River State Park-Sarasota, FL
Natural Tunnel State Park-Duffield, VA
Oregon Dunes KOA-North Bend, OR
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation-Sutton, MA
R. Shaefer Heard-West Point Project-West Point, GA
San Simeon State Park-Cambria, CA
Spectacle Island-Boston Harbor, MA
State Forest State Park-Walden, CO
Table Rock State Park-Pickens, SC
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park-Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Westmoreland State Park-Montross, VA
Top 25 Biking Trails
Alafia River State Park-Lithia, FL
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail-Lanesborough, Cheshire, Adams, MA
Cape Cod Rail Trail-Dennis to Wellfleet, MA
Chadron State Park-Chadron, NE
Cheyenne Mountain State Park-Colorado Springs, CO
Choctaw Lake Campground-Mississippi National Forests-MS
Croft State Natural Area-Spartanburg, SC
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park-San Diego, CA
Davis Lake Campground-Mississippi National Forest-MS
Douthat State Park-Millboro, VA
Franconia Notch Recreation Path-Franconia Notch State Park-Franconia, NH
Highlands Hammock State Park-Sterling, FL
Jordanelle Rock Cliff State Park-Heber City, UT
Nashua River Rail Trail-Ayer, Groton, Pepperell, Dunstable, MA
New River Trail State Park-Foster Falls, VA
North Bend Park-John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir-Boydton, VA
Odiorne State Park-Rye, NH
Old Post Road Park-Dardanelle Lock & Dam-Russellville, AR
Platte River State Park-Louisville, NE
Silver City KOA-Silver City, NM
Staunton River State Park-Scottsburg, VA
Steinaker State Park-Vernal, UT
Trace State Park-Belden, MS
Wasatch Mountain State Park-Midway, UT
York River State Park-Williamsburg, VA
Top 25 Bird-Watching Spots
Applegate Lake Recreation Area-Squaw Lakes-Siskiyou National Forest-OR
Belle Isle State Park-Lancaster, VA
Bonny Lake State Park-Idalia, CO
Caesars Head State Park-Cleveland, SC
Caledon Natural Area-King George, VA
Collier-Seminole State Park-Naples, FL
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area-Kearney, NE
Holmes Bend Campground-Green River Lake-Columbia, KY
J.A. Skinner State Park-Hadley, South Hadley, MA
John James Audubon State Park-Henderson, KY
John W. Kyle State Park-Sardis, MS
Lake Lincoln State Park-Wesson, MS
Lake Michigan Recreation Area-Huron-Manistee National Forest-MI
Miller State Park-Temple, NH
Montpelier Creek KOA-Montpelier, ID
Ochlockonee River State Park-Sebring, FL
Otter Creek State Park-Antimony, UT
Plymouth Park-John Day Lock & Dam-The Dalles, OR
Ponca State Park-Ponca, NE
Salton Sea State Park-Riverside, CA
Smith Mountain Lake State Park-Huddleston, VA
St. George Island State Park-Naples, FL
Sweetwater KOA-Sweetwater, TN
Umbagog Lake State Park-Cambridge, NH
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation-Princeton, MA
Top 25 Canoeing Spots
Belle Isle State Park-Lancaster, VA
Blackstone River Valley Heritage Park-Uxbridge, MA
Blackwater River State Park-Holt, FL
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park-Carlisle, KY
Brooks Camp Campground-Katmai National Park & Preserve-King Salmon, AK
Caddo River-DeGray Lake-Arkadelphia, AR
Caladesi Island State Park-Dunedin, FL
Connecticut River Greenway State Park-Northampton, MA
False Cape State Park-Virginia Beach, VA
Goodale State Park-Camden, SC
Green River State Park-Green River, UT
Hayward KOA-Hayward, WI
Hillsborough River State Park-Thonotosassa, FL
James River State Park-Gladstone, VA
Juniper Springs Recreation Area-Ocala National Forest-Silver Springs, FL
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area-Oroville, CA
Mason Neck State Park-Lorton, VA
Mollidgewock State Park-Errol, NH
Oleta River State Park-North Miami, FL
Onawa/Blue Lake KOA-Onawa, IA
Pillsbury State Park-Washington, NH
Smith Falls State Park-Valentine, NE
Sylvan Lake State Park-Eagle, CO
Tishomingo State Park-Tishomingo, MS
Umbagog Lake State Park-Cambridge, NH
Top 50 Educational & Historical Facilities
Anasazi State Park Museum-Boulder, UT
Applegate Lake Recreation Area-Squaw Lakes-Siskiyou National Forest-OR
Big Bone Lick State Park-Union, KY
Borderland State Park-Easton/Sharon, MA
Bulltown Historical Area-Burnsville Lake-Burnsville, WV
Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum-Fairfield, UT
Canning Creek Cover Park & Campground-Council Grove Lake-Council Grove, KS
Casey KOA-Casey, IL
Castle Island-South Boston, MA
Chippokes Plantation State Park-Surry, VA
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park-Tulare, CA
Columbus-Belmont State Park-Columbus, KY
Douthat State Park-Millboro, VA
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historical Site-Hyde Park, NY
Fall River Heritage State Park-Fall River, MA
False Cape State Park-Virginia Beach, VA
Fort Boonesborough State Park-Richmond, KY
Fort Robinson State Park-Crawford, NE
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site-Washington, D.C.
Fredericksburg/Washington DC KOA-Fredericksburg, MD
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum-Sevier, UT
Gasparilla Island State Park-Boca Grande, FL
Highlands Hammock State Park-Sterling, FL
Holliday Lake State Park-Lynchburg, VA
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historical Site-Hyde Park, NY
John Wingate Weeks Historic Site-Lancaster, NH
Koreshan State Historic Site-Sebring, FL
Myakka River State Park-Sarasota, FL
Natural Tunnel State Park-Duffield, VA
Norway Beach-Chippewa National Forest-MN
Orman House State Park-Apalachicola, FL
Oscar Scherer State Park-Osprey, FL
Percy Quin State Park-McComb, MS
Ponca State Park-Ponca, NE
R. Shaefer Heard-West Point Project-West Point, GA
Santa Fe Trail Park & Campground-Council Grove Lake-Council Grove, KS
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park-Big Stone Gap, VA
St. Andrews State Park- Panama City, FL
Staunton River Battlefield State Park-Randolph, VA
Tishomingo State Park-Tishomingo, MS
Trinidad Lake State Park-Trinidad, CO
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park and Museum-Vernal, UT
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historical Site-Hyde Park, NY
Walden Pond State Reservation-Concord, MA
Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Historic Site-Portsmouth, NH
Westmoreland State Park-Montross, VA
Wilderness Road State Park-Ewing, VA
Williamsburg KOA-Williamsburg, VA
Willow Grove Campground-Dale Hollow Lake-Allons, TN
York River State Park-Williamsburg, VA
Top 50 Fishing Spots
Applegate Lake Recreation Area-Squaw Lakes-Siskiyou National Forest-OR
Bear Lake State Park-Garden City, UT
Blackberry-Siuslaw National Forest-Tidewater, OR
Blue Creek- Oologah Lake-Oologah, OK
Bolsa Chica State Beach-Orange, CA
Brooks Camp Campground-Katmai National Park & Preserve-King Salmon, AK
Burns Run West – Texoma Lake-Cartwright, OK
Burnsville Lake-Burnsville, WV
Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area-Burwell, NE
Cayo Costa State Park-Boca Grande, FL
Choctaw Lake Campground-Mississippi National Forests-MS
Claytor Lake State Park-Dublin, VA
Davis Lake Campground-Mississippi National Forest-MS
Dent Acres Campground-Dworshak Dam & Reservoir-Ahsahka, ID
Downstream Campground-Garrison Dam Lake-Riverdale, ND
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park-Fort Pierce, FL
Gasparilla Island State Park-Boca Grande, FL
Grand Isle State Park-Grand Isle, LA
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park-Greenup, KY
Grenada Lake-Grenada, MS
Hungry Mother State Park-Marion, VA
Hyrum Lake State Park-Hyrum, UT
J. P. Coleman State Park-Iuka, MS
John W. Kyle State Park-Sardis, MS
Kentucky Lakes/Prizer Point KOA-Cadiz, KY
Kiptopeke State Park-Cape Charles, VA
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park-Jamestown, KY
Lake Francis State Park-Pittsburgh, NH
Lake Lincoln State Park-Wesson, MS
Lake Manatee State Park-Bradenton, FL
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area-Ogallala, NE
Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area-Ogallala, NE
Lake Warren State Park-Hampton, SC
Manchester KOA-Manchester, TN
Mollidgewock State Park-Errol, NH
New River Trail State Park-Foster Falls, VA
Occoneechee State Park-Clarksville, VA
Otter Creek State Park-Antimony, UT
Percy Quin State Park-McComb, MS
Plymouth Park-John Day Lock & Dam-The Dalles, OR
Quail Creek State Park-St.George, UT
Sandisfield State Forest-Sandisfield, MA
Santee State Park-Santee, SC
Scusset Beach State Reservation-Sandwich, MA
Spinney Mountain State Park-Lake George, CO
St. George Island State Park-Naples, FL
Sugarloaf KOA-Sugarloaf, FL
Trace State Park-Belden, MS
Umbagog Lake State Park-Cambridge, NH
Yuba Lake State Park-Levan, UT
Top 50 Hiking Trails
Appalachian Trail-MA
Artist Bluff-Franconia Notch State Park-Franconia, NH
Black River Hike & Bike Trail-Clearwater Lake-Piedmont, MO
Brighton KOA-Brighton, ONT CANADA
Brooks Camp Campground-Katmai National Park & Preserve-King Salmon, AK
Burnsville Lake Trail System-Burnsville, WV
Cape Perpetua-Siuslaw National Forest-Yachats, OR
Castle Crags State Park-Shasta, CA
Chippokes Plantation State Park-Surry, VA
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park-Corbin, KY
Deer Creek State Park-Midway, UT
Douthat State Park-Millboro, VA
Fairy Stone State Park-Stuart, VA
False Cape State Park-Virginia Beach, VA
Fort Robinson State Park-Crawford, NE
Gaylord KOA-Gaylord, MI
Grayson Highlands State Park-Mouth of Wilson, VA
Holliday Lake State Park-Lynchburg, VA
Holmes Bend Campground-Green River Lake-Campbellsville, KY
Hopkinton State Park-Hopkinton, MA
Hungry Mother State Park-Marion, VA
Indian Cave State Park-Shubert, NE
Jordanelle Rock Cliff State Park-Heber City, UT
Kiptopeke State Park-Cape Charles, VA
Kodachrome Basin State Park-Cannonville, UT
Koreshan State Historic Site-Sebring, FL
Loft Mountain Campground-Shenandoah National Park-VA
Lory State Park-Denver, CO
Middlesex Fells Reservation-Malden, Medford, Stoneham, Melrose,
Winchester, MA
Monadnock State Park-Jaffrey, NH
Myakka River State Park-Sarasota, FL
Natural Bridge State Resort Park-Slade, KY
North Sydney/Cabot Trail KOA-New Harris, NS CANADA
Oconee State Park-Mountain Rest, SC
Oscar Scherer State Park-Osprey, FL
Pawtuckaway State Park-Nottingham, NH
Percy Quin State Park-McComb, MS
Pillsbury State Park-Washington, NH
Ponca State Park-Ponca, NE
R. Shaefer Heard-West Point Project-West Point, GA
Ray Behrens-Mark Twain Lake-Monroe City, MO
Red Fleet State Park-Vernal, UT
Rockport State Park-Peoa, UT
Smith Mountain Lake State Park-Huddleston, VA
Steinaker State Park-Vernal, UT
Tishomingo State Park-Tishomingo, MS
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park-Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Torreya State Park-Bristol, FL
Trace State Park-Belden, MS
Wasatch Mountain State Park-Midway, UT
Top 25 Horse-Friendly Parks
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park-San Diego, CA
Bear Brook State Park-Deerfield, NH
Blue Creek-Oologah Lake-Oologah, OK
Bridalveil Creek Horse Camp-Yosemite National Park-CA
Bristol/Kingsport KOA-Blountville, TN
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park-Burkesville, KY
Dubois/Wind River KOA-Dubois, WY
Fairy Stone State Park-Stuart, VA
Frank Russell Recreation Area-Mark Twain Lake-Monroe City, MO
Golden Gate Canyon State Park-Golden, CO
Grayson Highlands State Park-Mouth of Wilson, VA
H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trail and Recreation Area-Cheraw, SC
James River State Park-Gladstone, VA
Lake Anna State Park-Spotsylvania, VA
Limon KOA-Limon, CO
Little Manatee River State Park-Sterling, FL
Myakka River State Park-Sarasota, FL
Myles Standish State Forest-South Carver, MA
New River Trail State Park-Foster Falls, VA
Staunton River State Park-Scottsburg, VA
Stub Stewart State Park-Buxton, OR
Taylorsville Lake State Park-Taylorsville, KY
Trace State Park-Belden, MS
Wilderness Gateway Campground-Clearwater National Forest-ID
York River State Park-Williamsburg, VA
Top 25 Kid-Friendly Parks
Alafia River State Park-Lithia, FL
Applegate Lake Recreation Area-Squaw Lakes-Siskiyou National Forest-OR
Barr Lake State Park-Brighton, CO
Barren River Lake State Resort Park-Lucas, KY
Bayou Segnette State Park-Westwego, LA
Beaver Brook Reservation-Mill Street, Belmont/Waltham, MA
Burns Run West-Texoma Lake-Cartwright, OK
Cedar Ridge Park-Belton Lake-Temple, TX
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park-Ashland, NE
Fort Boonesborough State Park-Richmond, KY
Fort Robinson State Park-Crawford, NE
Leesylvania State Park-Woodbridge, VA
Longwood Park-John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir-Boydton, VA
Morro Bay State Park-San Luis, CA
Nantasket Beach State Reservation-Hull, MA
Odiorne State Park-Rye, NH
Oleta River State Park-North Miami, FL
Pawtuckaway State Park-Nottingham, NH
Percy Quin State Park-McComb, MS
Pocahontas State Park-Chesterfield, VA
Rudds Creek Campground-John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir-Boydton, VA
Shelby/Mansfield KOA-Shelby, OH
Trace State Park-Belden, MS
Twin Lakes State Park-Green Bay, VA
Wisconsin Dells KOA-Wisconsin Dells, WI
Top 25 Park Beaches
Bear Brook State Park-Deerfield, NH
Caladesi Island State Park-Dunedin, FL
Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area-Burwell, NE
Choctaw Lake Campground-Mississippi National Forests-MS
Claytor Lake State Park-Dublin, VA
Demarest Lloyd State Park-Dartmouth, MA
Emmet KOA-Emmet, MI
Fairy Stone State Park-Stuart, VA
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park-Fort Pierce, FL
Harvey Gap-Rifle, CO
Holliday Lake State Park-Lynchburg, VA
Lake Lincoln State Park-Wesson, MS
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area-Ogallala, NE
Longwood Park-John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir-Boydton, VA
Myrtle Beach State Park-Myrtle Beach, SC
Nantasket Beach State Reservation-Hull, MA
Naples Marco Island KOA-Naples, FL
Revere Beach Reservation-Revere, MA
Rudds Creek Campground-John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir-Boydton, VA
San Elijo State Beach-San Diego, CA
South Sandusky Day Use-Benton, IL
St. George Island State Park-Naples, FL
Sugarloaf KOA-Sugarloaf, FL
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park-Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Wallis Sands State Beach-Rye, NH
Top 25 Picnic Areas
Ashland State Park-Ashland, MA
Bayou Segnette State Park-Westwego, LA
Beaver Brook Falls-Wayside, Colebrook, NH
Benbow Lake State Recreation Area-Humboldt, CA
Burnsville Lake-Burnsville, WV
Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum-Fairfield, UT
Clarksburg State Park-Clarksburg, MA
Claytor Lake State Park-Dublin, VA
Collier-Seminole State Park-Naples, FL
Elrod Ferry-Hartwell Lake-Hartwell, GA
First Landing State Park-Virginia Beach, VA
Hodges Gardens State Park-Florien, LA
Jones Gap State Park-Marietta, SC
Lake Lincoln State Park-Wesson, MS
Lake Manatee State Park-Bradenton, FL
Little Manatee River State Park-Sterling, FL
Mt. Sunapee State Park-Newbury, NH
Niobrara State Park-Niobrara, NE
North Bend Park-John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir-Boydton, VA
Occoneechee State Park-Clarksville, VA
Paonia State Park-Crawford, CO
Platte River State Park-Louisville, NE
St. Mary KOA-St.Mary, MT
Trace State Park-Belden, MS
Winthrop/N Cascade KOA-Winthrop, WA
Top 25 Romantic Spots
Applegate Lake Recreation Area-Squaw Lakes-Siskiyou National Forest-OR
Bald Nob – Franconia Notch State Park-Franconia, NH
Belle Isle State Park-Lancaster, VA
Caladesi Island State Park-Dunedin, FL
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park-Corbin, KY
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park-Ashland, NE
First Landing State Park-Virginia Beach, VA
Gasparilla Island State Park-Boca Grande, FL
Hodges Gardens State Park-Florien, LA
J.A. Skinner State Park-Hadley, South Hadley, MA
Moore State Park-Paxton, MA
Niagara Falls North KOA-Youngstown, NY
Occoneechee State Park-Clarksville, VA
Odiorne State Park-Rye, NH
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park-Dawson Springs, KY
Percy Quin State Park-McComb, MS
Ponca State Park-Ponca, NE
Raystown Lake-Hesston, PA
Redman Campground-Wasatch Cache National Forest-UT
Rend Lake-Benton, IL
Ridgway State Park-Ridgway, CO
Rockport State Park-Peoa, UT
San Antonio KOA-San Antonio, TX
Sonoma Coast State Beach-Sonoma, CA
Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Historic Site-Portsmouth, NH
Top 50 Scenic Views
Applegate Lake Recreation Area-Squaw Lakes-Siskiyou National Forest-OR
Blue Hills Reservation-Milton, MA
Collier-Seminole State Park-Naples, FL
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park-Corbin, KY
Dead Horse Point State Park-Moab, UT
Devils Tower KOA-Devils Tower, WY
Fort Robinson State Park-Crawford, NE
Frank Russell Recreation Area-Mark Twain Lake-Monroe City, MO
Goblin Valley State Park-Green River, UT
Goosenecks State Park-Mexican Hat, UT
Highlands Hammock State Park-Sterling, FL
Hillsborough River State Park-Thonotosassa, FL
Hodges Gardens State Park-Florien, LA
Indian Creek Recreation Area-Mark Twain Lake-Monroe City, MO
J. P. Coleman State Park-Iuka, MS
James River State Park-Gladstone, VA
John W. Kyle State Park-Sardis, MS
John Wingate Weeks Historic Site-Lancaster, NH
Kiptopeke State Park-Cape Charles, VA
Kodachrome Basin State Park-Cannonville, UT
Lake Manatee State Park-Bradenton, FL
Lake Michigan Recreation Area-Huron-Manistee National Forest-MI
Landsford Canal State Park-Catawba, SC
Little Manatee River State Park-Sterling, FL
Monadnock State Park-Jaffrey, NH
Mount Holyoke Range State Park-Amherst, MA
Mt Sugarloaf State Reservation-South Deerfield, MA
Mt. Greylock State Reservation-North Adams, Adams, Lanesborough,
Cheshire, Williamstown and New Ashford, MA
Natural Bridge State Resort Park-Slade, KY
Niobrara State Park-Niobrara, NE
Percy Quin State Park-McComb, MS
Petosky KOA-Petoskey, MI
Plymouth Park-John Day Lock & Dam-The Dalles, OR
Ray Behrens-Mark Twain Lake-Monroe City, MO
Raystown Lake-Hesston, PA
Royal Gorge KOA-Canon City, CO
Saddle Butte State Park-Los Angeles, CA
Shenandoah River State Park-Bentonville, VA
Sky Meadows State Park-Delaplane, VA
Staunton River State Park-Scottsburg, VA
Summit Cannon Mountain-Franconia Notch State Park-Franconia, NH
Tall Chief Cove-Skiatook Lake-Skiatook, OK
Tillicum Beach-Siuslaw National Forest-OR
Tishomingo State Park-Tishomingo, MS
Torreya State Park-Bristol, FL
Trace State Park-Belden, MS
Twin Lakes State Park-Green Bay, VA
Westmoreland State Park-Montross, VA
Willow Grove Campground-Dale Hollow Lake-Allons, TN
Yampa River State Park-Hayden, CO
Top 25 Tours & Events
Ano Nuevo State Natural Reserve-San Mateo, CA
Antelope Island State Park Annual Bison Roundup-Syracuse, UT
Battle Of Bulltown-Burnsville Lake-Burnsville, WV
Borderland State Park-Easton/Sharon, MA
Boston Harbor Islands-Boston, MA
Branson KOA-Branson, MO
Caledon Natural Area-King George, VA
Carter Caves State Resort Park-Olive Hill, KY
Cherry Creek State Park-Aurora, CO
Chippokes Plantation State Park-Surry, VA
Elkhart/Middlebury KOA-Middlebury, IN
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park-Ashland, NE
Grenada Lake-Grenada, MS
Hillsborough River State Park-Thonotosassa, FL
Hodges Gardens State Park-Florien, LA
Koreshan State Historic Site-Sebring, FL
Myakka River State Park-Sarasota, FL
New Hampshire Great Park Pursuit
Newburgh/New York City N KOA-Plattekill, NY
Niobrara State Park-Niobrara, NE
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park-Big Stone Gap, VA
Staunton River Battlefield State Park-Randolph, VA
The Esplanade Hatch Shell-Boston, MA
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park-Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Wilderness Road State Park-Ewing, VA
Top 25 Unique Cabins
Bear Creek State Park-Cumberland, VA
Cayo Costa State Park-Boca Grande, FL
Chief Timothy Park Cabins-Lower Granite-Clarkson, WA
Cottonwood Cabin-Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest-WA
Cypremort Point State Park-Cypremort Point, LA
First Landing State Park-Virginia Beach, VA
Fort Robinson State Park-Crawford, NE
Higgins Lake Yurts KOA-Roscommon, MI
Kiptopeke State Park-Cape Charles, VA
Mancos State Park-Mancos, CO
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park-Shasta, CA
Milan Hill State Park-Milan, NH
Mountain Home Tee-Pees KOA-Mountain Home, ID
Myakka River State Park-Sarasota, FL
Nickerson State Park-Brewster, MA
Occoneechee State Park-Clarksville, VA
Oleta River State Park-North Miami, FL
Pawtuckaway State Park-Nottingham, NH
Percy Quin State Park-McComb, MS
Poso Guard Station Cabin-Sequoia National Forest-CA
Shawme-Crowell State Forest-Sandwich, MA
Spruces Log Pavillion-Big Cottonwood Canyon-UT
Tishomingo State Park-Tishomingo, MS
Two Rivers State Recreation Area-Waterloo, NE
Umbagog Lake State Park-Cambridge, NH
Top 25 Water Recreation Parks
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area-Salida, CO
Burns Run West – Texoma Lake-Cartwright, OK
Collier-Seminole State Park-Naples, FL
Davis Lake Campground-Mississippi National Forest-MS
Downstream Campground-Garrison Dam Lake-Riverdale, ND
Dreher Island State Recreation Area-Prosperity, SC
Fort Collins/Lakeside KOA-Ft. Collins, CO
Frank Russell Recreation Area-Mark Twain Lake-Monroe City, MO
Hillsborough River State Park-Thonotosassa, FL
Indian Creek-Mark Twain Lake-Monroe City, MO
Jessie M. Honeymen Memorial State Park-Florence, OR
Lake Anna State Park-Spotsylvania, VA
Lake Barkley State Resort Park-Cadiz, KY
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park-Jamestown, KY
Lake Lincoln State Park-Wesson, MS
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area-Fresno, CA
New Bern KOA- New Bern, NC
R. Shaefer Heard-West Point Project-West Point, GA
Ray Behrens-Mark Twain Lake-Monroe City, MO
Rudds Creek Campground-John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir-Boydton, VA
Staunton River State Park-Scottsburg, VA
Stockton Delta KOA-Lodi, CA
Tall Chief Cove-Skiatook Lake-Skiatook, OK
Trace State Park-Belden, MS
Willow Grove Campground-Dale Hollow Lake-Allons, TN
Source: ReserveAmerica
Summer 09 Travel Trends: Skyscanner Reveals Winners and Losers of British Tourist Traffic
Leading cheap flight site, Skyscanner reveals this summer’s fastest growing destinations for British holidaymakers, and those that are losing out.
With anti-eurozone sentiment still strong, Brits are increasingly looking to non-euro destinations this year. Thailand, the USA and Portugal are the top three climbers; at the other end of the scale, the Czech Republic, Ireland and Cyprus have had the greatest drop in popularity.
Going Up
1. Bangkok, Thailand (+271%)
2. Los Angeles, USA (+170%)
3. Porto, Portugal (+163%)
4. Dalaman, Turkey (+160%)
5. Orlando, USA (+158%)
6. Istanbul, Turkey (+157%)
7. Sharm El Sheik, Egypt (+156%)
8. Bodrum, Turkey (+153%)
9. Burgas, Bulgaria (+152%)
10. Oslo, Norway (+143%)
Biggest rises in flight searches on Skyscanner.net for summer 09 (May 1st-Aug 30th) compared to summer 08. Flights from UK airports.
Bangkok has seen by far the biggest rise in the number of searches with 271% growth year on year.
US destinations are also on the rise, with LA and Orlando interest up considerably, despite the strengthening US dollar.
Egypt and Bulgaria are both proving more popular this summer, but overall, Turkey is the single biggest winner, with three of the top ten fastest growing destinations being in the country.
And the biggest losers?
Going Down
1. Prague, Czech Republic (-15%)
2. Cork, Republic of Ireland (-13%)
3. Paphos, Cyprus (-11%)
4. Geneva, Switzerland (-6.5%)
5. Palma, Spain (-6%)
6. Pisa, Italy (-5.5%)
7. Nice, France (-5%)
8. Bordeaux, France (-4.5%)
9. Menorca, Spain (-4%)
10. Venice, Italy (-3%)
Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder commented:
“Skyscanner’s data shows that value for money is the biggest factor influencing this summer’s travel trends. Turkey is clearly benefiting from this enormously with three destinations in the top 10 climbers list. It’s already an established tourist destination, and has the sun, sea and sand that Greece and Spain offer, with the added buzzword of being non-euro”.
Source: www.skyscanner.net