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Travel Trends: Orlando, Las Vegas top summer destinations for 2010
Perhaps fueled by a sense that the economy is improving, millions of Americans are gearing up to travel this summer. And when it comes to summer travel, Americans are nothing if not decisive about where we want to go.
This summer's top two destinations – hands down – are Orlando and Las Vegas, according to a recent survey conducted with members of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
Orlando ranks highest among the trips that agents are booking – 17.7% say the theme-park capital is this summer's Number One destination. No doubt, that's due in some part to the buzz building over the June 18 opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.
Las Vegas is Number Two at 16.2%.
"There are a lot of discounts and deals right now for those cities," explains Melissa Teates, director of research at ASTA in Alexandria, Va. "But, generally, most people just know they'll have a good time in these cities. Orlando and Vegas really exist as vacation destinations."
This summer's top two destinations – hands down – are Orlando and Las Vegas, according to a recent survey conducted with members of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
Orlando ranks highest among the trips that agents are booking – 17.7% say the theme-park capital is this summer's Number One destination. No doubt, that's due in some part to the buzz building over the June 18 opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.
Las Vegas is Number Two at 16.2%.
"There are a lot of discounts and deals right now for those cities," explains Melissa Teates, director of research at ASTA in Alexandria, Va. "But, generally, most people just know they'll have a good time in these cities. Orlando and Vegas really exist as vacation destinations."
Also among the top 10 major destinations this summer are San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles, and Honolulu.
Another hot spot, New York City, is hotter than it's been in some time.
It zoomed up the chart from Number Ten in 2009 -- with 1.4% of ASTA members saying it was their top booking -- to Number Six this year at 2.8%.
Teates says people are eager to travel after having put it off during the recession. But, she notes, many travelers are still holding down expenses. One way to do that is by staying relatively close to home.
"People want to travel more, but they're being careful with costs," she says. "A city like New York looks good. If you live on the East Coast, you can take a train. If you're in the Midwest, it's a short flight."
[Data source: ASTA]
See more Travel Trends.
Another hot spot, New York City, is hotter than it's been in some time.
It zoomed up the chart from Number Ten in 2009 -- with 1.4% of ASTA members saying it was their top booking -- to Number Six this year at 2.8%.
Teates says people are eager to travel after having put it off during the recession. But, she notes, many travelers are still holding down expenses. One way to do that is by staying relatively close to home.
"People want to travel more, but they're being careful with costs," she says. "A city like New York looks good. If you live on the East Coast, you can take a train. If you're in the Midwest, it's a short flight."
[Data source: ASTA]
See more Travel Trends.
Filed under: Business, North America, United States, Budget Travel
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Simzee May 2nd 2010 2:23PM
Of course, The East Coast rules !!! What kind of comments will THIS stir up. lololo
Lou May 2nd 2010 3:07PM
I've been to Orlando. We did all the touristy things. We had a great time but I have no desire to go back. I like the Pacific Northwest much better. The heat and humidity just about did me in. I was so glad to get back to a cooler climate. Last summer my daughter's family and I went on an Alaskan cruise. Fantastic!!!! This year I am going to the big Island of Hawaii. I am really looking forward to it. Fun!
piggy May 2nd 2010 3:18PM
East coast? Orlando? Please--I went to Disney World and was disgusted with all of the fat people I saw and got stuck walking behind....give me the great Northwest anytime...
Bonbon May 2nd 2010 3:45PM
Yeah, we'd like to keep those disgusting fat people out of Florida and back in the Northwest but they just keep coming here and spending all their money. What're you going to do?
Bonbon May 2nd 2010 3:43PM
Hmmm, Las Vegas where the heat'll kill ya...or...
Orlando where the humidity will do you in! Some choice!
But there must be something worthwhile going to these places if everyone wants to go to them. For me, give me a nice beach on Hawaii or in the Caribbean and I'll be happy.
David S. May 2nd 2010 4:19PM
Orlando has too many bible thumpers.....
Ed May 2nd 2010 4:23PM
Good to see Las Vegas making a comeback.
Http://www.lasvegastipsandsecrets.com
egdrifter May 2nd 2010 5:16PM
The place to be this summer is Phoeniz, AZ.
Samira May 2nd 2010 11:30PM
Just love Orlando. It's a non-stop things to do place. The amusement parks are just a few of the things to do. I'll go back over and over again. Kids love it and
so do us grownups. I just might move there one day just to satisfy the kid in me.
Uncomparable. I've been to all of those other places. Orlando still tops.
Si V. A May 2nd 2010 7:12PM
Has this survey missed the numbers for Branson, Mo.?
Carrie May 2nd 2010 7:36PM
I just moved to NH from NY and absolutely love it here! It would make a great summer trip for most who want to enjoy the mountains. We have all kinds of mountain sports. The shopping is great and there is no tax.
charles May 2nd 2010 7:51PM
Can't believe Myrtle Beach, Historic Charleston, or Hilton Head Island in SC are not included here. Where do you get your numbers anyway ?
Suzy's Corner May 2nd 2010 8:50PM
I can't help LOL @ Piggy for her remarks regarding traveling to Orlando, visiting Disney World and getting grossed out from getting stuck behind, yet another fat person, mostly women, sorry! I've been to Disney 3 times. One time in April, 1976 (I was just a kid), Spring 1987, and the beginning of April, 2010. The first 2x, I never
had any problems, just long lines. But just this past month my husband and I went to Disney, as we're just two big kids at heart for our wedding anniversary. Gosh, there are so many Americans (yes, most of the overweight people in Disney I encountered were American over any other kind of race/country) whose weight can
really get in the way. I remember seeing a couple that couldn't get on a certain ride,
b/c of their size - and it wasn't b/c they weren't tall enough!! lol
I liked Orlando in April, however could I really see myself going there, in July or August? No way! It would be too hot then. April was nice although it was getting hot
but we're going back to the Orlando area in October, and hoping for better weather,
hopefully not as hot... But we're talking a sub-tropical state here!
Suzy's Corner May 2nd 2010 8:54PM
I'm sorry, since I dissed heavy people, I guess it's only fair, that I give out my height and weight, and also tell you that at one point, I used to weigh 220 pounds, back in 2003! I stand at approx. 5'4" and weigh 128 pounds.. Not a toothpick, but on the same token, not a fat slob...
Carly May 2nd 2010 10:52PM
We just got back from a 7 day Caribbean cruise and I have never seen so many obese people in one place.... it was so disgusting to see them put on a bathing suits and walk around as if they were in shape.... we wanted the convenience of sailing out of Tampa since it is basically in our backyard and the only cruise is the Carnival Legend, we kept saying they had Carnival mirrors in their rooms.
rose May 2nd 2010 11:56PM
Las Vegas in the summer? Holey Crap ! Too hot there you'll die of the HEAT NO BREEZE, NO WIND TOO HOT THATS all there is to say.
Valerie Jennings Jun 9th 2010 5:46PM
This is good news! Wyndham Vacation Resorts has family travel rates in Orlando and Las Vegas. Check them out at http://wyndhamfamilyspecials.com/deals/.
jadesmith Oct 19th 2010 3:44AM
he most entertaining and exciting city in the world, Las Vegas is a place that offers experiences and luxuries that define a complete vacations. No place on earth will offer the vast range of luxuries provided by Vegas which includes lavish casinos, live entertainment, fine dine, and several trade shows. It’s beauty and magnificence is truly unmatched. Many great things to experience in this dream city having the best natural beauty also with a beach i would like to mention the Copcabana beach.
http://www.travelamerica360.com