What's hotter than Summer right now? Winter Texans burning up the internet and phone lines making reservations and plans for their winter stays. Just ask our client Mrs. M from Laguna Vista who placed her condo for rent in our new Winter Texan Rentals Directory and rented her unit within four days! The trend for Winter Texans to make their winter stay plans is coming earlier each year and the best place to make those plans are through the internet. Why the internet? Planning and budgeting has always been an important trait for this generation. In the early years of the Winter Texan Industry folks could just show up and find plenty of places to rent, RV Parks to stay at, and make their plans after they arrived. But the industry has grown over the years and many have learned parks fill  up quickly and rentals are grabbed months in advance and it's best to plan ahead. The internet is making that an easy task for them. And statistics show that 74% of this group of Americans in this age range use the internet daily and make buying decisions over the internet.  The season is also getting longer, as they discover Texas is a great place to come in October - December as well as the traditional WT months of Jan. - April. Places are less crowded, Texas beaches and state parks are a pleasure to explore and while the temps are still warm it's not too warm to get out and enjoy the great Texas outdoors. It's fall festival season in the Lone Star State and visitors can enjoy many great fall festivals and events like October Fest, or the infamous Terlingua Chili Cook-off.  In fact, many hotel groups, RV parks and private property owners are extending great deals to encourage the growth of the Winter Texan Season. Business owners are also working diligently to extend the season. During a recent interview with a South Padre Island  Hotel Owner whose properties include, the brand new Hilton Garden Inn and the La Quinta and La Copa chains stated that his company was actively marketing to the Winter Texan group by presenting a special South Padre Island Winter Texan Progam that the company hopes will extend the season and encourage that growth.  "Our desire is create such a great value for our Winter Texans that  will encourage them to come earlier in the season and perhaps stay longer with us." He added, "Here in the Rio Grande Valley and on South Padre Island, October through December on the Texas Coast is an undiscovered playground, the crowds are small, the weather is mild and the deals are great!" The program requires Winter Visitors to make a reservation between the dates of Nov. 1 through March 1, with rates as low as $38/night. In addition to the great rate guests will receive 2 free breakfasts buffets at the Hilton Garden Inn for each night of their stay, and two free tickets for each of the Holiday Events at the hotel which include, Thanksgiving and Christmas Buffets as well as a New Years Eve party. With many other perks planned for the guests staying at their hotel properties, they are hoping to make the Winter Texan Season here a six month season instead of the usual three to four month season.  Other businesses and property owners are taking note of the increased interest and following suit as well, like the Port Royal Ocean Resort of Port Aransas, home to the largest outdoor pool in Texas, who are not only giving great rates, but are including a $100 gift card for their on property restaurant and gift store with every reservation in August. Winter visitors will also have access to two local golf courses as a perk for staying at their facility. Private property owners who are interested in attracting Winter Texan Renters are making condos and apartment options an easy choice for Winter Texans by providing fully furnished units that include everything from linens to kitchen utensils and sometimes all or partial bills paid, and giving the Winter Texans a more "home away from home" type experience while staying in that locale. Stats are showing that more Winter Texans are discovering more of the state during their stay. While they used to stay in one locale for four months, now they have a home base but opt to stay a week in the Hill Country , Coastal Bend and Upper Coast  or vice-versa, and jaunt about the state during their four to six month stay. Many stop and enjoy some time in West or East Texas on their way to and from their winter destinations.  This trend is creating more economic growth state wide for rv parks, hotels, restaurants, attractions and retail businesses across the state who are savy enough to market to this demographic. While we all have our eyes on the economy the  Winter Texan industry continues to grow for several reasons. With escalating energy costs, it is more cost effective to live in Texas during the Winter than Canada, the Mid-West or the North. By in large rent, food, gas, consumer products and medical services are less expensive here. Another factor that is prompting growth to the WT business and to  the future growth of Texas  is the statistic that the largest generation in our history is approaching retirement age. While our economy has folks rethinking retirement, those approaching that decision are also rethinking retirement locations with opportunities for a good lifestyle and a retirement locale with a better economic environment and future. Texas fits that bill. So while many of our Winter Texan friends just come for the winter now, many of them are considering a permanent retirement here as that time approaches. Whether they are here for a week or a lifetime at the beach or in the beautiful Hill Country, our Winter Texan Friends are finding their new digs, and planning their social calendars right here on the internet! Be sure to check out our many Directories and Resources whether you are a Winter Texan looking for resources or a Business/Property owner looking for Winter Texans to visit you!