'The Orbitz Insider Index' Unveils the Top Caribbean Island Vacation Spots and 'Staff Picks' for Winter 2006

CHICAGO, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ — Throw out that bulky sweater, run to the drug store for some SPF 30 sun tan lotion and break out your swim suit, because Orbitz (www.orbitz.com) — the faster, easier way to find the trip you want — today announced the launch of its 2006 Super Sand & Sea Sale and released the fifth edition of The Orbitz Insider Index, reporting on the top Caribbean island destinations for American sun seekers this winter!

The 2006 Super Sand & Sea Sale, supported by a newly developed Orbitz television advertisement with famed game show host, Wink Martindale, makes its easy for every customer to win at the travel game by finding that perfect Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii or Cruise vacation during the cold months ahead.

The Orbitz Insider Index is a monthly, in-depth look at travel trends from an industry insider's perspective. Whether looking for a quick sunny getaway or an extended break from the snow and short days, Orbitz has its finger on the pulse of the travel industry with insider information that will melt away the winter blues.

"This is the prime time for travel to warm weather destinations and Orbitz has negotiated special deals & exclusive offers to provide customers with tremendous value," said Heather Leisman, director of merchandizing for Orbitz. "Orbitz.com looked at advanced bookings to determine which Caribbean Islands destinations are the most popular for a tropical retreat. And with great deals in the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii, as well as fantastic cruise offers, now is the time to book."

Caribbean Island Hotspots

The Orbitz Insider Index reviews an aggregate mix of future bookings (flight and hotel) on Orbitz.com, indicating significant destination and departure trend information within the data. The most popular Caribbean island destinations according to The Orbitz Insider Index are:

The Orbitz Insider Index
Top 10 Caribbean Island Destinations
1. Puerto Rico
2. Bahamas
3. St. Thomas
4. Dominican Republic
5. Jamaica
6. Aruba
7. St. Maarten
8. British Virgin Islands
9. St. Croix
10. Barbados

Orbitz Staff Insider Picks — Caribbean Islands

In order to help travelers plan the perfect vacation, Orbitz released its "Staff Insider Picks" for Caribbean island destinations. This list of outstanding locations can have travelers gazing at colorful coral reefs or climbing giant waterfalls, depending upon their fancy.

"Best Scuba Island" — Turks & Caicos
"Best Beaches Island" — Barbados
"Best Gaming Island" — Aruba

If the ringing of slot machines and the allure of a big jackpot get your blood pumping fast, Aruba is the island destination for you! Aruba has a wide variety of casinos where visitors can play roulette, poker, craps, blackjack or Caribbean stud poker. Invented in Aruba in 1988, Caribbean stud poker, now played in many U.S. casinos, is a game all visitors to this island should be sure to try. If planning to visit Aruba with teenagers, take note, the legal gaming age on this island is eighteen.

"Best Natural Wonders Island" — Dominica
"Best Shopping Island" — St. Thomas
"Best Historic Island" — Puerto Rico
"Best Adventure Island" — Jamaica

SOURCE Orbitz.com