DALLAS, Nov. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Need an island
getaway but want an off-the-beaten path destination? For those
looking to cure their wanderlust this holiday season, Hotels.com®
has compiled a list of five fascinating, unconventional island
getaways where travelers can take a much-needed end-of-year break.
Through each of these destinations, vacationers can relive summer
days, experience new, offbeat adventures, or escape into
undiscovered wonderlands just in time for the New Year.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121115/DA13842)
Based on data from the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index™ (HPI®),
these five islands remain affordable (all under $210) despite having some of the largest hotel
price increases in the first half of 2012. Plus, they offer
distinct activities and cultural attractions for all types of
travelers.
"From secluded beaches to quirky theme parks, these islands have
it all," said Taylor L. Cole,
director public relations and social media, North America at Hotels.com. "Why not start
your resolutions early and do something different for the New Year?
Each of these exotic islands has something great to offer, and
there is no need to break the bank to visit any of them."
Boracay, Philippines
Boracay is a small island in the Western Visayas of the Philippines and is known to have some of
the best beaches in the world. It was named "Best Island in the
World" in Travel + Leisure's 2012 World's Best Awards, and has seen
an immense hotel price increase of 62 percent, which is the second
largest jump out of all the islands in the HPI after Oahu, Hawaii.
Even so, Boracay still retains an affordable average room rate of
$143. Here, travelers can de-stress
at any of the island's pristine beaches, sprinkled with white
shells and picturesque sunsets, or explore bat caves and go
snorkeling at Crocodile Island where swimmers can feed fish by
hand.
Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo is the fourth-largest
city in Japan by population, and
the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.
Reflecting its emerging popularity, hotel prices in Sapporo rose 27 percent over the year, yet
room rates remain modest, averaging $132 per night. Once the base of the first ever
Winter Olympic Games held in Asia
in 1972, it is now internationally known for its annual Sapporo
Snow Festival, which draws more than two million tourists from
around the world. The city is also home to the Sapporo Ramen
Republic, a ramen-inspired theme park set in an early postwar
Sapporo town, making it the
perfect place for foodies and cultural connoisseurs alike.
Ischia, Italy
Travelers looking to replenish their health and wellness can
turn to the famous thermal spas of Ischia, Italy. As a volcanic island, Ischia's tourism
industry centers on its thermal hot springs and volcanic mud –
fruits of the island's natural volcanic activity. Visitors can
unwind at Giadini Poseidon – the most famous of Ischia's baths –
with soothing massages and hot mud baths, and then take a relaxing
stroll through the Giarini La Mortella – a green oasis of
subtropical and Mediterranean flora. History buffs can also visit
the historic quarter of Ischia Ponte, which houses the ancient
Aragonese Castle and stone streets seemingly frozen in time. With
hotel prices at just $199, up 23
percent from last year, this is a health haven not to be
missed.
St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados
For those in search of some excitement and dancing until three
in the morning, St. Lawrence Gap in Barbados is the place to go. Up
22 percent in hotel prices, more and more travelers are discovering
all that this colorful little Baja
neighborhood has to offer. "The Gap" features a one-mile stretch of
bars, hotels, clubs, restaurants, resorts, and shops all within a
few hundred feet from each other along a powdery-sand beachfront.
It is a must-go night spot for any holiday trip to Barbados and offers a diverse shopping
experience of craft and gift shops, as well as local trade.
Sabah, Malaysia
There are few cultural experiences quite like the one found in
Sabah, Malaysia. Situated on the
beautiful island of Borneo,
Sabah is abundant in nature
diversity – including world's largest flower, Rafflesia arnoldii –
unique cultures, beautiful beaches, and exotic cuisines. As a
melting pot of 32 diverse ethnic groups, this is the ultimate
destination to experience dense cultural heritage. Visitors can
watch graceful traditional dances, sport vivid ornamental costumes,
experience unique fish massages (where fish nibble on spa
attendees' dead skin to create smoother and suppler skin), and shop
for virtually anything under the oversized umbrellas and shady
trees on Gaya Street. With rates at just $133 per night – even after a 15 percent overall
increase – vacationers can explore all the odds and ends of this
other-worldly destination and develop experiences of a
lifetime.
For more great travel ideas visit www.Hotel-Price-Index.com.
Press Contacts:
Amy
Chang, Finn Partners for Hotels.com
Phone: 212-715-1667
Email: amyc@finnpartners.com
Taylor L. Cole, APR
Hotels.com North America
Phone: (469) 335-8442
Email: taycole@hotels.com
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