Speaker Stages

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

Africa is a big place, easily four times larger than the United States.  How does one go about planning and organizing a trip there?  How do you make sure you get that vacation of a lifetime?   Come and talk with someone who has lived in Africa for 15 years.

Jennifer Broome, Multimedia Travel and Environmental Journalist

Jennifer Broome has visited over 200 National Park Service sites and shares her top ten tips to visiting national parks, how to avoid crowds, how she road trips to see multiple NPS sites, and which parks and sites you should visit each season.

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

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

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-seven 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.

Angel Castellanos, World Travel Expert, Writer/TV Host, AngelsTravelLounge.com, YouTube Channel The Tour Guy

If you want to travel better, smarter and enjoy your vacation, you don’t want to miss this popular talk. The World and travel have dramatically changed. Angel Castellanos, who’s traveled almost one million 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

Katy Ouellette, Tourism Sales Manager, Alaska Land & Sea Adventures

What drives traveler’s decisions when planning for an Alaska trip? In short, the numbers. Learn the distances (Alaska IS Big!), temperatures in all the seasons and when to go, money & how to get the best bang-for-the-buck! And lots of other facts about Alaska wildlife, culture & attractions from a seasoned expert. This engaging and entertaining presentation will get you excited to visit the 49th state!

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

Mario Herrera, Director of Business Development, Viking Cruises

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture, and cuisine. Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated at the top of its categories for oceans, rivers, and expeditions by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.  No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time.  Today’s presentation will introduce you to The Viking Way™ of experiencing destination travel.  You will learn about Viking’s award-winning ships, and the itineraries that will allow you to Explore The World In Comfort™.

Russell Hannon, Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of ‘Stop Dreaming Start Traveling’ and Ultra Economical Travel Expert for BreakTheTravelBarrier.com

Known for WOW’ing audiences with untold budget travel tips, Ultra-Economical Travel Expert Russell Hannon offers 99 ways to quickly and easily find the best and least expensive options for you. No matter what your travel type is, or where you want to go, you will leave with dozens of practical tips and tricks you can put to work right away to save money on your next great escape.

Valerie Bryan, Reservations Manager, Poseidon Expeditions

Come explore some of the most remote and pristine areas of the world with us.  Learn about expedition cruising to the Arctic and Antarctic.  Follow Shackleton’s travels in the South and the path of the Vikings in the North.

Moderator: Maureen Hochdorf, Hub Manager, Wanderful Phoenix
Panelists: Alyse Tatum, Creator at Alyse Nicole
Heather Raulerson, Creator @RaulersonGirlsTravel
Brittany Roberts, Travel Blogger @teachblogtravel

Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director of the Frommer’s Guides
and Publisher of Frommers.com

Pauline will discuss the smartest, most up-to-date ways of saving money on airfares, lodgings, sightseeing and more, advice that changes every year since the travel industry is so volatile. But it doesn’t really matter how much you save if the trip doesn’t feed your soul, right? Pauline will also cover methods of travel that allow you to dig deeper into the local culture and/or learn a bit about yourself; the most exciting destinations for 2024/2025; ways to reframe travel planning so it enhances your daily life; and much more.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Klaus Fielsch, Product Manager

Now, more than ever, the Galapagos Islands are the ideal destination. Isolated but accessible, but above all extraordinary. Join Klaus to learn… when is the best month to travel? What endemic species will I see? What should I consider before booking a life-changing expedition to Galapagos?

Julian Douglas, Travel Writer, Photographer & Experience Curator. The Private Tour Connoisseur.

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 Private Tours around the world. Learn how to maximize what Private Tours have to offer, tips and tricks to find the best tours, save money and make them happen.  

Do the things you’ve always dreamed of doing, have once in a lifetime experiences, and check them off your bucket list. View the Mona Lisa in private, drive a vintage boat on Lake Como, 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.

Paul Swart, President, Natural Migrations Inc.

Paul will cover the highlights of going “off the beaten” path on a photographic safari in Africa.

Patricia Schultz, Author, “1,000 Places To See Before You Die”, “1,000 Places To See in the United States & Canada Before Your Die”, and “Why We Travel: 100 Reasons To See The World”

Patricia Schultz is the travel guru and author of the NYT #1 best-selling 1,000 Places To See Before You Die and 1,000 Places to See in the USA & Canada Before You Die. Continent by continent, she takes you along to some of her favorite destinations around the world – both predictable and surprising, well known and unsung – or perhaps some special place just a road trip away. Visually beautiful, Patricia’s presentation is filled with insights and practical tips she’s collected along the way, anecdotes and suggestions about how to make each trip a lasting memory.

Book Signing Immediately Following

Melanie Lieberman, Travel Expert and Writer
Tips and tricks for protecting your trips, saving time, and getting ahead, no matter where you’re going or how often you travel.

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

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Eloise Dyer, Marketing & Communication Manager, Borana Conservancy & Lodge, Kenya
Tatiana Dyer, Assistant Manager, the Borana Lodge

In a world of adventure travel sessions, one stands out as a transformative experience that combines thrilling escapades with profound conservation efforts. Join us to discover the magic of Borana, Kenya with Eloise Dyer.

Explore Borana, Kenya’s hidden gem, where adventure knows no bounds, and where every travel experience is a force for conservation. In this captivating session, Eloise will unveil the magic of Borana Lodge and Conservancy, its pristine landscapes, unparalleled wildlife encounters, and thrilling adventures that await you and your family.

Frank Owens, Guest Experience Manager, Wakatobi Dive Resort

Wakatobi: An Experience Without Equal!

Angel Castellanos, World Travel Expert, Writer/TV Host, AngelsTravelLounge.com, YouTube Channel The Tour Guy

Technology has changed travel for the better and travel has never been easier. There is no doubt that our smartphones can be the most important travel tool in today’s world. Learn about the best travel technology, travel apps and how-to-use your device abroad from full time traveler Angel Castellanos. This highly informative talk is updated every year and “packed” with the most up to date savvy travel tips to help you maximize your tech to travel smarter. Angel Castellanos, The Travel Ambassador, is a travel tech expert with tips to make traveling with your tech easy. Learn to unlock the potential of your device and travel easier and smarter without getting lost in your phone. This informative and popular presentation prepares travelers so they can confidently use their mobile devices as a tool to travel better. Angel will cover the best travel apps to enhance your travels and allow you to communicate effectively without breaking the bank. No matter how tech savvy you are, you will definitely come away with great advice and helpful apps to travel smarter and better with your technology. Join us for this insightful and dynamic presentation. Travel smart, often, and well! www.AngelsTravelLounge.com

Mario Herrera, Director of Business Development, Viking Cruises

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture, and cuisine. Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated at the top of its categories for oceans, rivers, and expeditions by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.  No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time.  Today’s presentation will introduce you to The Viking Way™ of experiencing destination travel.  You will learn about Viking’s award-winning ships, and the itineraries that will allow you to Explore The World In Comfort™.

Patricia Schultz, Author, “1,000 Places To See Before You Die”, “1,000 Places To See in the United States & Canada Before Your Die”, and “Why We Travel: 100 Reasons To See The World”

Patricia Schultz is the travel guru and author of the NYT #1 best-selling 1,000 Places To See Before You Die and 1,000 Places to See in the USA & Canada Before You Die. Continent by continent, she takes you along to some of her favorite destinations around the world – both predictable and surprising, well known and unsung – or perhaps some special place just a road trip away. Visually beautiful, Patricia’s presentation is filled with insights and practical tips she’s collected along the way, anecdotes and suggestions about how to make each trip a lasting memory.

Book Signing Immediately Following

Russell Hannon, Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of ‘Stop Dreaming Start Traveling’ and Ultra Economical Travel Expert for BreakTheTravelBarrier.com

Known for WOW’ing audiences with untold budget travel tips, Ultra-Economical Travel Expert Russell Hannon offers 99 ways to quickly and easily find the best and least expensive options for you. No matter what your travel type is, or where you want to go, you will leave with dozens of practical tips and tricks you can put to work right away to save money on your next great escape.

Brandon Hughbanks, Agent Representative, Travel Insurance Center

Benefits, features, and pricing: Know before you buy.

Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director of the Frommer’s Guides and Publisher of Frommers.com

Pauline will discuss the smartest, most up-to-date ways of saving money on airfares, lodgings, sightseeing and more, advice that changes every year since the travel industry is so volatile. But it doesn’t really matter how much you save if the trip doesn’t feed your soul, right? Pauline will also cover methods of travel that allow you to dig deeper into the local culture and/or learn a bit about yourself; the most exciting destinations for 2024/2025; ways to reframe travel planning so it enhances your daily life; and much more.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Pamela Holt, Solo Travel Expert, TV Host and Producer of “Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel”

Explore the world of solo travel with Pamela Holt. Having ventured to over 90 countries and territories, Pamela inspires both first-time solo travelers and seasoned explorers. Embark on this exciting journey to:

• Acquire tips to spark your inner solo traveler
• Learn strategies to maximize your solo adventures
• Discover the top destinations for solo travelers
• Uncover how solo travel can lead to self-discovery
• And much more!

Don’t miss this opportunity to jumpstart & maximize your solo travels!

For a dose of pre-show motivation, catch Pamela’s TV series “Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel” for free on GoTraveler or any of your preferred platforms: Amazon Prime, Tubi, SlingTV, and more. Season 2 is set to launch this February!

Pamela will be giving out exclusive GoTraveler swag for everyone flaunting the downloaded GoTraveler app on their phones or tablets. While supplies last

Jorge Meraz, Host, TV Show “Crossing South”

Baja California takes the culinary spotlight with its fresh bounty, Mediterranean spring and summer vibes, a wine country rivaling Tuscany, a daily feast of abundant seafood, and a wave of young talents transforming into culinary rockstars. Embark on a culinary odyssey as Jorge dives into the fascinating narrative behind Baja California’s culinary renaissance.