Travelocity Reveals North America’s Top Hometown Hot Spots in Its Local Secrets, Big Finds Poll; Ranging from Extraordinary to Absolutely Ordinary, Travelocity Selected the Best of the Best Insider Spots from More Than 30,000 Entries

SOUTHLAKE, Texas -- March 14, 2005 -- What was built in 1894, drops 58 feet and was named “The Crookedest Street in the World” by “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!”? If you guessed Lombard Street in San Francisco, guess again. The state of Iowa holds the answer to this stumper, but it’s certainly not the only state with little-known hidden gems to boast. For travelers looking to uncover local treasures, Travelocity(R) has released its list of Local Secrets, Big Finds(SM) for 2005. This online collection will send you straight to the heart of your destination, revealing insider spots across North America that are often overlooked by tourists and are the very places where the locals go.


Travelocity’s editorial team culled down more than 30,000 entries to develop this exclusive list of Local Secrets, Big Finds. From natural wonders like Canada’s disappearing lake in Jasper, Alberta, to one-of-a-kind events such as ostrich racing in Chandler, Ariz., these finds are sure to pique the interest of locals and visitors alike.

“Travel is very strong right now and no matter where travelers are headed, whether for business or leisure, these local secrets will come in handy,” says Amy Ziff, Travelocity’s editor-at-large and industry expert. “Who doesn’t want to do as the locals do? Our goal in compiling this list was to make exploration simple and fun by pointing travelers in the right direction to find authentic local flavor no matter where they go.”

Each of the 578 finds, including picks from every state, Washington D.C., and Canada, is highlighted on Travelocity’s site at www.travelocity.com/localsecrets. Ziff also showcases 26 of the local hot spots as “Editor’s Top Picks for North America.”

Still wondering what street in Iowa championed over San Francisco’s Lombard Street as the most crooked in the world? Here’s the answer to that along with a few of Ziff’s other top picks:

-- Snake Alley in Burlington, Iowa -- The folks in Burlington proudly note that “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” labeled Snake Alley “The Crookedest Street in the World” -- take that Lombard Street in San Francisco! The Alley, which drops 58 feet, had both practical and aesthetic purposes. German immigrants in 1894 built it so horse-drawn carriages could get downtown without going down the steep inclines of other streets while appreciating the allure of a winding hillside, similar to the vineyards in France and Italy.

-- The Big Jud in Ashton, Idaho -- Idaho is known for big spuds, but what about Big Jud’s? This big-time diner in a small town is home to the one-pound burger, the Big Jud. If you finish this burger (about the size of the plate it is served on!), you get your picture on the wall. Say cheese!

-- Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River, Fla. -- Swim with the manatees or admire them from the shore at the 46-acre Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge along the Crystal River. Nearly 25 percent of the world’s endangered manatees reside here.

-- Balloon Stampede and Winery Open Houses in Walla Walla, Wash. -- Who says wine and hot air balloons don’t mix? On the second full weekend of May in Walla Walla, 80 to 100 colorful hot air balloons go up every morning and evening for three days. About 50 wineries are open for tasting, celebrating the release of some of their latest vintages.

-- Mystery Lake in Jasper, Alberta, Canada -- Located right outside of Jasper Park, this lake offers great fishing and winter sports, but only if you time it right. Named by Indians, Mystery Lake disappears in the fall and returns in the spring. The disappearing act takes place over a period of three weeks each winter.

More Details on Travelocity’s 2005 Local Secrets, Big Finds

After querying millions of Travelocity members to reveal the favorite quintessential finds in their area, Travelocity’s editorial team narrowed down more than 30,000 customer responses to unearth the best local spots in each state and is now sharing the list of Local Secrets, Big Finds with vacationers across the country. A total of 510 spots, that is 10 picks for every state, plus Washington, D.C., were compiled from around the United States. An additional 68 hot spots were chosen from Canada.

About Travelocity

Travelocity’s industry-leading technology and straight-talking, honest information help travelers take more rewarding and affordable trips. With millions of registered users and booking $4.9 billion of travel in 2004, Travelocity(R) negotiates thousands of low-priced 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 deeply-discounted 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 eight 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.

“Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” is a registered trademark of its owner, which is not affiliated with Travelocity.

Contact Information

Judy Haveson

Media Contact

VOLLMER

Contact via E-mail