TripAdvisor Reveals America's Top Winter Vacation Rental Getaway Destinations

Breckenridge, Colorado at the Top of the Mountain for Ski Destinations; Miami Beach Shines as the Best Spot for Sun

News provided by

Dec 06, 2011, 06:00 ET

NEWTON, Mass., Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced America's top winter vacation rental getaway destinations for 2011, based on TripAdvisor vacation rental inquiry data for the winter months. Whether travelers are looking to hit the slopes or escape the cold for a beach trip this winter, vacation rentals can provide top-notch amenities, more living space, and significant potential savings versus other lodging options.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/49251-tripadvisor-america-s-top-winter-vacation-rental-getaway-destinations

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111206/MM13080 )
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080902/TRIPADVISORLOGO )

"For travelers planning a winter getaway with friends and family, vacation rentals can offer a unique experience and appealing savings in amazing destinations across America," said Hank Hudepohl, director of vacation rentals at TripAdvisor. "Whether travelers want to embrace the cold or escape from it, these vacation spots offer visitors plenty of fun activities in addition to a wealth of top-rated vacation rental properties."

Top 10 Winter Ski Vacation Rental Destinations in the U.S.

1. Breckenridge, Colorado — 1,205 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Offering some of the America's best ski trails, as well as top notch shopping, spas, and dining, Breckenridge is a fantastic spot to visit during the winter months. Travelers could save up to $3,920 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.¹

2) Gatlinburg Area, Tennessee — 1,773 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers plenty of cold weather fun including skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating at Ober Gatlinburg. Travelers could save up to $700 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

3) South Lake Tahoe, California — 615 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

While the locals boast that the sun shines more 300 days a year in South Lake Tahoe, it's a gorgeous destination for winter sport enthusiasts too, offering skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowshoeing. Travelers could save up to $1,570 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

4) Big Bear Lake, California — 648 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Situated within a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake is a scenic winter wonderland, featuring skiing, snowboarding, and a "Big Bear Funplex" with laser tag, bumper cars, and an arcade. Travelers could save up to $1,280 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

5) Mammoth Lakes, California — 774 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Located near the Nevada border and Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Lakes offers travelers all of the staples of winter fun, as well as activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and winter mountaineering. Travelers could save up to $1,880 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

6) Park City, Utah — 569 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Home to the Utah Olympic Park which hosted Nordic jumping and sliding sporting events, Park City offers winter sport lovers plentiful options for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Travelers could save up to $4,280 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

7) Vail, Colorado — 386 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Known primarily for its world-class ski resorts, Vail also offers visitors a bustling nightlife, fine dining, and a wide range of shopping and spa options. Travelers could save up to $5,990 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

8) Steamboat Springs, Colorado — 283 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Situated in the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Colorado, Steamboat Springs features a wide range of winter activities, ranging from ice fishing and dog sledding to skiing and sleigh rides. Travelers could save up to $2,130 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

9) Stowe, Vermont — 168 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Extending its New England village charm to travelers with its cute shops and restaurants, Stowe also offers ski enthusiasts access to the highest peak in Vermont, Mt. Mansfield. Travelers could save up to $1,640 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

10) Keystone, Colorado — 739 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Located 90 minutes west of Denver, Keystone offers a myriad of winter activities for skiers and non-skiers alike, including snow biking, tubing, ice-skating, and sleigh rides. Travelers could save up to $1,610 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

Top 10 Winter Sun Vacation Rental Destinations in the U.S.

1) Miami Beach, Florida — 249 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

While it may be tempting to just relax on its sunny beaches during a warm weather winter escape, Miami Beach also features renowned nightlife, gourmet dining, and a thriving arts scene. Travelers could save up to $2,910 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

2) Orlando Area, Florida — 4,019 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Right in the heart of America's famous theme park country, the Orlando area offers visitors endless family fun and plenty of Florida sun. Travelers could save up to $1,670 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

3) Key West, Florida — 493 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Located at the tip of the Florida Keys, Key West boasts a great mix of activities for travelers including boating, snorkeling, fishing, shopping, and world-class dining. Travelers could save up to $2,870 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

4) Honolulu, Hawaii — 391 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Hawaii's State Capitol, Honolulu is a vibrant city with an active nightlife, historic landmarks like the USS Arizona Memorial, top notch dining and shopping, and quick access to pristine beaches. Travelers could save up to $2,020 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

5) Lahaina, Hawaii — 679 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Located on the island of Maui, Lahaina boasts top-rated beaches, including Ka'anapali and Napili, as well as unique sights like the Banyan Tree Park near the town's Courthouse building. Travelers could save up to $2,320 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

6) Kihei, Hawaii — 732 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Situated off Maalaea Bay on the island of Maui, Kihei extends plentiful warm weather fun to visitors, including sandy beaches, horseback riding, wind surfing, and golf courses. Travelers could save up to $3,500 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

7) Key Largo, Florida — 96 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

The warm weather enjoyment is nearly endless in Key Largo, featuring gorgeous beaches, scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, and even the chance to swim with dolphins. Travelers could save up to $2,010 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

8) Poipu, Hawaii — 525 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Found on the island of Kauai, Poipu offers fun both for travelers seeking relaxation and those looking for adventure, with beautiful beaches, serene spas, kayaking, ATV tours, and mountain biking. Travelers could save up to $3,250 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

9) Naples, Florida — 841 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, visitors to Naples appreciate its pristine beaches and warm waters, as well as its myriad options for shopping, dining, and golfing. Travelers could save up to $2,020 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

10) Kailua-Kona, Hawaii — 546 vacation rentals on TripAdvisor

Situated on the west coast of the island of Hawaii, Kailua-Kona offers travelers plenty of fun in the sun with fantastic beaches, delicious local cuisine, coral reef snorkeling, and natural wonders like the Mauna Kea Summit and Rainbow Falls. Travelers could save up to $2,390 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.

To explore TripAdvisor's vacation rentals listings around the world, as well as its innovative Vacation Rentals Calculator, visit: http://www.tripadvisor.com/vacationrentals.

¹ Average potential savings versus a hotel based on a group of four adult travelers eating some meals out using the TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals Calculator.

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features (including Flights search, TripAdvisor Mobile and Instant Personalization) with seamless links to booking tools.

TripAdvisor® Media Group, operated by TripAdvisor LLC, attracts more than 65 million unique monthly visitors* across 19 popular travel brands**. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors***, 20 million members, and over 50 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide****, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also operates TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor's millions of monthly visitors. The division includes Business Listings, which allows hoteliers to connect directly to millions of researching travelers, and Vacation Rentals, which helps property managers and individual home owners list their properties and showcase hotel alternatives.

TripAdvisor Media Group websites have been recognized as top travel resources in 2010 by Conde Nast Traveller, Good Housekeeping, TIME magazine and Travel + Leisure.

TripAdvisor Media Group generated $486 million in revenue in 2010. TripAdvisor and the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Group are operating companies of Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE).

TripAdvisor and the TripAdvisor logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TripAdvisor LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Media Group Sites, Worldwide, August 2011

** In addition to TripAdvisor, The TripAdvisor Media Group of websites includes: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com, www.sniqueaway.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.travel-library.com, www.travelpod.com, www.virtualtourist.com, www.whereivebeen.com, and www.kuxun.cn.