Top 10 Beaches for Vacationers to Set Their Sights on This Summer; Travelocity's Travel Pro, Amy Ziff, Recommends the Best Beaches for Families, Singles, Adventurers and More.

Business Editors/Travel Writers

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.