SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 17, 2004–With one of the busiest travel weekends of the year approaching, millions of travelers throughout the country will be on the lookout for destinations that won’t break their budget this Memorial Day and throughout the summer. Before travelers begin to pack their bags for summer vacations, Travelocity’s industry resource is recommending the top 10 beach destinations for nearly every type of traveler, whether they’re seeking relaxation or adventure.
“A recent survey of our members showed that beach vacations reign supreme. It’s the number one way people want to spend their leisure time this year, even above other popular summer activities like cruising or traveling to Europe,” said Travelocity(R) editor-at-large, Amy Ziff. Travelocity’s top 10 summer beach list includes oceanside locales for travelers seeking romance, entertainment and adventure for the kids, the best summer parties in the U.S. or just some relaxation and rejuvenation.
Travelocity's Top 10:
1. Laguna Madre -- South Padre, Texas (for Action) -- The
play-hard culture dominates at Laguna Madre on the bay side of
South Padre Island. Go sailing, parasailing, power boating,
windsurfing, kite surfing and more.
2. Carmel Beach -- Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif. (for Scenery) -- The
rush of the tide, the foamy white bubbles at your feet, the
enormity of the rocks and the distinct cypress trees
invigorate. This is not really a swimmer's beach, and yet it
is one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world.
3. Black's Beach -- San Diego (for Adventure) -- It's a two-mile
adventure-land beach where surfers unite and gliders take off.
While the dramatic cliffs are prone to slides without warning
and the beach itself remains difficult to access for many,
this beach can't keep the thrill-seekers away.
4. Montauk Lighthouse State Park Beach -- Montauk, N.Y. (for
Inspiration) -- Artists and writers are known to seek refuge
here, as the quiet beach stretches on seemingly endlessly and
offers chilly, and often rough, blue-gray waters typically
found along the Eastern Seaboard. The jewel on this rocky
point is the lighthouse.
5. Destin Beach -- Destin, Fla. (for Families) -- Along what's
known as the Emerald Coast of Florida, with miles of sugary
white sand, is Destin Beach. Families come to enjoy this
charming resort town with all of the amenities imaginable.
Visitors can find great food, shopping, and of course, plenty
of seaside activities year round, such as sailing, picnicking
and water sports.
6. Fuller Street Beach -- Edgartown, Mass. (for Charm) -- Set in
the center of this old whaling village, the beach offers
contrasting serenity to the bustling town. Small fir trees and
pink plum roses dot the way with salt, sea-mud and evergreen
scents that intoxicate visitors.
7. Captiva Beach -- Captiva Island, Fla. (for Romance) -- Before
catching some of the most spectacular sunsets around, visitors
can bask in the sun or select a shady spot beneath the
greenery consisting mostly of Australian pines, sea grapes and
palm trees.
8. Hamoa Beach -- Maui, Hawaii (for Serenity) -- This postcard
perfect spot is a gem among Maui beaches, partially due to its
remote location. The crescent-shaped beach is surrounded by
30-foot black lava rock cliffs, lush green grass and towering
palm trees. This quintessential Hawaiian beach hideaway will
soothe and rejuvenate.
9. Cannon Beach -- Cannon Beach, Ore. (for Nature Lovers) -- This
natural paradise hosts a flowing seasonal array of bird
populations year-round, along with Gray Whale sightings as
they migrate past the Oregon Coast. A walk along the beach is
always a treat, with its vistas of ocean, mountains and rugged
coastal outcroppings.
10. South Beach -- Miami (for Prettiest People) -- A strong Latin
influence inspires the food, music, and even the fashion. The
flashy view is in sync with the Miami mood that pervades,
where it's all about the people and the pulse.
A few tips for summer beach vacationers from Amy Ziff include:
-- Book rental cars and hotels in advance at popular summer spots
to ensure a reservation.
-- Book low-price guaranteed hotels (and look for rooms with
kitchenettes to help save).
-- Be sure to get a total price quote on your rental car (taxes
and fees can really add up).
-- Keep valuables nearby at all times or keep them locked in the
hotel safe.
About Travelocity
Travelocity’s industry-leading technology and straight-talking, honest information help travelers take more rewarding and more affordable trips. With 41 million registered users and booking nearly $4 billion of travel in 2003, Travelocity has the power to negotiate thousands of great travel deals with the world’s most reputable travel providers — top airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, and other destination attractions and services. Additionally, Travelocity offers access to special rates for weekend getaways and dynamic packages through its Last Minute Deals and TotalTrip(SM) shopping engines, and provides customer service support over the phone 24 hours a day. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also operates Travelocity Business(SM) for corporate customers, powers international travel Web sites in seven languages, and has been recognized for its consumer advocacy and global leadership in online travel. More information about Travelocity is available at www.travelocity.com. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE:TSG), a world leader in travel commerce. More information about Sabre Holdings is available at www.sabre-holdings.com.
CONTACT: VOLLMER
Judy Haveson, 212-554-7425
judy@vollmerpr.com
or
Amanda Borichevsky, 972-488-4790
amanda@vollmerpr.com
SOURCE: Travelocity
