The Worlds Best White Water Rafting - Gauley River

The 45-kilometer (28-mile) run of class III to V rapids of the Gauley River is one of the most popular white water rafting experiences in the United States. A series of controlled water releases from the upstream Summersville Dam are scheduled for six successive summer weekends in what is known as Gauley Season. The releases are undertaken for the express purpose of white water recreation, and the river and the rafters go wild.

"Dropping more than 668 feet through 28 miles of rugged terrain, the Gauley River's complex stretch of whitewater features more than 100 rapids with a steep gradient, technical runs, an incredible volume of water and huge waves. Its vigorous rapids, scenic quality and inaccessibility combine to make Gauley River one of the premier whitewater runs in the world." (US National Park Service)

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Flickr photo credit: 2006-09-17 Upper Gauley River, WV - White Water Rafting 08 originally uploaded by QuiteLucid

The Worlds Best Scuba Diving - Chuuk

The site of a former Japanese naval base with over 50 diveable wrecks, Chuuk Lagoon (formerly known as Truk) is among the worlds top wreck diving destinations. In 1944 the US Air Force wiped out the entire base in the largest surface bombing campaign in history, and the remains now litter the seabed of the lagoon. Due to the lagoons reef system, the wrecks are all well protected from deep sea currents.

With its vast, shallow, beautiful lagoon, Chuuk is a Mecca for wreck divers maintains the local visitor center (Visit-fsm.org). "Here, more than 50 hulks have been transformed into shipreefs, holding the very best of the undersea world and maritime history at one site. Hard and soft corals in a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes attract divers worldwide for both daytime and night diving."

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Flickr photo credit: Yamagiri Maru originally uploaded by mattk1979

The Worlds Best Snowboarding - Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is situated near the Hintertux glacier, which is above the snowline, making snowboarding possible all year round. The resort claims to have Austria's steepest piste, called the Harakiri, but it also has a large range of runs that permit snowboarding at different levels of difficulty. Mayrhofen also boasts the largest cable car in Austria with a capacity of 160 passengers, as well as a great park and a snowboard hotel.

For several years the Vans Penken Park in Mayrhofen has been voted one of the best parks in Europe by Snow-parks.com. "The Park has been an important factor in the Austrian freestyle scene for the last six years. Many Austrian and international pros call the Vans Penken Park their home and can be regularly seen shredding there. Due to the park's southward facing slope it gets plenty of sunshine and softer landings in the late season. The lift runs over the park, giving a perfect view of the action." (Mayrhofen.at)

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Flickr photo credit: CIMG0070 originally uploaded by stoosh

The Worlds Best Beaches - Flamenco Beach

Flamenco Beach is a magnificent strip of sand on the Puerto Rican Island of Culebra. It is nearly a mile (1.6 km) in length and situated in a picturesque Caribbean cove fringed on either side by coral reefs. The clear, shallow, and calm water makes it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.

"A mile or so of striking white coral sand is juxtaposed by turquoise waters and well covered hills. But this beach offers more than the best stretch of coast in Puerto Rico - it offers solitude. Though the area was once used for naval exercises, it has now been given the status of a Marine Wildlife Reserve." (PuertoRico.com)

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Flickr photo credit: Culebra - Playa de Flamenco originally uploaded by Diueine

The Worlds Best Snorkeling - Maldives

Snorkeling is one of the primary activities for visitors to the Maldives as the water clarity is excellent due to the islands' location hundreds of kilometers away from any major landmass. Consisting of 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 coral atolls, this archipelago in the Indian Ocean is also abundant with aquatic life from the smallest anemones to large pelagics.

"Snorkeling over the shallow reefs of the islands is an ideal way to explore the underwater world. The house reefs of most of the islands are just a few strokes away from the beach. Even if the reef are quite shallow and one may simply walk up to the reef to enjoy its beauty." (VisitMaldives.com)

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Flickr photo credit: Maldives, October 2007 originally uploaded by Christian Steen

The Worlds Best Theme Parks - Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris, formerly known as Euro Disneyland, is the French version of Walt Disney's immensely popular theme park concept. Occupying 566,560 m² (140 acres), it is the biggest international Disney park based on the California original. Visitors can also visit the nearby Walt Disney Studios Paris as well as the Disney Village shopping district.

"Are you the ultimate thrill-seeker? Well, you've come to the right place, Disneyland Resort Paris is not just a magical world for little children. It's a rock 'n' roller coaster ride of pure sensation with you in the front seat!

Whether you're in the heart of the wild frontier or in deep space, our exhilarating rides and state-of-the-art special effects offer the ultimate adrenaline rush. Nowhere on the planet can you be so close to the action, technology and innovation."
(DisneylandParis.com)

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Flickr photo credit: Indiana Jones - Dysneyland Paris originally uploaded by Eric Borda

The Worlds Best Surf - Tavarua

Tavarua Island in Fiji is managed by a private surf camp, and its superb reef breaks are accessible by invitation only. However, those who make it to Tavarua can enjoy a crowd-free, beautiful surfing environment with waves breaking for two hundred meters and more. Because of the shallow coral shelf, the heaviest breaks at Tavarua are for seasoned surfers only.

"The legendary surf on Tavarua Island consists of three unique reef breaks: Cloudbreak, Restaurants and Tavarua Rights. Cloudbreak is the most consistent and a short ponga ride out from the island. Restaurants is located directly off the front of our restaurant, and can easily be viewed while relaxing on the deck. Tavarua Rights is located on the backside of the island, playful and fun, but challenging when bigger." (Tavarua.com)

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Flickr photo credit: Tavarua Island, Fiji originally uploaded by EpicSurfgt

The Worlds Best Golf - Cape Kidnappers

The Cape Kidnappers headland on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island is about as dramatic a setting as you can get for playing golf. Protruding into the Pacific Ocean with sheer white cliffs on either side, the golf course's location is as inspiring as it is challenging. In addition to being one of the most spectacular golf courses in the world, it is also one of the best.

"The American designer of Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, Tom Doak, who is also well known for his prize-winning courses in the US, has said that, 'If Cape Kidnappers were a book it would be an epic. Enjoy your game and enjoy the setting [because] you may never play golf somewhere like this again.'" (BestofGolfNewZealand.com)

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Flickr photo credit: Cape Kidnappers originally uploaded by tony_the_bald_eagle

The Worlds Best Parties - Buenos Aires

The Argentinian capital is one of the largest cities in Latin America, and you can always count on its inhabitants to throw a great party. Although tango may still be an important, traditional ingredient in local festivities, the city is becoming increasingly famous for its excellent selection of clubs pumping out hip-hop, dancehall, techno, baile funk, and reggaeton tunes till early morning hours.

"Buenos Aires is World Famous for its nightlife, glamourous restaurants, trendy nightclubs and fashionable bars. The Capital is seething with restaurants and drinking dens of all shapes & sizes. From the intimacy of the small DJ Bars to the pulsating floors of the major nightclubs, Buenos Aires has something to offer everyone." (BuenosAiresNightGuide.com)

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Flickr photo credit: Kevin Johansen and Nada in concert originally uploaded by blmurch

The Worlds Best Casinos - Atlantic City

Since gambling was legalized in Atlantic City in 1976, this seaside city in New Jersey has become a widely popular gaming destination. About a dozen world-renowned casino resort hotels cater for the needs of casino enthusiasts from all over the world. Apart from the gambling, the city's beaches, boardwalks and top-notch entertainment scene are among its major tourist attractions.

"Whether you’re looking to hit it big at the slots, play your hand at some high-powered poker or enjoy anything in between, you’ll find your gaming preference in Atlantic City, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Atlantic City casinos provide non-stop action – with each casino providing its own distinctive theme and flair for hospitality." (AtlanticCityNJ.com)

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Flickr photo credit: trump casino ...Atlantic City originally uploaded by jamvitter