NEW YORK, Mar 12, 2002/ --- The April issue of Travel + Leisure magazine reveals survey results from the first-ever 16-week America Online / Travel + Leisure "Travel America" poll.

Travel + Leisure and the AOL Travel Channel asked more than 100,000 AOL members for their opinions of 14 popular travel destinations. The comprehensive and irreverent "Travel America" poll asked for members' opinions on various travel-related topics ranging from shopping to romance to what visitors thought of the local people: Are they helpful? Good-looking? Friendly?

The cities included in the survey are: Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Seattle, Washington, D.C.

Nancy Novogrod, Editor in Chief, Travel + Leisure, says, "The 'Travel America' poll is a perfect addition to Travel + Leisure's annual special issue on America. Each year we delve deeper into what makes our country unique, and this survey lets us connect with residents and travelers in a personal and interactive way."

"When it comes to traveling, we all know the value of 'word of mouth' and sometimes personal recommendations make all the difference for a successful vacation," said Jeff DeKorte, Executive Director, AOL Travel.

"As travel starts to pick up in 2002, we plan to be there for travelers every step of the way so they can learn more about their destinations and book their travel confidently and easily. This first annual 'Travel America' survey is just one of the exciting initiatives to come through our partnership with American Express Publishing that will better assist our members with their travel plans."

PEOPLE

Honolulu ranked highest in all the people categories. Seattle also placed among the top five cities in each category. Las Vegas and New York received high marks for having the best-looking people, but not the friendliest! The residents of Los Angeles were ranked the least friendly overall, and those in Washington, D.C., were deemed not only the worst looking but also the least relaxed. Following are the top five in each category.

Best-Looking
1. Honolulu
2. Las Vegas
3. San Francisco
4. New York
5. Seattle

Friendliest
1. Honolulu
2. New Orleans
3. Seattle
4. Orlando
5. Santa Fe

Most Laid-Back
1. Honolulu
2. New Orleans
3. Santa Fe
4. Seattle
5. Phoenix/Scottsdale

ROMANCE

MOST ROMANTIC Honolulu wins for being a great place to pop the question, take a romantic walk, or enjoy a honeymoon. New Orleans won as the best place for steamy encounters and secret rendezvous. The only city that placed in the top three for every Romance category: San Francisco.

LEAST ROMANTIC Orlando, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., were named as the least romantic cities. Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. were also rated as least friendly and least good-looking, respectively.

SINGLES SCENE Miami was voted as the city with the best singles scene, followed by New York and New Orleans. Santa Fe was named the worst.

HOTELS

Las Vegas was the only city to place at or near the top in three of the four categories. Travelers found the worst views and deals in Washington, D.C., while Santa Fe rated weakest for hotel restaurants and sheer luxury.

Super-Luxe
1. New York
2. Las Vegas
3. Los Angeles

Cheap (but Good)
1. Orlando
2. Las Vegas
3. Chicago

Rooms with a View
1. Honolulu
2. San Francisco
3. Seattle

Hotel Restaurants
1. Las Vegas
2. New York
3. San Francisco

SHOPPING

Not surprisingly, New York and Los Angeles topped the lists in this area.

Unique Boutiques
1.New York
2.Los Angeles
3.Santa Fe

Designer Outposts
1.New York
2.Los Angeles
3.Miami

Home Design
1.Los Angeles
2.Phoenix/Scottsdale
3.Chicago

Bookstores
1.New York
2.San Francisco
3.Boston

Las Vegas ranked last for home design shops and bookstores, Orlando for boutiques, and New Orleans for big-name designer stores.