Vacation Home Rentals Survey Announces Hawaii And Other Destinations Have Record Demand

April 13, 2011 - PRLog -- Vacation Home Rentals, the second largest online vacation rental marketplace in North America, announced today that Hawaii remains one of the top Vacation Home Rental destinations based on increases in demand. Hawaii’s strong showing was followed by impressive increases in Canada, Mexico and other premiere destinations in the US.

Hawaii remained a top vacation destination in 2011 and overall demand is breaking records in Honolulu, Kapaa and Waikiki. In fact, three Hawaiian cities toppled previous records and achieved over 125% increases in Vacation Home Rentals demand as measured year over year for (Q1/11) vs. (Q1/10). Honolulu had a 185% increase in traveler interest in the first quarter of 2011, followed by Kapaa, Kauai with 147% and Waikiki with 122%.

Topping the overall Vacation Home Rentals list, Kelowna, British Columbia Canada had a 292% increase in traveler interest. With its hot summers and temperate winters, it is no wonder this lakefront city with unique shops and vibrant culture hit the number one spot. Santa Monica, California is always a top destination and this year achieved the number two spot with a 235% increase. One contributing factor may be that Santa Monica is a desirable Los Angeles location that boasts many condos and single family Vacation Home Rentals that are walking distance from world class shopping on Montana Ave. and 3rd Street Promenade as well as countless fine dining options.

Also making the list in 2011 is a sleepy little Mexico town, just north of the coastal city of Puerto Vallarta. Bucerias Nayarit, Mexico with an increase in demand of over 170% is a world away from the turbulent border towns and has old world charm, white sandy beaches and surf spots worth writing home about.

Other notable US cities that rounded out the top 10 include; Bullhead City, Arizona, (150%) which sits on Lake Mojave about 70 miles south of Las Vegas and directly across the river from Laughlin, Nevada. Rockaway Beach, Oregon (132%) with its picturesque coastline and breathtaking sunsets and Chatham Massachusetts (125%), which is at the tip of the summertime favorite, Cape Cod in coastal Massachusetts.

“We’re seeing tremendous gains in the Hawaiian market as well as virtually every other vacation market” said Tom Gilmore, Vacation Home Rentals, CEO, “and we expect the gains to continue through the busy summer 2011 travel season.”

With economists agreeing that the travel industry is largely on a rebound, savvy travelers can still take advantage of luxury rental properties in premiere destinations at significant savings, thanks to the slump in the housing market. Top destinations like Honolulu and Waikiki remain number one with travelers for their pristine beaches, breathtaking scenery, access to nightlife, entertainment and numerous choices for al fresco dining.

Hawaii isn’t the only location where Vacation Home Rentals property renters will continue to capitalize on the sluggish real estate market. Whether it’s cottages in Kelowna, waterfront estates in Santa Monica, or private beach bungalows in Chatham- there are deals to be had for vacation home renters, and the recent increase interest suggests more and more US vacationers are recognizing the opportunity.

Vacation rental property owners cited many reasons for the phenomenal gains in 2011, including a lot of first time renters and an increase in overall inventory due to the sluggish real estate market. Both factors will have vacationers continuing to reap the rewards this summer.

About Vacation Home Rentals
Vacation Home Rentals is the most visited independent vacation rental site in North America. Over 10 million potential renters search Vacation Home Rentals for their next vacation rental every year. Vacation Home Rentals hosts an extensive variety of vacation homes that provide vacationers with an organic alternative to the over-priced hotel option. A vacation rental gives the traveler an authentic experience- “Live like a local, save like an expert!” For more information, http://www.vacationhomerentals.com