Travelers Ready to Explore in 2010

With most of us thawing out from a wicked winter season, we have our sights on vacation horizons. Americans are ready to get packing, according to a recent survey by TripAdvisor, as survey respondents indicate they expect to travel more in 2010 than in 2009.

Forty-one percent of U.S. respondents said they plan to spend more on leisure travel in 2010 than they did in 2009 and 92 percent of travelers are planning to take two or more leisure trips in 2010, up from 89 percent last year.

Even with an uncertain economy, 66 percent of survey takers said the economy will not affect their travel plans for the coming year. So, the lingering question remains…where to go?

Troncones, Mexico is emerging hotspot for 2010 as reported by TripAdvisor’s TravelCast, which identifies up-and-coming travel destinations based on site data, including increases in search activity and postings for the past year on TripAdvisor.com.

This tropical destination boasts miles of white sand beaches. Troncones is a peaceful and secluded haven nestled between the jungle foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains and the warm tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean.

A top tropical U.S destination for 2010 as revealed by TripAdvisor’s TravelCast includes Waimea, Hawaii. Situated on the Southwest side of the beautiful island of Kauai, this unassuming beach-side town is the gateway to Waimea Canyon, the largest canyon in the Pacific, which oozes natural beauty.

In the summer, families might want to consider visiting Hyannis, Massachusetts. John F. Kennedy’s former Presidential retreat can be found in Hyannis, the largest and most central village in Cape Cod’s Town of Barnstable, and its picturesque sandy stretches make it a fantastic escape.

Hot Springs, Arkansas is also touted as a top U.S. destination this year. True to its name, nature’s geological wonders are a key feature of this picture-perfect town, which boasts natural hot and cold mineral springs in which to relax, restore and renew.

For those families wanting to explore the southwest, then consider Chinle, Arizona. Drive around nearby Canyon de Chelly’s rim roads for a bird’s eye view of the spectacular scenery below, or take a tour of the canyon floor for a closer look at its breath-taking rock formations, cave art and cliff dwellings.