Dallas-Fort Worth Tops the Hotwire 2011 Travel Value Index Study of Best U.S. Destinations for Your Vacation Dollar

SAN FRANCISCO, March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hotwire.com®, a leading discount travel site, today announced the results of its sixth annual Hotwire® Travel Value Index study, naming Dallas-Fort Worth as the top 2011 destination where you can get the most vacation for your money. Just in time for Spring break and the summer travel season, the Hotwire Travel Value Index showcases the top 10 cities where consumers planning their next trip can find the best combination of value, entertainment options and attractions throughout 2011. This year, warm weather destinations make up more than half the list.

The Hotwire Travel Value Index is based on a statistical model combining both in-house and third-party research. Hotwire evaluates the top 75 U.S. leisure markets, rating them across three individual categories to generate an overall ranking for consumer vacation value. The formula includes:

• Low prices on air, rental car and hotel (50 percent of overall score)
• Discounts on air, rental car and hotel (25 percent of overall score)
• Affordable entertainment (25 percent of overall score)

"As the travel market begins to stabilize, finding bargains during peak travel times like Spring Break and summer will be challenging, but with a little help it's by no means impossible," said Clem Bason, President of the Hotwire Group. "With Hotwire's planning tools like the Travel Value Index, consumers can extend their travel dollars by pinpointing the places where they can find the best deals any time of year."

Dallas-Fort Worth tops 2011's Travel Value Index after steadily climbing the list over the past couple of years. With its continued low prices and deep discounts on a variety of quality hotels and car rental agencies, along with its affordable and plentiful entertainment options, it's not surprising that the popular destination finally made it to the top. Travelers to Dallas will find a lively nightlife district that includes the historic West End neighborhood, which is known for its hot dining and shopping scene. For families, there's the Museum of Nature & Science, the Dallas Zoo and the Dallas World Aquarium. There are also great outdoor areas to stroll like Fair Park, where you can find a variety of museums that often offer free entry. This park is also the site of the Texas State Fair, one of the biggest state fairs in the country.

A number of 2010 Travel Value Index cities also returned to the list, including last year's one and two ranked cities, Atlanta and Orlando, respectively. Both may have dropped a spot but still offer a fantastic variety of travel discounts and affordable activities for the budget-minded traveler. Meanwhile, newcomers Tampa and San Diego add even more warm weather choices for travelers this year. Not only do these locales offer year-around sun, stunning beaches and plenty of free outdoor activities, but they also provide plenty of travel deals.

According to the Hotwire Travel Value Index, the top 10 U.S. places for value vacations this year include:

Over 1.8 million hotel rooms go unsold across North America every night, and for over 10 years, Hotwire has worked with hotels, airlines and car rental companies to fill this unsold inventory. As a result, Hotwire offers travelers amazing deals, every day of the year, across a variety of markets. Through Hotwire's deep understanding of the industry and unique relationships, consumers have been able to save millions of dollars on all their travel needs.

For more information about Hotwire's planning tools, visit:  http://www.hotwire.com/planning/index.jsp

About Hotwire

Hotwire.com is a leading discount travel site with low rates on airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages. Launched in 2000, Hotwire negotiates deep discounts from its travel suppliers to help travelers book unsold airline seats, hotel rooms and rental cars. Hotwire is an award-winning website and operating company of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2053390-50. NST: 20003-0209. For more information, visit www.hotwire.com.

Hotwire, Hotwire.com and the Hotwire logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotwire, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. © 2011 Hotwire, Inc. All rights reserved. CST# 2053390-40.

SOURCE Hotwire.com