LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM–(Marketwire - April 25, 2008) - As we approach May with its double header of public holidays at the beginning and end of the month it seems that most holidaymakers would prefer to have our bank holidays more evenly spread throughout the year. This was one of the findings of a survey about spring holidays among more than five hundred British travellers conducted by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community.
Seventy-four percent of respondents said that they would prefer public holidays to be more evenly spread throughout the year. Nevertheless, it seems that the spring breaks are a popular time for many us to getaway with 46 percent saying that they are planning a vacation during the May holidays, a slight increase on last year. Of these, 24 percent of travellers will be taking a long weekend break, 18 percent a week or longer and 10 percent a day tour. Forty five percent of respondents said they avoided travel on a public holiday.
Asked what they liked most about spring holiday travel, forty-five percent of the British travellers said that taking a break in May is a welcome relief after the long winter. Eighteen percent said it was because it is less crowded and 15 percent indicated that the prices were more reasonable than summer.
While 18 percent of the respondents said that they planned to holiday in the UK this May, slightly more (19 percent) were going abroad, despite the current drop in the value of the British pound against the euro. Convenience and less stress was the main attraction of holidaying in the UK for 24 percent of travellers while 23 percent appreciated the opportunity to learn more about their home country. Asked what they liked least about holidaying in the UK, half of all respondents cited the unreliability of the weather and less sunshine than abroad. Fifteen percent said the food, drink and hotels were cheaper abroad and the accommodation was better.
According to survey’s respondents the most popular parts of the country to visit this May are the North of England, followed by Wales, South of England and Scotland. The most popular countries to visit abroad are France followed by Spain.
More than 50 percent of travellers expect to be spending between two and six hours on their journey to and from their May holiday destination. It looks like the Brits could be enjoying a mixed range of activities this spring. Seeing a cultural attraction is the most popular for 16 percent of TripAdvisor British members while, 15 percent will be taking a city tour, 13 percent going to the beach and 12 percent visiting national parks or gardens. Eleven percent said they will be taking a cycling or walking holiday. Most (27 percent) will be staying at a hotel, while seven percent will be imposing themselves on friends or relatives.
It seems that little will deter British travellers from taking a break this May. Seventy-eight percent of TripAdvisor British members said increases in fuel prices will not affect plans, neither will the airport delays of 2007 for 91 percent, or concerns about the environment for 88 percent.
For more info http://www.tripadvisor.com
NEEDHAM, Mass., Dec. 26 /PRNewswire/ — TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel community, today announced the ten funniest traveler posts of 2007, as chosen by TripAdvisor editors. Many of these gems and more can be found on our humor blog, http://tripadvisor.typepad.com/.
PLAY
1. Not So Great Expectations
"I could have done without the blood-stained mattress and the (actual)
chunk of poop on my bedspread, but I didn't expect the Hilton."
2. Rest in Peace
"I spent the night in the (hotel) room and experienced a friendly spirit.
This presence got into bed with me, an old lady, she was nice and I just
patted her on the head and we had a comfortable restful sleep. I think I
will ask for a different room next time."
3. Mime Over Matter
"The neighborhood is filled with aggressive mimes, including one sitting
on a toilet bowl (how creative). Room cards are changed for no reason and
you cannot understand why you can't get into your room. All in all it was
a very unpleasant stay."
4. Deep Thoughts
"Time could be spent pondering over the meaning of some of the many safety
signs around the complex. Out of the several we managed to identify, the
two we found to be of greatest use were 1. Not to step on any crocodiles
whilst bare foot, and 2. No ugly, or spotty children to frequent the
pool."
5. Is That Really What You Meant?
"I echo the sentiments of the previous reviewer. The ambience is lacking
to be sure, but the food is like angels copulating on your tongue."
6. Freezing Over
"Sleeping in the street during a blizzard would be better than staying at
this hell-hole. The place should be imploded."
7. No Accounting for Taste
"Subject: Crab Trap Restaurant. We enjoyed our experience at the Crap
Trap. The food is very good with nice size portions and reasonable prices
(especially for the shore). The only down side is the wait."
8. A Sore for Sight Eyes
"Food not special, and the couple that lives there with their dog is very
'homey' and 'folksy' types. Not for everyone. The premises are well kept,
but some private parts we could see thru open door were not."
9. Leave It to Beaver
"Imagine awakening at 4:00 am to the sound of loud footsteps in the
stairwell, only to realize that someone is drunk and knocking on your
hotel door saying, 'Beaver...it's me. Let me in, Beaver.'"
10. The Last Laugh
"In fact, I told the management there that I was putting a review on your
website about their poor service and they laughed at me and said go right
ahead, nobody reads the TripAdvisor site."
“With millions of reviews and opinions on TripAdvisor, in addition to helpful travel advice, there is some great color, and these comments got the most laughs from our editors.” said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor.
NEEDHAM, Mass., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ — TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel community, today announced its list of the top ten converted hotels in Europe, as determined by TripAdvisor travelers and editors. These unconventional buildings have been wonderfully converted into hotels, retaining the spirit of the original structure, while offering luxurious accommodations and modern amenities.
1. Watershed Moment: Hotel Im Wasserturm, Cologne, Germany - Average Nightly Rate: $341
A former aquatic hub, the unique Hotel Im Wasserturm was the largest water tower in Europe before its conversion to a hotel in 1990. Enjoy the hotel’s beautiful and chic interior design and continue the liquid tradition by sipping a drink at La Vision, located on the circular brick tower’s roof terrace. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “This is a designer’s dream of a hotel, well thought out and very cleverly built from a water tower with lots of design touches from the bottom to the top!”
2. Palace Props: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest, Hungary - Average Nightly Rate: $437
Sleep like a king at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, a former Art Nouveau palace restored to its original magnificence in 2004 and adorned with exquisite gold mosaic tiles. Sashay down the grandiose stairwells, peer at the stained-glass windows or have a drink below the cupola, all while taking in the stunning panoramic views of the Danube. As one TripAdvisor traveler described, “The Four Seasons Gresham Palace is truly a palace. From the grand foyer, to the luxurious rooms and personalized service, this hotel is by far the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at.”
3. Curtain Call: K+K Hotel Central, Prague, Czech Republic - Average Nightly Rate: $233
Steal the limelight by staying at K+K Hotel Central, an historic Art Nouveau building and cabaret before its conversion in 2004. Enjoy the hotel’s theatrical elements, including glass elevators, ornate staircase and show-stopping breakfast room, converted from a theater, with a high ceiling and views of the old balconies. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “The building has been restored to its former glory. As soon as you enter reception you know it’s a high quality hotel.”
4. Medieval Times: Chateau de Trigance, Trigance, France - Average Nightly Rate: $168
Step back in time at Chateau de Trigance, a former XI medieval fortress (converted in 1961) perched on a rock, towering over the village of Trigance in the South of France. Dine at the candle-lit restaurant, with ancient arched artillery-filled rooms before returning to your stone-walled accommodation, decked with antique furniture and medieval tapestry. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “This is an extraordinary place - an atmospheric little restored castle ringed by stunning mountains. Sip kir on the terrace or have breakfast on the battlements.”
5. Guiding Light: The Lighthouse, Llandudno, North Wales - Average Nightly Rate: $150 (per person)
Follow the glow to The Lighthouse, built of Canadian pine and limestone, once a beacon for mariners until 1985. The Victorian dining room, facing the north, overlooks a 100 meter vertical drop and serves a renowned traditional Welsh breakfast. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “It was a unique experience amidst dramatic scenery with the most welcoming hosts you can imagine. This was more of a dream than reality.”
6. Bank On It: Old Bank Hotel, Oxford, England - Average Nightly Rate: $466
Invest in the Old Bank Hotel, converted in 1999 from what was Oxford’s first bank. In contrast to the traditional 18th century facade, the interior favors a modern style with a chic lobby, 20th century British art and bedrooms with silk linens, chenille headboards and suede sofas. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “The Old Bank is a small and intimate delight in a stunning location. We were very well treated by the staff and enjoyed the lively sense of humor of the head porter.”
7. Pulitzer Prize: Hotel Pulitzer, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Average Nightly Rate: $440
Cruise up to the jetty at the Hotel Pulitzer, comprised of 25 adjoining 17th and 18th century canal houses, renovated in 2000 and located on the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals. The hotel features unique Dutch-influenced rooms, a cigar lounge, and for art lovers, its own modern art gallery. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “The hotel lies along a grand canal in a beautiful and historic Amsterdam neighborhood. Everything about it is five stars; especially the service, elegant and comfortable rooms, and food.”
8. The Big Krolewski: Krolewski Hotel, Gdansk, Poland - Average Nightly Rate: $132
Once producing a staple of Gdansk’s economy, the Krolewski is located in one of 30 former granaries, opening as a hotel in 2000. On the edge of the Motlawa River in northern Poland, the Krolewski is a stunning building with 30 rooms that seamlessly integrate the granary’s architectural features into elegant suites. As one TripAdvisor traveler described, “An excellent hotel, beautifully converted from an old granary building, with amazing attention to detail, a friendly staff, and top notch restaurant.”
9. Lock Me Up: Langholmen Hotel and Hostel, Stockholm, Sweden - Average Nightly Rate: $179
Serve a voluntary sentence at the Langholmen Hotel and Hostel, once Sweden’s biggest prison before its conversion in 1989. Stay in one of the former “cells,” now furnished, eat in the cafeteria, offering 24-hour service, and grab your room key, which will make you feel like a guest rather than an inmate. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “This hotel is an absolute delight! The old prison has just barely been transformed into a hotel. At the front desk we didn’t check in we were ’sentenced.’”
10. Monastery Mojo: Mandarin Oriental, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic - Average Nightly Rate: $426
Find inner peace at the Mandarin Oriental, Prague, a 14th century Dominican monastery before its conversion in 2006. Dine at the five-room Essentia restaurant below vaulted ceilings or appreciate the view of the city’s historical buildings and rooftops, featured in many of the rooms. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “Built in a renovated monastery, the hotel keeps a lot of the old and impressive design in the common areas. However, you still feel you are in a top-of-the-line modern hotel.”
“With such a deep and rich history of architecture, Europe is a natural breeding ground for elegantly converted hotels,” said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor. “From former lighthouses to theatres to water towers, these conversions offer something unique for every kind of traveler, but are consistent in that they all receive high marks from TripAdvisor travelers.”
Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover 280,000+ hotels and attractions and operate in the U.S. (http://www.tripadvisor.com)
NEEDHAM, Mass., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ — TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel community, today announced the results of its annual travel trends survey of more than 2,500 travelers from around the world. Top trends identified in the survey are concerns about germs, the growth of green tourism, and opposition to cell phone use on planes. TripAdvisor also unveiled its TravelCast list of emerging hotspots for 2008 with Jerba, Tunisia topping the list.
Clean Conscious
Eighty percent of respondents are concerned about germs, bacteria and viruses when traveling. Airplanes are the most germy, according to 28 percent of those polled. Public transportation was next, followed by restaurants, hotels, and airports. Respondents outside the U.S. were particularly worried about the risk of germs at restaurants, while Americans are far more wary of airplanes.
Fifty-five percent of travelers said they tend to wash and disinfect their hands more often while traveling. In keeping with the germaphobia trend, 27 percent of Americans either bring their own disinfectant and cleaning supplies, shower shoes, pillows, towels or linens, when going on a trip. This number has climbed from 22 percent, when TripAdvisor first spotted the germaphobia trend in 2005. Forty-five percent of travelers said their worst experience at a hotel was a dirty bathroom or dirty sheets, and 17 percent said their worst experience was the presence of vermin. Travelers also cited clean restrooms as a top criterion for what makes an airport great.
Growing Greener
Twenty-six percent of respondents said they will be more environmentally conscious in their travel decisions in the coming year. The green trend may be evident in their choice of transportation — 22 percent said they’ll go biking while on vacation this year, compared to 13 percent, last year. Forty-seven percent of travelers plan to go hiking this year, up from 43 percent, last year.
Tech Turn-off
Seventy-eight percent of travelers believe that mobile phones should not be allowed on flights. When asked if they think they have a right to tell an airline passenger sitting next to them to turn off video content they deem inappropriate, 58 percent said “no.”
Weak Dollar Woos Outsiders
Fifty-four percent of respondents from outside the U.S. said that favorable exchange rates will inspire them to travel to the U.S. more in the next 12 months. On the contrary, 41 percent of Americans said the unfavorable exchange rates will either prevent them from going, or limit their travel to Europe in the coming year.
Waste Not, Want Not?
Fifty-four percent of Americans have four or more weeks of vacation time each year, and 47 percent believe they “need” six weeks of vacation or more. But, they are not even spending all the time they currently have. Only 64 percent of Americans used all of their vacation time in the past year. Asked why they won’t take all of their vacation time, 28 percent of U.S. respondents said they can’t afford to be away from work. Forty-eight percent of Americans check their work voicemail or email on a long weekend, which jumps to 78 percent when taking a trip of a week or more.
Head of the Class
Thirty-two percent of travelers (and 34 percent of Americans) are planning to engage in educational activity on vacation this year, such as a cooking or art class, up from 25 percent (and 28 percent of Americans), last year.
Outside Influences
Sixty percent of respondents from the U.S. said that the possibility of terrorism is still a consideration when planning where to go on their next vacation. Forty-five percent of Americans said the possibility of natural disasters (such as a hurricane, tsunami or earthquake) is on their mind, and 36 percent said the cost of fuel influences where to go on their next vacation, despite the recent decline in gas prices. Five percent said uncertainty with mortgage rates is affecting the way they plan travel in the next year, and six percent said the volatile stock market is affecting their travel decisions.
Loosening Up
Fifty-three percent of travelers said it takes them less than a day to unwind when on vacation, while 35 percent take 1-2 days to relax. Twenty-four percent of travelers said they are likely to dress more provocatively while on vacation and 19 percent of travelers have had to impose the “whatever happens in X destination, stays in X destination” rule with their travel partners. Twelve percent of respondents have been to a clothing-optional or adults-only resort.
New Airlines Are Hot
Seventeen percent of travelers are planning to try a new airline this year. Virgin America is the most popular choice of new airlines among respondents.
Golden Wings: Top Airlines
American Airlines was the favorite airline among worldwide respondents, and British Airways and Southwest tied for second favorite airline. British Airways was selected as the top airline by travelers outside the U.S. Travelers selected these airlines as their favorite primarily because of their friendly and helpful staff, good on-time arrival and departure records, and comfortable seats. U.S. Airways was the least favorite airline, according to respondents.
Golden Gates: Top Airports
The favorite airport in the world, according to travelers, is Schipol International Airport in Amsterdam. Las Vegas McCarran and Orlando International tied as second favorite. Eighty-one percent of travelers said the primary factor that makes an airport great is it’s easy to navigate and get to your gate. London Heathrow and Chicago O’Hare tied as the least favorite airport in the world, according to travelers.
Additional Travel Tidbits
Travelers will average about three vacations in the coming year. Beaches continue to get hotter, as 64 percent plan to vacation to a sandy destination this year, compared to 59 percent last year. Florida is the most popular U.S. state that worldwide travelers intend to visit in the next 12 months, and internationally, 34 percent of Americans are planning to visit Europe in the year to come.
Jerba, Tunisia, TravelCast’s Next Hot Spot in 2008
TripAdvisor(TM) TravelCast is a barometer of what’s hot in travel destinations. TripAdvisor engineers have developed a proprietary algorithm that looks at several criteria including changes in search activity and postings throughout the world’s largest travel community, www.tripadvisor.com. The TravelCast then predicts the rising stars in travel. The top three emerging world hotspots for travel are Jerba, Tunisia, Makadi Bay, Egypt and Phangnga, Thailand. The complete world and U.S. top ten lists are provided below.
TripAdvisor TravelCast Top Ten World Destinations for 2008
1. Jerba, Tunisia
2. Makandi Bay, Egypt
3. Phangnga, Thailand
4. Kovalam, India
5. Sabaudia, Italy
6. Asilah, Morocco
7. Ko Phangan, Thailand
8. La Plagne, France
9. Yangshuo, China
10. Kotor, Montenegro
TripAdvisor TravelCast Top Ten U.S. Destinations for 2008
1. Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
2. Kitty Hawk (Outer Banks), North Carolina
3. Seward, Alaska
4. Kailua, Hawaii
5. Blue Ridge, Georgia
6. Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania
7. San Marcos, Texas
8. Paso Robles, California
9. Rockport, Texas
10. Copper Mountain, Colorado
“The major trends we’re observing are that travelers value cleanliness above all else and are becoming more environmentally conscious,” said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor. “Based on TripAdvisor’s TravelCast, the top emerging world destination is Jerba, Tunisia, and Thailand is the hottest country, featuring two destinations in the world’s top ten.”
About TripAdvisor Media Network
TripAdvisor® Media Network, operated by TripAdvisor, LLC, attracts nearly 30 million monthly visitors (source: comScore Media Metrix, Digital Calculator Report, July 2007) across eight popular travel brands, TripAdvisor® sites, bookingbuddy.com (TM), cruisecritic.com(TM), independenttraveler.com(TM), seatguru.com®, smartertravel.com(TM), travel-library.com(TM) and travelpod.com(TM). TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 25 million monthly visitors, five million registered members and 10 million reviews and opinions. Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover 270,000+ hotels and attractions and operate in the U.S. (http://www.tripadvisor.com), the U.K. (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk), France (http://www.tripadvisor.fr) and Germany (http://www.tripadvisor.de).
NEEDHAM, Mass., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ — TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community, today announced the results of its annual fall travel survey of more than 1,800 travelers worldwide, revealing that 84 percent of respondents plan to take vacations this autumn, up slightly from 83 percent last fall. Sixty-nine percent of respondents intend to fly in autumn, despite being exasperated over airline delays and cancellations.
To Air is Human, But Flying Not Devine
While travelers appear committed to taking to the air this fall, they are not without their gripes. Fifty-three percent of travelers said recent airline delays and cancellations are completely out of hand, and people shouldn’t have to wait on a plane for more than an hour. Thirty-seven percent believe that while delays are inevitable, airlines should have a maximum number of hours they can keep people on a plane. Fifteen percent of travelers expect to fly less in the coming 12 months than they did in the past 12 months, because of the recent airline problems.
Fall in New England is “Unbeleafable”
Thirty-seven percent of worldwide travelers, and 42 percent of Americans, will take a trip to see the fall foliage this year. For the third straight year, New England is the preferred region for leaf-peepers, with Vermont rated as the most popular state.
Travelers Pumping Up and Beachy Keen
Twenty-eight percent of U.S. travelers plan to take more car trips in the fall, because of dropping gas prices. Despite cooler temperatures in many regions, travelers worldwide still love the sun and sand, as 38 percent (and 37 percent of Americans) will visit a beach destination this fall.
Autumn Amnesty from Tourist Traffic
More than half of respondents (52 percent) believe the greatest incentive to travel in the fall is fewer tourists and crowds. Bargains were next on the list, as 35 percent of travelers are drawn to reduced fall rates on lodging and transportation. Thirty-seven percent of travelers find service at hotels and restaurants improves after the summer rush.
Amorous Autumn
The most popular type of vacation for travelers this fall is a romantic getaway, according to 25 percent of respondents. Eighteen percent intend to take a family adventure.
Chained to the Office
The greatest deterrent for fall vacations is a busy work schedule, according to 28 percent of travelers. Eighteen percent noted they don’t have enough vacation days available for an autumn trip and 15 percent said they are saving money due to concerns over the economy. Fourteen percent consider hurricanes the biggest deterrent to taking a fall trip.
Hitting the Road for Labor Day
In a separate survey of more than 600 U.S. travelers conducted on August 27, 43 percent plan to travel this Labor Day, compared to 38 percent, last year. Sixty-eight percent of respondents plan to drive this Labor Day, compared to 62 percent for the same holiday weekend last year and 29 percent intend to fly this Labor Day, compared to 34 percent last year.
“Travelers appear resigned to groan and bear it when it comes to airline delays and cancellations this fall,” said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor. “For many destinations, their hands are tied as flying is the only option.”
Top 5 U.S. Cities for Fall Travel, According to the Survey:
1. New York City
2. Las Vegas
3. Boston
4. San Francisco
5. Washington, D.C.
Top 5 European Cities for Fall Travel, According to the Survey:
1. London
2. Paris
3. Rome
4. Amsterdam
5. Barcelona
NEEDHAM, Mass., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ — TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community, today announced the results of a survey of more than 1,200 travelers conducted from August 15 to August 20, revealing that 95 percent of respondents said the hurricanes of the past week are not weighing on their fall travel plans.
Thirty-three percent of travelers surveyed would cancel their travel plans, only if a hurricane hitting their destination was imminent. Eighteen percent said they would cancel their travel plans if there was a possibility of a hurricane hitting their travel destination. Sixteen percent of travelers said they would ride out the storm.
Fourteen percent of travelers are considering a trip to the Caribbean this fall.
“Travelers’ mindsets regarding hurricanes hasn’t changed despite the intense storm activity in the past week,” said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor. “While they appear to be keeping close watch of the news, the threat isn’t keeping travelers away.”
About TripAdvisor Media Network
TripAdvisor® Media Network, operated by TripAdvisor, LLC, attracts nearly 28 million monthly visitors (source: comScore Media Metrix, Digital Calculator Report, June 2007) across eight popular travel brands, TripAdvisor® sites, bookingbuddy.com (TM), cruisecritic.com(TM), independenttraveler.com(TM), seatguru.com®, smartertravel.com(TM), travel- library.com(TM) and travelpod.com(TM). TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with nearly 22 million monthly visitors, five million registered members and 10 million reviews and opinions. Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover 270,000+ hotels and attractions and operate in the U.S. (http://www.tripadvisor.com), the U.K. (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk), France (http://www.tripadvisor.fr)
