Vegas, Orlando top Honolulu, Maui in Carlson Wagonlit survey

The study ranks cities by domestic bookings

Honolulu and Maui held their own in the 2006 Fall Travel Trends Survey conducted by Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates, ranking third and fourth, respectively, among domestic destinations for most bookings. Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla., took first and second.

The top seven most-booked domestic destinations have maintained their 2004 rankings through the current survey, which was conducted between July 24 and Aug. 15, 2006, said Steve Loucks, senior director of public relations for Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates. The company surveyed 334 of its agents, owners and managers to get this year's results, Loucks said.

Hawaii's continued popularity among Carlson Wagonlit travelers did not come as a surprise to the company, which has seen interest in Hawaii grow stronger since 2001 when some U.S. travelers began showing a preference for staying closer to home.

"(Hawaii) is close to home, it's safe, it's still part of the U.S. and you don't need a passport to go," Loucks said.

According to the survey, the Caribbean, Mexico, Italy and Jamaica were most popular foreign destinations.

The survey revealed that there is still a disparity between those interested in traveling to close to home and international destinations.

Less than 35 percent of the people surveyed said that a majority of their customers have a valid passport.

Hawaii's popularity extends beyond its perception as a safe place, Loucks said.

Despite rising room rates and airfares, suppliers such as Pleasant Holidays have helped Hawaii hold down costs against other destinations, he said.

"Every place else has gone up in price as well," Loucks said.