Explore Top 10 World Vacation Destinations
This summer take an adventure, either with your family or by yourself, to explore 10 of the top vacations spots for leisure and adventure around the world. Manufacturer of advanced technology products including the GORE-TX brand, W.L. Gore & Associates, along with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) has announced the Top 10 GORE-TEX Footwear Summer Travel Destinations for 2008. The destinations were identified as this summer’s top locations where travelers can experience the diversity of both outdoor adventure and urban leisure travel.
In tandem with the Top 10 list, Gore is launching the ‘GORE-TEX Footwear Diamond in the Rough’ contest, which challenges U.S. travelers to uncover a hidden GORE-TEX brand diamond-shaped logo in the Top 10 chosen destinations. Each winner will receive $500 in GORE-TEX gear.
Throughout the campaign, Gore will showcase its latest travel footwear styles from Ara, Clark’s, Ecco, Kenneth Cole, Merrell, New Balance, Stuart Weitzman and Timberland. These styles have GORE-TEX fabric technology to help keep feet comfortable regardless of activity or ground conditions.
 “We are honored to have the ATTA place its stamp of approval on our list of Top 10 GORE-TEX Footwear Summer Travel Destinations, which further underscores our commitment to providing travelers with information about the best destinations and gear to help them experience more on their vacations,” said Gore marketing strategist, Brian Gallagher. “ The contest is a great way to engage travelers, encourage them to explore the destinations and experience more with GORE-TEX footwear. With GORE-TEX fabric technology inside of today’s shoe fashions, travelers can experience everything from hiking and sightseeing to a night out on the town while wearing a versatile, waterproof and breathable shoe that will manage the micro-climate inside their shoes to keep them comfortable.”
To help Gore compile the Top 10 list, the ATTA utilized worldwide trade and consumer travel studies regarding the popularity of destinations and considered various destinations’ compelling assets and special environmental and cultural considerations, to help create this top 10 list:
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Australia
From the tropical rainforests of Queensland to a trip out west to Australia’s most famous landmark, Ayers Rock, adventure travelers can have it all. Leisure travelers can shop in Sydney and Melbourne, relax on the beaches of Surfer’s Paradise, or visit one of Australia’s crocodile farms.
Brazil
Adventure travelers can trek along the jungles and rivers of the Amazon and see the spectacular thunder of Iguacu Falls. For a more relaxed experience, travelers can soak up sun on the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, or learn to samba while enjoying the nightlife of Rio de Janeiro.
British Columbia
For breathtaking experiences that include climbing across the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge or sea kayaking with Orca whales, British Columbia is home to many activities for adventurers. The BC Ferries travel along the coast to the cities of Vancouver and Victoria where visitors can stop at Granville Island or the inner harbor.
California
California’s diverse geography offers a variety of activities – from parasailing at Lake Tahoe and exploring the Mojave dessert, to sipping wine in Napa Valley and taking in the panoramic view from the Golden Gate Bridge.
France
Travelers have the opportunity to view the artistic wonders of the Louvre, the palace at Versailles and the Eiffel Tower – then hike through the forests of Fontainebleau, cycle in the Pyrénées Mountains and take in the view from the top of Mont Blanc.
Madagascar
Travelers who love the outdoors will enjoy hiking through the Montagne d’Ambre National Park or climbing the mountainous trails of Ranomafana in search of lemurs. Visitors looking for a more relaxing experience will appreciate a tour of Antananarivo or a visit to the Royal Palace at Ambohimanga.
Nepal
Kathmandu, the hub of traditional culture and arts, is an ideal place for rest, relaxation and visiting historic and artistic temples including Boudhanath Stupa, home to Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Adventure seekers can find uninterrupted white water on the Marshyangdi River, which flows through the Annapurna Himalayas.
New York
This state is home to the 46 High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains and the Hudson Valley, where adventure enthusiasts will find rock climbing at the Mohonk Nature Preserve. Leisure visitors can explore Niagara Falls, a true "Wonder of the World," and experience the arts, culture and shopping of New York City.
Norway
As 2008 is the International Polar Year, Norway is an ideal destination for leisure and adventure travelers who want to witness the changing earth. Adventure enthusiasts can explore the fjords and breathtaking waterfalls, while leisure visitors can experience the Norwegian coastline on a Hurtigruten cruise ship or learn about Viking history in Oslo.
Switzerland
Leisure travelers can experience cosmopolitan and historical cities like Zurich, Basel and Geneva. Within a short drive or train ride, adventure seekers can hike up the Alps or hang-glide down.
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“This list will help travelers identify thrilling destinations for their summer vacations — destinations that are sure to offer every individual an unusual, authentic and environmentally and culturally rich experience,” said ATTA vice president, Chris Doyle.
The Top 10 list serves as the setting for the ‘GORE-TEX Footwear Diamond in the Rough’ contest, which challenges U.S. travelers to find a hidden GORE-TEX brand logo in chosen destinations. To set out to find a ‘ GORE-TEX Footwear Diamond in the Rough,’ travelers can visit the contest website to gather clues as to where the logos are hidden in the chosen destinations. Travelers who find the hidden logos will win $500 in GORE-TEX gear. Consumers can also participate in an online write-in contest, explaining why they want GORE-TEX Footwear for their upcoming vacation. The top entries will win a free pair of shoes.
Begin your scavenger hunt online by visiting GORE-TEX Footwear Diamond in the Rough Contest.
For information about W.L. Gore & Associates, visit GORE-TEX.
To learn more about adventure travel possibilities visit the Adventure Travel Trade Association. |
