atraveo award 2013

As in previous years we have awarded a prize to the most popular holiday resorts in Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Once again we looked for the holiday resort with the most positive ratings from the previous year.  With Berchtesgaden, Bellagio and Egmond aan Zee three newcomers were able to win the trophy this year and now hold the title “Best Holiday Resort 2013”.

In order to establish the winners we called on the several thousand customer reviews made for the previous season. As a holiday maker after your vacation you are not only able to rate your accommodation but also the holiday resort. The rating is done using a scale ranging from one (not recommendable) to five (highly recommendable). Moreover, you can comment your ratings by adding further information. Including all destinations in Germany, Italy and the Netherlands with a certain minimum amount of ratings the winners with on average 4.7 scores were Berchtesgaden and Bellagio and with 4.6 scores Egmond aan Zee.

With Berchtesgaden as winner of Germany’s most popular holiday resort the prize goes to for the first time up to the Bavarian mountains. Berchtesgaden situated in the Bavarian Alps in close vicinity to Königssee and the mountain Watzmann replaces the Baltic Sea resorts Zingst and Binz as award winners of 2012 and 2011. As a holiday destination that is popular both during summer as well as winter Berchtesgaden impresses customers not only with the beautiful alpine landscape but also with the many recreational activities in the town and the surrounding area. As one customer put very well:

“Surprisingly diverse!”

Actually the salt mine, the Watzmann thermal springs or the lovely old town with an array of shops offers sufficient options ensuring an entertaining holiday for young and old. Furthermore, the beautiful nature of Berchtesgadener Land will enchant you.

“Scenically in a beautiful setting! Great surrounding views of the mountains, pure heaven.”

wrote one enthusiastic customer. Another commented after a winter vacation:

“On a clear day we were surrounded by snow-covered mountain tops and at night after a ten minute walk we could see Salzburg.”

In Italy this time Bellagio at Lake Como was able to achieve the best customer reviews meaning that again a town in the north secured the prize. Riva del Garda and Venice were the prize winners of the last two years. In a completely idyllic setting at the headland of the lake Bellagio not only convinces with its picturesque location but also offers a beautiful old town and lures with many day trips around the lake:

"Rustic, old lovely alleys with staircase streets, the apartment at the heart of it and at the same time still quiet, many small craft shops, restaurants, lovely places and hiking options and the list goes on... – can be highly recommended!”

was for example the view of a satisfied customer. And another customer stated plain and simple:

“Bellagio is the pearl of the Lago di Como.”

The most popular activities during a holiday home vacation in Bellagio are among other things boat tours across Lake Como where one can gaze in wonder at the splendid villas lying at the banks or go on day trips to larger towns such as Como and Lecco. All that is provided in front of a picturesque backdrop of surrounding mountains.

A trend that is linked to the popularity of travel destinations can also clearly be seen in the Netherlands. Like in previous years the winner once again comes from the Dutch coast. The extensive beaches with very good connection to the resort, the beautiful dune landscape and the high standard of provided accommodation have made Egmond aan Zee travel destination number 1 in the Netherlands. The reviews this resort has received are consistently positive and confirm that Egmond aan Zee particularly offers an all-round carefree vacation:

“In just a couple of minutes you are at the beach or in town. The beach, dunes and main shopping street are all close by. In the vicinity there are a number of destinations for a day trip.”

“Egmond aan Zee is really a lovely beach resort with a shopping mile, supermarkets and an abundance of gastronomic choice. The surrounding countryside is great for nature enthusiasts. There are a number of cycle paths as well as dune hiking routes. Ideal for those who love sport activities.”

which were some of the comments about this resort. After Julianadorp and Volendam now with Egmond aan Zee it is the third time a resort in North Holland has been crowned winner. We look forward to seeing if this trend continues for next year.

At this point we would like to once again congratulate all three winners and thank our customers for providing so many reviews!

In the coming weeks we will be preparing the award ceremony. As soon as there is news we will inform you of it.

Should you want further information on the best holiday resorts of the last years then here you can find out more about the awards for 2010, 2011 and 2012.