Visit Europe This Summer, Euro-Free; With the Dollar Gaining on the Euro, Travelocity Offers Eastern European Alternatives

SOUTHLAKE, Texas, Jun 13, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Once shrouded behind the elusive Iron Curtain, Eastern
Europe is now emerging as a popular and cost-effective alternative to
the Western European mainstays, such as the United Kingdom, France,
Italy and Germany. The weakening Euro likely means more savings for
Americans on travel extras, dining and hotel accommodations, but
Travelocity’s expert cautions that consumers will still need to shop
smart in order to truly keep costs down.

With the European Travel Commission predicting an estimated 12.7
million American tourists this year, approaching pre-Sept. 11 levels,
travel pro Amy Ziff has some helpful destination pointers to steer
travelers in the right direction for a bargain. From beautiful
Mediterranean beaches to urban architecture untouched by the Second
World War, Eastern Europe offers all the old-world charm of Western
Europe without the crowds and the high cost.

Amy Ziff, editor-at-large for Travelocity, says this is a great
time to visit Eastern Europe. “While countries such as Estonia,
Slovenia and the Czech Republic have joined the European Union, their
currencies have not fully converted to the Euro,” said Ziff. “Armed
with a stronger American dollar, U.S. travelers can truly take
advantage of everything these countries have to offer, whether buying
in the Euro or not.” Using ATMs, eating at cafes over fancy
restaurants, and paying for hotels in US dollars in advance also are
good ways to save while abroad.

So be it a side trip while visiting Western Europe or a Euro-free
getaway, Ziff recommends the following countries as a way of
experiencing the best of post-communism Eastern Europe:

Estonia

This pint-size nation is perhaps better known for its endearing
quirks than its stunning beauty, but that’s all about to change. Now
on savvy travelers’ radars, the former Soviet country of Estonia is
becoming a more popular alternative. Estonia has always stood out as a
Nordic-influenced gem with tiled rooftops, painted fishing boats, and
coastal cliffs.

Latvia

Latvia is one of those beguiling places that seem to have been
forgotten by time. This newly independent nation is keen on
reinvigoration, so now’s the time to explore its Brothers Grimm-like
castles, river valleys, and “old-Europe” ways. Riga, Latvia’s
picturesque capital, is quickly regaining the nickname it was
affectionately given at the end of the 19th century: the Paris of the
Baltics.

Slovenia

While many of its neighbors were embroiled in warfare, Slovenia
managed a somewhat more peacefully adopted independence, allowing it
to become one of the most prosperous nations in Eastern Europe in the
last 10 years. Its cities bear the mark of the Venetian Republic, its
mountains evoke the Bavarian Alps, and almost half of this tiny
country is covered in dense forests. Regarded as one of Europe’s
best-kept secrets, the capital city of Ljubljana (pronounced
“lyoob-lyah-na”) remains an untapped wonderland.

Croatia

Though savvy travelers have been flocking to Croatia as an
affordable alternative to pricier Mediterranean countries for the past
few years, this coastal nation is far from overrun with discotheques
and sunning beachgoers. Still a considerable savings when compared
with Greece or Italy, Croatia offers infinite yachting possibilities
along its Adriatic coast, where some of Europe’s most complete Roman
ruins and fairytale medieval cities are located. The capital city of
Zagreb is visually stunning, and Dubrovnik offers visitors a medieval
storybook experience in its old town of Stari Grad.

Czech Republic

Like many of its neighbors, the Czech Republic offers curious
travelers a gamut of experiences–from Gothic, Renaissance, and
Baroque architecture, to timeless villages, winding rivers, and a
famous local beverage (in this case, Pilsner). Though not the bargain
it was a few years ago (and certainly not when compared with other
Eastern European capitals), the capital of Prague can still be an
affordable place to travel this summer. Prague’s labyrinth of medieval
buildings, cobblestone streets, romantic passages, and ancient
churches were left largely untouched by WWII and make for mesmerizing
walks (free!).

Hungary

Despite its recent popularity and increase in visitors, Hungary
remains ones of the best bargains in Europe. Its fast-paced adoption
of Western food, trends, and luxuries in the capital city of Budapest
is reason enough to get there soon–though the melding of these
concepts with the traditions and beauty of this country serve as an
interesting study in post-Communist Europe.

Hot Hotel Deals in Eastern Europe(a)

— Riga, Latvia: The Victoria Hotel from $70 per night

— Zagreb, Croatia: The Westin Zagreb from $153 per night

— Prague, Czech Republic: Corinthia Panorama Hotel from $119 per
night

— Budapest, Hungary: Gold Hotel Panzio from $77 per night

(a) Please note that these sample prices were gathered on 06/09/05
for travel from 07/21/05 to 07/24/05. Travelocity’s booking engine
constantly updates prices and availability. Please check pricing and
availability for your travel dates and destination at
www.travelocity.com/hotels.

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.

SOURCE: Travelocity

Vollmer Public Relations
Amanda Borichevsky, 972-488-4790
amanda@vollmerpr.com
or
Andrea Collins, 212-551-3528
andrea@vollmerpr.com