U.S. Consumer Travel Shows
Not sure where you want to vacation in the next year? Want to talk to tour operators and destination experts firsthand about affordable ways you can travel? Perhaps you'd even like to sample scuba diving or rock climbing? Do all this and more at a consumer travel show, typically held in the winter in major metropolitan cities across the United States. Admission is reasonable to these one-stop shopping marketplaces. Hundreds of vendors--tour operators, travel agencies, visitors' bureaus and more--exhibit at booths, where you can stop by and talk to them about their product or destination. Get the inside scoop from experts, take away pamphlets, and register for incredibly valuable door prizes. Here's are just a few travel shows happening in early 2008: This is a major active and adventure travel show, sponsored in part by National Geographic Adventure, and held in four major metro areas: New York, New York, January 12 & 13, Pier 94, $15/ticket. Venerable guidebook publisher Arthur Frommer will be on hand to sign books. Peruvian dancers and African drummers perform on the Global Beats Stage.
Chicago, Illinois, January 26 & 27, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, $15/ticket. Learn how to "travel green" from Costas Christ, an National Geographic Adventure editor, and talk to the author of The Gutsy Traveler. Enter the wide-angle photo contest and win an amazing trip. Long Beach, California, February 9 & 10, Long Beach Convention Center, $10. Co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times, this is the U.S. West's largest travel event. Among some celebrated speakers, listen to the host of the Amazing Race, Phil Keoghan, as he talks about his new book, No Opportunity Wasted: Creating a Life List. Washington, D.C., March 28 & 29, Washington Convention Center, $15. Like the other Adventures in Travel Expos, exhibitors here include family, eco-friendly and adventure destinations and resorts in domestic and international destinations. Seattle Travel Show, January 26 & 27, Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, Seattle, Washington, $7/ticket. More than 130 travel companies and 300 travel professionals from around the world descend upon the Pacific Northwest to showcase various vacation ideas. Special events include packing tips from a seasoned pro, and a book signing by Rick Steves, of "Europe through the Back Door." Boston Globe Travel Show, February 22 & 24, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, Massachusetts, $10/ticket. Find great travel deals and expert advice at this third-annual event in Boston. Live animal show, culinary stage showcasing food from around the world, children's play area, express passport services and many free giveaways are just a few of the highlights. This spring, check out the Atlanta Travel Expo (April 11-13) and the Miami Herald Travel Experience (April 28-29).