The FINANCIAL — TripAdvisor on January 9 announced the Travelers’ Choice awards for Destinations on the Rise.
The pristine blue waters and white sandy beaches of beautiful Ishigaki, Japan earned the ranking of number one in the world, while the small Hawaiian town of Kapaa, nestled at the base of Nounou Mountain on the picturesque island of Kauai ranked as the top rising spot in the U.S.
The awards recognize 44 destinations around the world selected by measuring year-over-year increase in positive TripAdvisor traveler review ratings for accommodations, restaurants and attractions, as well as increase in search and booking interest. This is the sixth year of the awards. Travelers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise lists were also revealed for Europe, Asia and South America, according to TripAdvisor.
“The Travelers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise award winners are a great source of inspiration for travelers interested in going somewhere exciting that’s emerging in popularity,” said Brooke Ferencsik, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor. “These winners were based on destination feedback and interest from the TripAdvisor community, and a common thread is that they all have outstanding accommodations, wonderful restaurants and exceptional attractions for every travel budget.”
Travelers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise — U.S:
1. Kapaa, Hawaii
Nestled at the base of Nounou (the Sleeping Giant) Mountain on Kauai, Kapaa is a tourist friendly spot with a diverse array of hotels, shopping centers and restaurants. The Kinipopo Shopping Village is a favorite among travelers for its fun eateries and small keepsake shops. Fans of water sports will have plenty to do with options for snorkeling, kayaking and water skiing.
Average annual Kapaa hotel price: $251 per night
Highly-rated value hotel: Courtyard Kaua’i at Coconut Beach – current TripAdvisor pricing as low as $259 per night
Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $585 round-trip from ORD (Chicago) to LIH (Lihue, Kauai)
2. Waco, Texas
Located in central Texas, Waco is home to major attractions such as the Dr. Pepper Museum, which pays homage to the locally invented soft drink, as well as the Waco Mammoth National Monument, a fossil site that is home to the bones of Columbian mammoths. Travelers can also explore the Brazos River, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum and may even catch a glimpse of local home remodeling stars Chip and Joanna Gaines around town!
Average annual Waco hotel price: $117 per night
Highly-rated value hotel: Comfort Suites Waco North – current TripAdvisor pricing as low as $98 per night
Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $275 round-trip from EWR (Newark, New Jersey) to ACT (Waco, Texas)
3. Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington is a vibrant riverfront city with the pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk winding along the Cape Fear River, connecting many of the city’s charming shops, cafés, and nightlife with waterfront hotels, parks and the Port City Marina. Annual festivals, such as Riverfest, Wilmington Beer Week and the world-famous North Carolina Azalea Festival, attract crowds year-round.
Average annual Wilmington hotel price: $141 per night
Highly-rated value hotel: Courtyard Wilmington Downtown/Historic District – current TripAdvisor pricing as low as $107 per night
Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $180 round-trip from MIA (Miami) to ILM (Wilmington, North Carolina)
4. Bend, Oregon
Bend is a natural playground for adventure lovers – travelers can enjoy hiking and fishing along the Deschutes River, mountain biking and skiing at Mt. Bachelor, and after building up their appetite, eating at local restaurants and famed breweries and pubs. Bend is a great spot for family-friendly fun as well, with no-fee museums and ski areas for children under 12.
Average annual Bend hotel price: $170 per night
Highly-rated value hotel: Riverhouse on the Deschutes – current TripAdvisor pricing as low as $88 per night
Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $293 round-trip from DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) to RDM (Redmond, Oregon)
5. Boulder, Colorado
A mecca for the physically fit, Boulder draws travelers who love the great outdoors to its 30,000 acres of unspoiled land, 200 miles of trails, and city-center paths and rivers. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is also just a stone’s throw from exceptional skiing and snowshoeing.
Average annual Boulder hotel price: $227 per night
Highly-rated value hotel: Boulder Adventure Lodge – current TripAdvisor pricing as low as $77 per night
Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $47 round-trip from DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) to DEN (Denver)
6. Paso Robles, California
Located in central California, Paso Robles, or “Pass of the Oaks,” is close to mountains, beaches and deserts. This region is renowned for wine-making, and is home to more than 170 wineries, 26,000 vineyard acres and 40 varietals of wine. In addition to touring the popular vineyards, travelers can visit the thermal springs, which are said to have healing powers, or one of the more modern spring resorts in the area.
Average annual Paso Robles hotel price: $233 per night
Highly-rated value hotel: The Oaks Hotel – current TripAdvisor pricing as low as $138 per night
Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $215 round-trip from DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) to SBP (San Luis Obispo, California)
7. Richmond, Virginia
Travelers can discover an essential chapter of America’s history in the cobblestone streets, river walks and monuments of Richmond. Originally a colonial settlement, Virginia’s capital is now a thriving hub for culture, shopping and outdoor fun. Travelers can learn about Civil War history, stroll along the canal downtown or test their nerves whitewater rafting on the James River.
Average annual Richmond hotel price: $129 per night
Highly-rated value hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond/Glenside – current TripAdvisor pricing as low as $112 per night
Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $133 round-trip from MIA (Miami) to RIC (Richmond, Virginia)
8. Greenville, South Carolina
The charming Southern city boasts a thriving arts scene, hundreds of restaurants, shops and boutiques, popular annual festivals, numerous historic sites and museums housing significant collections. Greenville also features a one-of-a-kind “floating” suspension bridge and is set against the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Average annual Greenville hotel price: $144 per night
Highly-rated value hotel: La Quinta Inn & Suites Greenville Haywood – current TripAdvisor pricing as low as $96 per night
Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $170 round-trip from EWR (Newark, New Jersey) to GSP (Greenville–Spartanburg, South Carolina)
9. Omaha, Nebraska
Not just a flyover city, Omaha blends down-home charm and with urban chic. With a wealth of local breweries and a thriving music and art scene, Omaha has beer and song options to please many traveler types. History buffs can visit local museums to learn about the city’s pioneer history along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail.
Average annual Omaha hotel price: $129 per night
Highly-rated value hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites Omaha Downtown – current TripAdvisor pricing as low as $112 per night
Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $175 round-trip from ORD (Chicago) to OMA (Omaha, Nebraska)
10. Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington is known as Bluegrass Country and as the Horse Capital of the World, but travelers don’t have be avid thoroughbred fans to enjoy the natural beauty, culture and history of the city. There are also many hiking trails through forests, meadows and gentle creeks, as well as historic landmarks, such as the Ashland estate of Henry Clay.
Average annual Lexington hotel price: $136 per night
Highly-rated value hotel: Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Lexington – current TripAdvisor pricing as low as $88 per night
Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $135 round-trip from ORD (Chicago) to LEX (Lexington, Kentucky)
Travelers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise — World:
1. Ishigaki, Japan
2. Kapaa, Hawaii
3. Nairobi, Kenya
4. Halifax, Canada
5. Gdansk, Poland
6. San Jose, Costa Rica
7. Riga, Latvia
8. Rovinj, Croatia
9. Nerja, Spain
10. Casablanca, Morocco
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