Travel Channel Announces Launch of 'Destination Summer'

Travel Channel announces today the launch of Destination Summer, a multi-platform programming initiative that embraces all the fun and adventure that the season offers. As part of the Network's continued mission to inspire its travel-centric viewers, seven new original series will roll out this summer, and will be complemented by multiple on- and off-air programming events.

Destination Summer kicks off with "Travel America," a week-long programming initiative featuring original series and specials that spotlight locations throughout the U.S. Beginning Sunday, May 20 through Friday, May 25, it's the best of America, all day and night. Whether it's discovering Kansas City BBQ on "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations," uncovering exotic Hawaii on "Park Secrets," touring over-the-top vehicles on "Extreme RV's," transforming a La Jolla, CA hotel-in-need on "Hotel Impossible" or discovering unusual eats in West Virginia on "Bizarre Foods America," each program will evoke your inner red, white and blue pride. Additional programming events will run throughout the summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The seven new original series anchoring Destination Summer include: "Mega Mansions," an exclusive look at some of America's most iconic mansions open to the public, including a never-before-seen vault inside the Hearst Castle; "Xtreme Waterparks," an action-packed adventure down some of the country's most intense water slides; "Insane Coaster Wars," an adrenaline-pumping ride that allows Travel Channel viewers to go online and decide once and for all which roller coaster really is the best; "RV Kings," following the Dunkel family as they transform a myriad of recreational vehicles into tricked-out wonders; "Suite Choice" (wt), in which travelers get to test-drive three dream vacations in one city based on their budget; "American Originals," following host Steve Watson as he uncovers and tests some of America's most creative and coolest travel inventions and little-known destinations; and "All You Can Meat," hosted by Chuey Martinez, as he searches the nation for the most mouth-watering cuts of meat.

"Summer is synonymous with fun and that's why our slate solidifies Travel Channel as the go-to destination for entertaining travel-related programming," said Andy Singer, General Manager, Travel Channel. "Whether it's roller coasters, water parks or unbelievable locations, our Destination Summer event is bringing the world to you - whether here in America or the other side of the globe."

All summer long, viewers can go to TravelChannel.com for a variety of engaging summer-themed travel content including: vacation and hotel planning tips, summer festivals and events, insane rollercoaster polls, exclusive road-trip video, extreme RV photos, a Rate-My-Beach community, grilling tips, national parks info and more. Plus, Travel Channel hosts will be sharing their summer favorites - from beaches and summer road trips, to ice cream and theme parks.

Destination Summer New Original Series:

JULY

"Mega Mansions"

Premieres Sunday, July 8 at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT with Two Back-to-Back Premieres

(Six half-hour episodes)

Join the tour inside some of America's most unique and iconic Mega Mansions. From hidden vaults in the Hearst Castle, to the private "Bachelor's Wing" at the Biltmore Estate, to a state-of-the-art San Francisco palace where the lights, music, and climate are controlled by a smart phone, each episode explores two breathtaking mansions. Meet the owners, designers and architects, each of whom provides the inside scoop on the one-of-a-kind treasures in these Mega Mansions. Produced by Indigo Films with Travel Channel's Patrick McManamee as Executive Producer.

"Xtreme Waterparks"

Premieres Sunday, July 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT with Two Back-to-Back Premieres

(Six half-hour episodes, one-hour finale)

"Xtreme Waterparks" is an action-packed series that celebrates the world's craziest, over-the top and fabulous water slides. From the world's tallest slide in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil to a high-speed gravity-defying water ride in Orlando, Florida, this series showcases attractions that will thrill even the greatest adrenaline junkies. Each episode features four main attractions (three in the U.S. and one international), highlight other great attractions from around the world, and feature thrill seekers who dare to take the plunge down these jaw-dropping slides! Produced by High Noon Entertainment with Travel Channel's Patrick McManamee as Executive Producer.

"Insane Coaster Wars"

Premieres Sunday, July 8 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT with Two Back-to-Back Premieres

(Six half-hour episodes, one-hour finale)

Roller coasters promise a terrifying trip full of death-defying drops, spine-torqueing twists and stomach-churning inversions - but which ride is better? This series invites thrill seekers everywhere to settle the battle once and for all and go to TravelChannel.com to vote for their favorite coasters. Each episode features four coasters in a total of six different categories. Coaster experts will argue the pros, cons, advantages and weaknesses of each ride. Viewers will be able to go online and vote for their favorite coaster in each category; the fan favorites will then be announced on air at the end of each episode. In the one-hour finale, we countdown the top ten coasters with the most votes! (Voting runs May 7 - June 1 on www.travelchannel.com) Produced by Indigo Films with Travel Channel's Patrick McManamee as Executive Producer.

"RV Kings"

Premieres Sunday, July 8 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT with Two Back-to-Back Premieres

(Six half-hour episodes)

Every episode of "RV Kings" follows the transformation of one lucky family's RV into the perfect vehicle for their dream vacation. These eye-popping overhauls are performed by ace fabricator Danny Dunkel and thirteen of his family members - sisters, brothers, sons, uncles, cousins - whatever it takes to get the job done! Expect makeover magic and a little bit of family drama. Produced by Asylum Entertainment with Travel Channel's Sean McKnight as Executive Producer.

"Suite Choice" (wt)

Premieres Thursday, July 12 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT with Two Back-to-Back Premieres

(Six half-hour episodes)

How do you plan the perfect vacation? In each episode, travelers reveal their ideal vacation and get to test drive three locations in one day! From hotels with private cabanas just steps away from Miami beaches to the rich culture of London, each destination will be exciting, but will make the choice very difficult. Viewers play along by guessing which vacation will be chosen and the winning spot is revealed at the end of each show, along with whether they stayed on budget. Produced by Leopard Films with Travel Channel's Stone Roberts as Executive Producer.

"American Originals" (wt)

Premieres Tuesday, July 24 8:00 p.m. ET/PT with Two Back-to-Back Premieres

(Six half-hour episodes)

America enthusiast Steve Watson showcases classic companies, backyard innovators and festivals that are uniquely American. This season, Watson will crisscross the USA playing with gadgets like the JetLev in Dania, Florida, where he'll walk on water and fly up in the air like Superman, or Sandboard in Florence, Oregon where surfing meets snowboarding on the dunes. These are the people, places and inventions that are making their mark on American travel. Produced by Powderhouse Productions, Inc. with Travel Channel's Stone Roberts as Executive Producer.

AUGUST

"All You Can Meat"

Premieres Wednesday, August 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT with Two Back-to-Back Premieres (Six half-hour episodes)

This series follows radio personality and TV host Chuey Martinez (MTV3) as he crosses the nation searching for the most mouth-watering and succulent cuts of meat - steak, ribs, pulled pork, brisket, etc. - authentically prepared. From the Texas pit master to the woodsman in Appalachia curing jerky in his shack, Martinez quickly learns that great American characters make great meat. He also discovers that roasted meat taps into deep emotions and has the ability to bring people together. Produced by Magnetic Productions with Travel Channel's Daniel A. Schwartz as Executive Producer.

TRAVEL CHANNEL (http://www.travelchannel.com) is a multiplatform travel lifestyle brand with the core mission of providing inspiring and compelling programming that takes viewers beyond their everyday destinations, making the unfamiliar familiar, whether it's around the world or around the block.

A dual feed network that is also available in HD, Travel Channel is the world's leading travel media brand, and is available in over 94 million U.S. cable homes. Owned and operated by Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), Travel Channel has offices in Chevy Chase, MD, and New York, NY. Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI) also owns and operates HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country.