Winter Texans, especially those from the Midwest, have known for years that the Rio Grande Valley is a prime destination to escape the snow and sleet of winter.

But now it’s official: TripAdvisor, one of the world’s most trusted sources of travel advice, recently announced ten of North America's best value winter vacation rental getaways, and South Padre Island made the list of best value "sun" destinations for winter vacation rental getaways.

Vacation rentals provide an appealing accommodation option for those searching for better value and more living space.

The TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,000 U.S. travelers found that 83 percent of respondents would stay at a vacation rental rather than a hotel or bed & breakfast for a winter leisure trip if they could get a better deal.

In addition, when asked what factor would make them the most likely to stay at a vacation rental this winter, 37 percent cited low prices, 27 percent said a good location and 16 percent said more amenities.

South Padre Island came in at number 4 on the list.

“This prime winter getaway has plenty to offer to those who want to sunbathe or find some adventure. In addition to its pristine beaches, the island features excellent parasailing, hiking, bird watching, deep-sea fishing, golfing, and scuba diving,” stated a news release from TripAdvisor.

“A group of four could save up to $1,060 by staying at a vacation rental on South Padre Island versus a hotel for a weeklong stay.”

“We’ve been so lucky to live in paradise,” Laguna Vista Fire Chief Terri Lee Galloway said.

“We’ve got so much to offer, especially these days with so much interest in ecology. A dolphin watch tour with George and Scarlet Colley is a wonderful experience, for example,” she said.

“We’re an affordable destination, and something like this means even more business. People can hang out, relax, or go where they like. Everybody can find something to do. Our little secret is out, it seems.”

“Number four? That’s great,” said Port Isabel City Commissioner J.J. Zamora.

“We’ve got to work harder to be number one, I guess, but at least we’re making progress.”

Luis Escobedo, a manager at the local WalMart store, echoed Zamora’s sentiments. “Hopefully it will mean more people coming to visit,” he said.

“I think it’s pretty awesome, considering the economy,” Port Isabel resident Rene Camacho said. “Hopefully, this will encourage others to come.”

“It helps get the word out about what we have here,” said South Padre Island World Birding Center Manager Cate Ball. “It tells others what we have in the way of attractions.”

“That’s great news,” said Loraine Johnston, an activist with the Walk for Women group on South Padre.

“Something has to happen. I’ve never seen this Island like this—like a ghost town. We have motels right now offering $23 a night. Up in Marble Falls, where it’s cold and miserable, motel rooms are going for $65 to $70 a night. We need help and this is a start.”

South Padre Island resident Max Reed thinks it’s all smoke, although the actual word he used was somewhat more pungent.

It’s just advertising, he explained. “It would be nice if the people who already come here had some money to spend,” he added.

But Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Dan Quandt said we are honored that they selected us.

“However, I question why three others were put ahead of us,” he said. “At any rate, it’s recognition of what a great place this is to relax and get away from your cares.”