Seward named in top 10 U.S. destinations

THE LOG STAFF

November 16, 2007 at 10:40AM AKST

Seward was ranked as one of the top 10 hottest travel destinations in the United States for 2008, according to a travel trends survey released on Friday, Nov. 9 by TripAdvisor, an operating company of Expedia Inc., which offers reviews and advice from travelers.

Seward is featured as the No. 3 rising star, the result of TripAdvisor's TravelCast barometer of what's hot in travel destinations.

Emerging hotspots are identified based on online search activity and customer reviews featured throughout the Website.

Seward ranking was reportedly attributed to many factors, including its proximity along a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road to Anchorage, its access to the Kenai Fjords National Park, and the start of Alaska's only National Historic Trail, the Iditarod.

Seward also is a three-time All-America City winner.

Along with the ranking, 2008 brings many big events to Seward, including the 10-year anniversary of the Alaska SeaLife Center and the Iditarod National Historic Trail kicking off its Centennial Celebration on Feb. 2 at the historical Mile 0.

The TripAdvisor top 10 United States destinations for 2008:

1. Sunny Isles Beach, Fla.

2. Kitty Hawk, N.C.

3. Seward, Alaska

4. Kailua, Hawaii

5. Blue Ridge, Ga.

6. Mount Pocono, Pa.

7. San Marcos, Texas

8. Paso Robles, Calif.

9. Rockport, Texas

10. Copper Mountain, Colo.