Booming Beach Destinations - From the Mountains of Hawaii to the Florida Keys, the Orbitz Insider Index Uncovers the Fastest-Growing Winter Beach Destinations

CHICAGO, Jan. 15 /-/ -- With a flip of the calendar, a new year in travel begins. And while January brings wintery weather to much of the country, it also gets travelers thinking about the best destinations to escape the chill. This month, the Insiders at Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com) have looked to points south, west and overseas to uncover the fastest growing winter beach destinations(1) and some off-beat insider picks in its January 2008 Orbitz Insider Index.

    Topping the list as the fastest growing winter beach domestically is Maui, Hawaii, which edged out a number of popular winter destinations in Florida. But the Sunshine State, boasting nearly 700 miles of sandy beaches, delivered five of the top 10 on the Index. Maui neighbor Kailua-Kona (Big Island, No. 3) gives the Hawaiian Islands two of the top three on the list. Perennial beach favorites in California, San Diego (No. 5) and Santa Monica (No. 9), continue to grow in popularity, while South Carolina brings a historic beach destination to the list with Charleston ranking as the sixth fastest growing winter beach destination in the U.S.

    Outside the U.S., Cozumel, Mexico continues to boom and checked in as the No. 1 fastest growing international winter beach destination. In fact, Mexico topped the Caribbean with seven of the top 10, including the top three: Cozumel, Riviera Maya (No. 2) and Playa del Carmen (No. 3). Jamaica's Negril Beach, Brazil's Rio De Janeiro and the island of Aruba split up the popular Mexican beaches, holding the No. 4, 5 and 6 spots respectively.

    Orbitz measured percentage growth in number of hotel bookings on Orbitz.com during winter months (12/21 through 2/28) over a three-year period to determine its fastest-growing winter beach destinations.
Top 10 Fastest Growing Domestic and International Winter Beach Destinations

    Rank U.S. Beach Int'l Beach

     Destinations Destinations

    1 Maui, HI Cozumel, Mexico

     Riviera

    2 Daytona Beach, FL Maya/Playa Del

     Carmen, Mexico

    3 Kailua-Kona (Big Negril, Jamaica

     Island), HI

    4 Key West, FL Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

    5 San Diego, CA Aruba

    6 Charleston, SC Cancun, Mexico

    7 Fort Lauderdale/Miami FL Acapulco, Mexico

    8 Sarasota, FL Ixtapa, Mexico

    9 Santa Monica, CA Mazatlan, Mexico

    10 Fort Myers, FL Bermuda

    Based on percentage growth in hotel bookings on Orbitz.com from 2005 - 2008, during the period 12/21 - 2/28. Bookings for each year made as of 12/19.

    So Many Beaches, So Little Time

    Helping keep travelers "A Step Ahead(TM)" as they plan their warm weather escape, the Orbitz Insiders offer some of their favorite sunbathing spots for a winter getaway.

    Fun For The Family ...

    Travelers looking to get away with their families have a myriad of options, and the Orbitz Insiders highlight some great beaches where the kids can play while mom and dad relax.

    Daytona Beach, FL

    The second fastest growing winter beach on Orbitz's list, Daytona's 23 miles of sandy beaches offer many on- and off-the-beach activities for families. On the beach, there are water sports, a scenic boardwalk and of course, plenty of sand. Off the beach, families should be sure to visit Angell and Phelps Chocolate factory for a free tour. This short tour gives a history of chocolate making and offers free samples at the end of the tour. Any trip to Daytona would be incomplete without a trip to the Daytona International Speedway. Home to the Daytona 500 experience, this interactive attraction is fun for the whole family and is sure to make a NASCAR fan out of anyone who visits.

    Orbitz Insider Tip - Families should be sure to plan ahead when heading to Daytona as it is a popular spring break destination Also, consider avoiding or planning for (depending on your tastes) Bike Week, which is scheduled for February 29 - March 9, 2008.

    Check out Orbitz's Family Store (http://family.orbitz.com) for great beach destination ideas the whole family will enjoy.

    Poipu Beach Park, Kauai

    An ideal place for families with young children, Poipu Beach is home to some of the most beautiful sand and surf in the world. The beach features a natural wading pool which is perfect for younger swimmers. In addition, the beach is staffed by lifeguards. The area is also great for novice snorkelers, who can try to catch a glimpse of sea life including sea turtles and monk seals. Families with older children and teenagers can visit a second area of the beach which is renowned for great surfing and body boarding. Families looking to spend the day at the park should pack lunch as there are plenty of picnic tables for a lunchtime break from the sand. Travelers who like to hit the links can also visit one of two 18-hole championship golf courses.

    Or For Two ...

    For couples looking for a romantic beach getaway, here are some Orbitz Insider favorites.

    Pink Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas

    What could be more romantic than a beach with pink sand? Pink Beach lives up to its name and is not simply a scenic area. With temperatures in the 70s and 80s and reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving, there is more to do than just admire the sand. After spending time in the surf, couples can stroll through the historic island. Keep in mind that the island is only accessible by boat, so visitors must fly into nearby Nassau or North Eleuthera. Because the island is separate, it is perfect for travelers looking for local flavor. Visitors can visit Dunmore town for shopping and restaurants featuring local cuisine.

    Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France

    Paris may be known as the city of love, but the Promenade des Anglais ("Walk of the English") is the ideal place for couples looking to enjoy both a vibrant city and a gorgeous beach. Located on the Mediterranean, the beach is known for being lined with blue and white umbrellas with scenic ocean views. The city itself has plenty to offer for couples as well. Visitors can head to one of the many parks, like Le Parc Chambrun, which is known for its tranquil aura and its "temple of love." Nice is home to delicious seafood and there are restaurants that offer African and Italian influenced dishes as well. For a homemade alternative, visit the local markets and enjoy a meal on the beach!

    Charleston and Kiawah Island, South Carolina

    One of the fastest growing winter beach destinations on the Orbitz Insider Index, Charleston offers historic charm with seaside flavor, making it a spectacular romantic getaway. Adventurous couples can suit up at one of the local companies in town and enjoy sea kayaking for a fun way to experience the ocean. Vacationers seeking a quieter beach can head to Kiawah Island which features a 10-mile stretch of stunning sand. Located about an hour from town, Kiawah offers golf, tennis and fine dining in addition to the sea. Back in Charleston, a carriage tour or a stroll through the Artists' Gallery of Charleston are sure to make any romantic vacation unforgettable.

    Orbitz Winter Getaway Sale

    Now through March 2nd, travelers can save up to 40% on hotels and vacation packages, as well as an additional $75 off packages including stays of three or more nights to many destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Florida and Hawaii. The Orbitz Winter Getaway Sale is good for travel between now and April 15, 2008. Use promotion code SAVEONSUN to take advantage of the $75 savings offer.

    About Orbitz:

    Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com) is a leading online travel company that enables travelers to search for and purchase a broad array of travel products, including airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages. Since launching its website http://www.orbitz.com to the general public in June 2001, Orbitz has become one of the largest online travel sites in the world based on gross travel bookings. On Orbitz, consumers can search more than 80,000 suppliers worldwide including airlines, hotels and car rental companies. Orbitz is a brand that is owned and operated by Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW).

    About Orbitz Worldwide:

    Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW) is a leading global online travel company that uses innovative technology to enable leisure and business travelers to research, plan and book a broad range of travel products. Orbitz Worldwide owns and operates a portfolio of consumer brands that includes Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com), CheapTickets (http://www.cheaptickets.com), ebookers (http://www.ebookers.com), HotelClub (http://www.hotelclub.com), RatesToGo (http://www.ratestogo.com) and the Away Network (http://www.away.com) and corporate travel brand Orbitz for Business (http://www.orbitzforbusiness.com).

    (1) Based on percentage growth in hotel bookings on Orbitz.com from the time period 12/21/05 to 2/28/06, through 12/21/07 through 2/28/08. Bookings for each year made as of 12/19.