Rentalo.com, the very popular directory of vacation rentals, hotels and bed and breakfasts, shows the findings of a new survey conducted on 20,342 vacationers who were looking for vacation rentals in South Padre Island, Texas from July 2008 to January 2010.

The results of this survey validates what travel specialists revealed last year about the growing interest in comparison shopping among customers. Plus, the website shows practical findings on traveler's trip planning routines, and destination's vacation themes for South Padre Island, Texas.

Comparison Shopping Trends for South Padre Island: The survey reveals that 66 percent of the trip planners who looked for lodging were interested in comparison shopping among South Padre Island vacation rentals, bed breakfasts, and hotels.

Planning Trends for South Padre Island:  40 percent were from last minute travelers inquiring within the last 30 days prior to the arriving to their lodging in South Padre, 33 percent of the travelers were early planners who started their vacation planning 2 or more months in advance from the travel dates, and the remaining 25 percent from tourists who inquired 1 to 2 months in advance.

Vacation Themes for South Padre Island: South Padre Island’s most popular vacation theme is family vacations and reunions with 43 percent of the inquiries requesting lodging for families with children, 43 percent for groups of more than 4 adults, 20 percent for couples on romantic getaways, and 5 percent for individuals traveling alone.

It is widely known that travelers require instant access to rates and availability. At Rentalo.com, vacationers can examine and compare value offers from from vacation rentals, hotels, and bed and breakfasts that meet their particular lodging requirements.

To see what we are talking about, just compare these two different options, a condo and a house.

First, one of the best South Padre vacation condos, just remodeled with granite countertops, cam lightening, new cabinets, new paint, new bathrooms, etc. This luxurious beach front,  three bedroom condo has a terrific view and features 2 pools, spa, restaurant, nightclub entertainment, miniature golf and tennis. Watersports rentals are available nearby; including windsurfing, jet-skis and sailing. For more info, pictures and contact information, please log into rentalo.com, property ID#5988.

Second, this South Padre Island Beach House is available for daily, weekly or monthly rental, half a block walking distance to the beach, Private pool, in the beautiful tropics of South Padre Island, Texas - located on the very tip of South Texas along the Gulf and just minutes away from Mexico.Great view of the Gulf Beach and Bay from balcony. For further details, pics and a practical inquiry form, please log into ID# 143898.

If you are planning to travel to South Padre Island, it is advisable to remember a few things.  There are several activities as well as spots to go to in South Padre Island.  For the preparation to traveling, there are numerous logistics you should think about ahead of time.  Make time to plan your getaway, exactly what spots you want to see, the people that you want to meet up, where you would like to stay, restaurants to eat, as well as go shopping.   In case you are vacationing with your family, you should arrange for some particular circumstances or medical needs.  Should you be traveling with an adult individual or young children, if they have to take some special medication that needs refrigeration, be sure to contact the hotel to make sure you've got a fridge accessible.