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A survey of the travel experts at Holiday 4 Seasons placed Las Vegas, Nev., at the top of the list of the 10 most popular domestic destinations for U.S. travelers.

While Las Vegas has retained the number one position for seven years in a row, the desert playground lost a bit of its edge over Orlando, Fla., as the top leisure travel destination in the country. Maui, Hawaii, at number three, and Honolulu, Hawaii, at number four, switched the positions they held in the 2008 survey.

The fifth through eighth most popular domestic destinations – New York City, N.Y.; Phoenix/Scottsdale, Ariz.; Anchorage, Alaska; and Washington, D.C. – maintained their positions from the 2008 survey.

Two American cities – San Francisco, Calif., at number nine and Chicago, Ill., at number 10 – surged into the top 10, displacing Kauai, Hawaii, and Miami, Fla. Chicago made a spectacular gain of 10 places after ranking at number 20 in the 2008 Travel Trends Survey. More than a little renewed interest in the Windy City comes from its status as the dynamic hometown of President-Elect Barack Obama. During 2009, visitors to Chicago can enjoy festivities associated with the bicentennial of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln; experience “The Aztec World” exclusively at the Field Museum; or take in the world premiere of “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Wherever you travel in the U.S. during 2009, consult with a travel professional to be sure that you receive the greatest possible value for your vacation dollars. Travel professionals not only simplify your vacation planning, but can provide lots of ideas and tips for maximizing your travel dollars, including for upscale accommodations and packages.

Travel Leaders’ 2009 Travel Trends Survey was conducted November 20 through December 15. It includes responses from 547 Travel Leaders owners, managers and frontline travel experts throughout the United States.