NEWSLETTER
U.S. Travel's "National Plan for Vacation Day" on January 29th encourages travel
Pittsford, N.Y. - According to the U.S. Travel Association, more than half of Americans (52%) fail to use all of their time off, which adds up to 705 million unused vacation days. Americans who plan, and planning is key, are more likely to use all of their vacation time than non-planners.
So, U.S. Travel has committed to programming that encourages planning for vacations. Resources are available on their website to assist - including a vacation planning tool that allows users to input their number of days off and select specific dates for taking time off.
In support of this initiative, Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council, the official tourism promotion agency for the Finger Lakes as recognized by I LOVE NY, is also encouraging planning a vacation to the myriad of fabulous attractions in the Finger Lakes.
From eleven finger lakes to over 130 wineries, the Finger Lakes Region offers something for every vacation style, including:
Foodies
Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Americans say they prefer to indulge on vacation. The Finger Lakes invites all gastronomes to taste their way across the region, delighting their taste buds with chicken sammies and waffles from F.L.X. Fry Bird or The Dizzy Pig (a maple glaze, bourbon, sugar, bacon donut) from Glazed & Confused. Visitors can then wet their whistle with a tipple from one of many local wineries, breweries or cideries. Start planning your foodie-fest vacation here.
Families
The Finger Lakes is a four-season playground that beckons families to make memories together. Walk down Sesame Street at The Strong National Museum of Play or make your own glass creation at the Corning Museum of Glass. With plenty of water activities, parks and farms, interactive museums and amusement centers, all ages will have a ball. Begin planning a vacation everyone will love here.
History Buffs
Home to many movers, shakers and innovators, history comes alive around every corner of the Finger Lakes. Literature lovers can visit the wooden octagon study of Mark Twain, where the famous Huckleberry Finn was created. Through interactive maps, videos and historic speeches, vacationers can learn about the New Yorkers who fought for abolition, women's rights, civil rights and LGBTQ rights at the Equal Rights Heritage Center. Explore these historic stops and more to learn about the region's past.
Outdoor Folks
Breathe in the fresh Finger Lakes air when you hike, bike, ski or swim on mother nature's best work. Letchworth State Park - "The Grand Canyon of the East" - spans 17 miles long with 25 waterfalls throughout, while Watkins Glen State Park has a reputation for leaving hikers spellbound on its stunning gorge trail. Skiers can hit the slopes of Bristol Mountain, Greek Peak, Labrador, Song and Toggenburg mountains. Fill your vacation with outdoor fun here.
"The Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council is supporting National Plan for Vacation Day because we believe in our right to travel and that everyone should plan for their well-deserved time off," said Lisa Burns, Executive Director, FLRTC. "By committing to planning on January 29th and beyond, we can all reap the benefits of taking a break while giving ourselves something to look forward to."
Finger Lakes residents and visitors alike can request a free guide of the 50 Top Attractions in the Finger Lakes to assist with vacation planning from the region's website.
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The Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council
The breathtaking Finger Lakes takes its name from eleven lakes spanning the region like a giant handprint, stretching from its easternmost point in Onondaga County to its westernmost border in Livingston County, near Letchworth State Park. Boasting a mix of nature trails and natural beauty, wineries and breweries scattered across the region, and quaint villages close to large metropolitan areas, the Finger Lakes Vacation Region has a plethora of tourist attractions within its borders.
In January 2014, the 14 Official County Tourism Promotion Agencies of the Finger Lakes Vacation Region formed a 501(c)(3) organization known as the Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council (FLRTC). The FLRTC Board includes representation from all 14 TPAs and counties: Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Livingston, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates. For information about attractions and events throughout the Finger Lakes region, visit https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=af21beff-f30786c1-af2347ca-000babda0031-f581f92b2905998a&u=http://www.fingerlakestravelny.com/ or call 1-888-408-1693.
Media Contact:
Lisa Burns
Executive Director, FLRTC
O: 585-484-8844
C: 585-410-1528