Las Vegas Tops List as Most Popular U.S. Destination
As 2008 draws to a close, Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com/), a leading online travel site, takes a retrospective look back with its latest Insider Index to offer insight into when and where Americans spent their travel dollars this year.
“By looking back at travel data in 2008, we can identify trends that will help consumers make smart decision in travel planning for the year ahead,” said Jeanenne Tornatore, public relations director for Orbitz Worldwide. “For example, those who want to travel when they can find bargains should look to the slower travel periods when destinations have fewer crowds.”
Busiest Travel Weeks
While last year (2007), the July 4th week topped the Orbitz list of busiest travel weeks, Thanksgiving has historically been the busiest travel period of the year, and 2008 was no exception. For travelers looking to avoid the long lines at the airport, the slowest travel week of the year is still upon us, with the week of December 29 coming in as the least busy travel week of 2008.
The busiest travel weeks of 2008 were:
1. Thanksgiving
2. July 4th
3. Christmas
4. Memorial Day
5. Third week of March
Based on Orbitz.com hotel and package (air + hotel) bookings as of 11/26/08
Top Holiday Weekend Destinations
With the long-weekends becoming an easy way to escape for more and more Americans, the Index also examines where these weekenders spent their time and travel dollars in 2008. The Orbitz Index looked at travel over a four-day period for Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
1 Las Vegas
2 New York
3 Chicago
4 Orlando
5 San Francisco
6 Washington, D.C.
7 Miami
8 Los Angeles
9 Boston
10 Atlanta
Top Domestic Destinations
With so many enticing deals to this destination in 2008, it’s no surprise that Las Vegas lured the most travelers, moving this vibrant city up six spots to top this year’s list. The Big Apple and Windy City round out the top three most popular destinations.
1 Las Vegas
2 New York
3 Chicago
4 San Francisco
5 Miami
6 Los Angeles
7 Orlando
8 Washington, D.C.
9 Boston
10 Atlanta
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