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Recent statistics released by Orbitz show that hotel rates dropped in double figures over 2009, making travel within the United States and abroad even cheaper than the year before.
It comes as no surprise then that Orbitz’s Insider Index lists Las Vegas, with a |
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-26% year on year change compared to 2008, as the top travel destination the United States. It was shown that while it cost $115 per night in a Vegas hotel in 2008, the cost dropped to $84 last year.
New York came in a close second with a -22% drop over the previous year.
The top US destinations were thus ranked as follows:
- Las Vegas
- New York
- Chicago
- Orlando
- Los Angeles
- Washington
- San Francisco
- San Diego
- Boston
- Miami
Those seeking travel options outside of US borders also fared well thanks to the lower hotel rates. Orbitz showed that Americans flocked to warmer weather, with Mexican destinations appearing in three of the top ten spots of favorite international locations.
In addition, many travelers took advantage of the low hotel prices in classic European destinations such as London and Paris.
Top travel destination for Americans was Cancun in Mexico, where the average daily hotel rate was $179 in 2009, compared to $205 the year before. This constituted a change of -12% year on year.
London, capital of England, was the second top destination for US travelers, with hotel prices dropping from $180 to $151.
The top international destinations were as follows:
- Cancun, Mexico
- London, England
- Riviera Maya, Mexico
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Toronto, Canada
- Jamaic
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Los Cabos, Mexico
- Paris, France
- Vancouver, Canada
The busiest travel weeks in 2009 were Christmas, followed by July 4th, Thanksgiving, the third week of June and the first week of August.
All in all, Americans managed to put aside the inconvenience of tougher security measures at airports and took advantage of some great offers both locally and internationally to enjoy their annual vacations.
