Speaker Stages

Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter & Producer & CBS News Travel Editor

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Klaus Fielsch, Galapagos Expert, Metrojourneys

Now, more than ever, the Galapagos Islands are the ideal destination. Isolated but accessible, and above all extraordinary. When is the best month to travel? What endemic species will I see? What should I keep in mind before booking a life changing expedition to Galapagos? Join us to answer these questions and more.

Chance for one lucky winner to win a 5-day cruise to the Galapagos Islands for two people on board one of our vessels (subject to availability).

Tim Burtch, Regional Sales Director, Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ intimate, yacht-style cruises offer the ultimate way to experience the world — absent of crowds and brimming with luxurious amenities. On both cold-water expeditions and warm-water ocean voyages, guests explore the world’s most sought-after destinations on small, sleek ships in a highly personalized setting while enveloped in exemplary service.

Julian Douglas, Travel Writer, Photographer & Experience Curator at ListenJourneySavor.com

Whether you’re looking to explore ancient sights and museums or eat your way across the Italian countryside in a Ferrari, Julian will reveal his Top 10 Private Tours around the globe. Best of all, he’ll remind you that your trip really is just that, “your trip” and how you can do the same.

Do the things you’ve always dreamed of doing, have once in a lifetime experiences, and check off that bucket list. View the Mona Lisa in private, enter the Vatican before it’s open to the public, go behind closed doors at Versailles, and see Elephants on an African Safari so close you can hear them breathe. Today’s Private Tours are more attainable and less expensive than ever before, so skip the lines and fully experience all that your destination has to offer. If you can dream it, a Private Tour can make it happen.

Marsha Barton, Tourism Sales Manager, Alaska Land & Sea Adventures

There has been an explosion of new experiences you will love while visiting South-Central Alaska both North, South, and right in Alaska’s largest community, Anchorage. Pre or post cruise days or a land-only vacation, authentic adventures await. Learn from a local Alaskan on what’s new and how Alaska is open year-round for YOU!

Alyse Tatum, Content Creator, Travel Writer and Wanderful Austin chapter’s co-director
Colby Holiday, Travel Writer, Digital Content Creator, and Creator of her travel and lifestyle brand, World of a Wanderer
Robin Who, Founder of Our Connected World
Adeina Anderson, Founder, Creative Lifestyles With Adeina

Ever considered traveling alone? Whether you’re a veteran solo traveler or thinking about taking that first trip, solo travel is a special way to immerse yourself in the world around you, and many solo travel experts agree that you’ve just got to do it at least once.

Join the leading women’s travel community Wanderful (sheswanderful.com) and a panel of local solo travel experts and content creators who are going to divulge their top tips for going solo – from what to pack and where to go, to favorite travel hacks along the way to make your next solo trip your best one yet.

Angel Castellanos, World Travel Expert, Writer/TV Host, AngelsTravelLounge.com

The World and travel have dramatically changed. Angel Castellanos, who’s traveled almost 500k air miles since 2020, delivers his updated popular and energetic talk on practical travel tips and savvy packing techniques. This highly informative talk is updated from Angel’s extensive travels and “packed” with the most up to date actionable travel tips and inspirational stories from all over the world to help travelers travel smarter, better, and cheaper. In this talk you will learn to plan, book & execute and even pack for the best vacation of your life! Angel will deliver the best travel tips on changes in tourism, health safety, de-stressing the airport experience, saving money, sightseeing hacks, traveling with technology and of course updated packing tips for today’s world! No matter your level of experience, you are bound to come away with practical, current travel tips. The packing demonstration included in this talk is one you do not want to miss. Packing in a carry on? After this presentation, packing in any bag will not be a problem! Join us for this insightful and dynamic presentation. Travel smart, well and often! AngelsTravelLounge.com

Ruth Daly, Regional Director, North America, Tourism Fiji

Located in the heart of the South Pacific and comprised of over 330 islands, Fiji offers paradise in every color, flavor, and occasion. Just a nonstop flight from LAX or SFO, Fiji is not only easy to reach, but it caters to all types of travelers – from couples and families to friends and everything in between. Nestled in natural wonder and immersed in a deeply authentic living culture, Fijians are known to be some of the happiest people in the world who welcome their visitors with open arms. Travelers to Fiji will be met with pristine white sand beaches, remote private islands, adventures on both land and water, fresh local cuisine, and endless opportunities for exploration or relaxation. There is truly something for everyone in Fiji, Where Happiness Comes Naturally.

Gabe Saglie, Senior Communications Manager, Travelzoo

Gabe Saglie is an expert in savvy travel. Covering everything from cruises to flights to 2023’s hottest destinations, he’ll provide insight and tips into how travel enthusiasts can maximize their budgets and have unforgettable experiences without hurting the bottom line.

The Insider’s Guide to Visiting Arizona Parks
Arizona provides no shortage of outdoor recreation opportunities. From pristine lakes to towering canyon walls to historical artifacts, there are adventures for all. Those looking for bucket-list experiences need to look no further than the 31 state parks, 22 national parks, and millions of acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management throughout the state. Rangers from respective areas bring their passion, knowledge, and personality into showcasing their best tips and tricks for visiting—from ways to experience the park and the history of the area, to specifics about the importance of recreating responsibly. Join Arizona in learning about the diversity of parks, monuments, and public lands through the lens of a ranger, followed by open questions and answers.

Wendy Alexander, Executive Producer, Cooking & Entertaining with Wendy Alexander

Travel, Wine and Dine & Road Tripping with Wendy takes you on the ride of your life. From LA to New Orleans meet me at some of my favorite places by plane, car, and cruise. I will show you some of my favorite places to go and the best kept secret places to eat, especially in New Orleans which is my favorite place in the world to Dine in. Wendy loves food and finding the best places to eat is America’s first love.

Alanna Zingano, Travel Content Creator, Travel the World A to Z
Jeff Corwin, Princess Cruises’ Nature & Adventure Ambassador

Jeff Corwin joins Alanna Zingano as they share ways to make the most of a cruise voyage to explore breathtaking destinations such as Alaska’s wilderness and beyond. Together they’ll uncover cruise tips, trends and share personal stories from their vast experiences at sea. Get ready to leave this presentation with cruise knowledge and the anticipation to hit the high seas for your own adventures!

Cassandra Trezise, Head of Events and Marketing, Inspiring Vacations

From the alleys of eccentric Tokyo to the torii-lined streets of traditional Kyoto and the vast alps of Nagano, Japan dazzles travelers with its endless beauty. With a history as rich as its dynamic culinary scene, Japan is truly unmissable. Inspiring Vacations is your trusted travel partner. Delivering inspiring travel experiences at compelling value and Japan is no exception.

Ralph Velasco, Founder and Chief Experience Officer, PhotoEnrichment Adventures

Everyone travels, and takes pictures, but few intentionally make travel photos everyone wants to see, and this is what separates casual hobbyists from those who can rightfully call themselves travel photographers.

In this session, Ralph shows you how to go beyond the postcard shots everyone else is taking and how to create interesting, storytelling images your friends and family will be begging you to see, not the other way around.

David McGuffin, Travel Enthusiast, Tour Operator, Musician, and Part-Time European, David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe, Inc.

Join European travel expert David McGuffin as he shares travel tips, favorite destinations, and lessons learned from forty-five years on the road. David spends about four months a year in Europe leading his small group tours, writing about his favorite destinations, and sharing his adventures via his social media, travel blog, and videos. He is an advocate of avoiding crowds, living like a local, educated travel, and embracing the culture of the locale. His picture-packed presentation is loaded with pertinent travel information, suggested routes, sage advice, and information about his small-group tours in Europe.

Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter & Producer & CBS News Travel Editor
Scott McCartney, Co-host, Airlines Confidential podcast and former Travel Editor and Middle Seat columnist, the Wall Street Journal
Senitra Horbrook, Credit Card Editor, The Points Guy

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Ivette Granados Marines, General Manager, Northern area of the Baja California Sur Tourism Board (FITUES-VISIT BAJA SUR)

Learn about the Magical Town of Loreto, the petit, charming, and historic coastal city on Baja California Sur`s turquoise Gulf of California.

Alyse Tatum, Content Creator, Travel Writer and Wanderful Austin chapter’s co-director
Colby Holiday, Travel Writer, Digital Content Creator, and Creator of her travel and lifestyle brand, World of a Wanderer
Robin Who, Founder of Our Connected World
Adeina Anderson, Founder, Creative Lifestyles with Adeina

The remote work revolution is here, and with it, your chance to travel more than you ever have before.

Want to work poolside in Brazil? At an eco-lodge in Costa Rica? How about with your own private view of the Eiffel Tower? Whether you’re keeping your day job or trying your hand at a new endeavor or side hustle, now the question isn’t just how, but where.

Join the leading women’s travel community Wanderful (sheswanderful.com) and a panel of local expert creators to get the answers to ALL your burning questions, from how to find your dream remote work destination, to the best gear for your Zoom calls, to everything you need to know about getting your work visa. If you’ve dreamed about working from anywhere, you won’t want to miss this!

The Insider’s Guide to Visiting Arizona Parks
Arizona provides no shortage of outdoor recreation opportunities. From pristine lakes to towering canyon walls to historical artifacts, there are adventures for all. Those looking for bucket-list experiences need to look no further than the 31 state parks, 22 national parks, and millions of acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management throughout the state. Rangers from respective areas bring their passion, knowledge, and personality into showcasing their best tips and tricks for visiting—from ways to experience the park and the history of the area, to specifics about the importance of recreating responsibly. Join Arizona in learning about the diversity of parks, monuments, and public lands through the lens of a ranger, followed by open questions and answers.

Julian Douglas, Travel Writer, Photographer & Experience Curator at ListenJourneySavor.com

Today’s Private Tours are more attainable and less expensive than ever before. Julian will not only share how he’s learned to maximize what Private Tours have to offer, but the ins and outs of making them happen. Those valuable resources that will turn you into an expert. So, whether you’re looking to explore ancient sights and museums, eat your way across the Italian countryside in a Ferrari, view the Mona Lisa in private, enter the Vatican before it’s open to the public, go behind closed doors at Versailles, or see Elephants on an African Safari so close you can hear them breathe. You can do the things you’ve always dreamed of doing, have once in a lifetime experiences, and check off that bucket list. It’s time to skip the lines and fully experience all that your destination has to offer. If you can dream it, a Private Tour can make it happen.

Andrew McCarthy, Director, Award-Winning Travel Writer, and Actor

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Robert Alvarez, Executive Director, Visit Big Bend

The Big Bend Region boasts one of the largest National Parks in the nation and the largest State Park in Texas. Both of these glorious parks have attained the coveted International Dark Sky Park designation by the IDA and the night skies here are absolutely breathtaking. Outdoor adventure also abounds with over 150 miles of hiking trails to roam along with mountain biking, canoeing the Rio Grande, ziplining, bird watching, horseback riding, ATV tours and even a PGA legend Lanny Wadkins designed golf course. The communities surrounding both Parks include Terlingua, Lajitas, Marathon and Study Butte and all have uniquely West Texas shops, art galleries, hotels and restaurants to satisfy any visitor. So, in the Big Bend we like to say, “day or night…it is an adventure!”

Gabe Saglie, Senior Communications Manager, Travelzoo

Gabe Saglie is an expert in savvy travel. Covering everything from cruises to flights to 2023’s hottest destinations, he’ll provide insight and tips into how travel enthusiasts can maximize their budgets and have unforgettable experiences without hurting the bottom line.

Charlie Slater, Owner and Director of Fun, Remote Recreation Safaris

Come join Charlie to hear a discussion on how to plan a safari to Africa.  Charlie knows Africa, he lived there for 15 years:  from Sierra Leone, to Ethiopia, to Kenya, to Zimbabwe, to Mauritius.  One thing he learned is:  it’s a seriously big, diverse continent!   So not every safari is created equally, and it’s important to know what type of adventure you want, where to find it, how to avoid crowds, and when to go.  Charlie designs bespoke safaris to the popular African safaris spots like the Serengeti and Maasai Mara and Kruger, and luxury safaris to the best that Botswana has to offer.  But he also isn’t afraid to tackle safaris to places that few people can find on the map:  the Central African Republic, Chad, or 4×4 self drive supported camping (not glamping) trips in the Skeleton Coast National Park, Hwange National park, or Gonarezhou National Park.  From Cape Town to Cairo, from Senegal to Mauritius, he has provided logistics for VIPs of all sorts:  Presidents, Senators, Congresspeople, Cabinet officials, and now (more importantly) families like yours.

A safari is a big vacation:  plan yours right!

Angel Castellanos, World Travel Expert, Writer/TV Host, AngelsTravelLounge.com

The World and travel have dramatically changed. Angel Castellanos, who’s traveled almost 500k air miles since 2020, delivers his updated popular and energetic talk on practical travel tips and savvy packing techniques. This highly informative talk is updated from Angel’s extensive travels and “packed” with the most up to date actionable travel tips and inspirational stories from all over the world to help travelers travel smarter, better, and cheaper. In this talk you will learn to plan, book & execute and even pack for the best vacation of your life! Angel will deliver the best travel tips on changes in tourism, health safety, de-stressing the airport experience, saving money, sightseeing hacks, traveling with technology and of course updated packing tips for today’s world! No matter your level of experience, you are bound to come away with practical, current travel tips. The packing demonstration included in this talk is one you do not want to miss. Packing in a carry on? After this presentation, packing in any bag will not be a problem! Join us for this insightful and dynamic presentation. Travel smart, well and often! AngelsTravelLounge.com

Klaus Fielsch, Galapagos Expert, Metrojourneys

Now, more than ever, the Galapagos Islands are the ideal destination. Isolated but accessible, and above all extraordinary. When is the best month to travel? What endemic species will I see? What should I keep in mind before booking a life changing expedition to Galapagos? Join us to answer these questions and more.

Chance for one lucky winner to win a 5-day cruise to the Galapagos Islands for two people on board one of our vessels (subject to availability).

Lisa Niver, Award-winning Travel Writer, and Founder, We Said Go Travel

Ready to get out of your comfort zone and enjoy more enriching, memorable travel experiences? Travel expert Lisa Niver tackled her fears and overcame 50 challenges before she turned 50. She will share tips, tricks, and tools on how to be courageous in the world of travel. You can reinvent yourself and find deeper meaning, whether you’re exploring solo or going with friends and family, traveling thousands of miles away or staying in your own backyard. Learn how to take small steps that lead to big change and make your bucket list a reality.