America’s Favorite Travel Shows Have the Most Comprehensive Educational Content That You Can’t Find Anywhere Else..
You’ll be inspired to take your dream vacation. Learn how to be your own travel expert on your next vacation, from top celebrity travel personalities and leading local experts at dozens of travel workshops on 3 theaters located on the show floor.
Check back often as speaker information is being updated daily!
3 Theaters and Over 30+ Sessions
Travel Theater: Hear from the top travel celebrity personalities such as Rick Steves, Rudy Maxa and Patricia Schultz as they inspire you to take your dream vacation.
Destination Theater: From where to go and when to go, to what to do and how to get there, destination experts will give you the in depth information you need to travel like a local.
Savvy Traveler Theater: Showcasing travel tips, tricks and actionable advice, you’ll learn how to travel like a pro straight from the experts. Topics include packing tips, technology skills, travel safety methods, budget travel hacks, etc.
Speakers and schedule are subject to change without prior notice, please check back often for updates.
Stop by the on-floor bookstore to purchase books from your favorite travel authors here at the show!
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Travel Theater
Adventure Awaits! Turn any vacation into the journey of a lifetime
Josh Gates, Explorer, Host of Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown
As the host of Discovery Channel’s smash-hit series Expedition Unknown, explorer Josh Gates travels around the world and off the map to find the truth behind iconic legends and thrilling archaeological mysteries. Join Josh in-person for an exclusive talk about his most daring expeditions as well as real-world advice on how to embrace the unknown and transform your next vacation into an epic journey. Whether you’re looking to climb a mountain or kick back on an all-inclusive cruise, Josh shares practical tips from his travels to help shift your next vacation into another gear.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
11:45 am – 12:15 pm
Destination Theater
The Yosemite Experience Pavilion will present: Yosemite National Park Quiz Show
Brooke Smith, Director of Public Relations, Visit Yosemite | Madera County
Jen Lopez, Marketing Manager, Visit Yosemite | Tuolumne County
Join us for information on Yosemite National Park, park gateway communities, fun trivia, and prizes!
11:45 am – 12:30 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
The Best Packing & Travel Tips For Today’s World
Angel Castellanos, World Travel Expert, Writer/TV Host AngelsTravelLounge.com
Angel Castellanos, (www.AngelsTravelLounge.com) is a passionate world traveler, travel writer, multi-media personality, and nationally recognized speaker dedicated to helping people travel smart, well, and often. Traveling to over 90 countries on 5 continents (and counting), Angel travels 12-14 weeks internationally each year and draws on his experience and frequent travels to teach “Smart Travel” and equip travelers with the skills they need to make travel easy and enjoyable. He bridges the gap between the practical, common-sense advice he’s learned by traveling the world and the new savvy tips and experiences that have helped his generation revolutionize travel. Angel has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Fox News, Univision, Frommers Radio, USA Today & Travel & Adventure Show as “America’s Newest Travel Expert”.
Angel has continued to travel throughout the pandemic in 2020-2021to Europe, Latin America, and Africa sharing his experiences on social media, website, and live nationwide on FOX & ABC and internationally on the BBC World News.
When not in Italy or Paris, Angel is home in Pasadena, California where he is a proud volunteer with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
Travel Theater
The Longest Way Home
Andrew McCarthy, Award-Winning Travel Writer, Actor, and Director
Join Andrew to hear about his personal journey and how travel and self-reflection changed his life. Aside from his successful acting and directing careers, he is now a successful writer and editor at large for National Geographic Traveler. He’ll discuss fear of the unknown, taking the time to enjoy the precious moments in life, pushing yourself to try new things, and looking at the world with new eyes.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
12:45 pm – 1:15 pm
Destination Theater
So, you want to go to Antarctica or the High Arctic? Here’s What You Need to Know…
Steve Wellmeier, Managing Director, Poseidon Expeditions USA
There are more choices than ever for the intrepid traveler interested in exploring the polar regions – Antarctica, the Arctic and even the North Pole! With these choices come many questions: what exactly are “the polar regions” and where can we go and what will we do and see on arrival? What kind (and size) of ship do I want to be on? Will the ships and our activities be environmentally friendly? What does the traveler need to know about climate issues, and how these might – or might not – affect tourism operations in the polar regions? Steve will do his best to answer these and many other questions you might have about visiting Antarctica or the Arctic.
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Travel 2021 and Beyond: An Insider’s Guide to Europe, Mexico, and Cruises Today
Sarah Dandashy, Award-Winning Concierge and Travel Expert, Ask A Concierge
Ready to travel again? Travel expert and former award-winning Concierge, Sarah Dandashy shares what the travel landscape looks like from an insider’s perspective, as well as her personal experiences cruising in Alaska, visiting the beaches in Mexico, and flying to Europe. Covering what the current travel experience is like and best practices for a smooth trip, she’ll also share some of the biggest trends in travel that we can expect in 2022.
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Destination Theater
Greater Miami Through an LGBTQ Lens
Dan Rios, Director, LGBTQ Marketing, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB)
We’ll explore Greater Miami and Miami Beach and highlight some favorites of LGBTQ visitors.
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Travel Theater
A Special Report from the Master Road Warrior: The Brave New World of Smart Travel, Where You Can Go and Where You MUST Go in the Next Year
Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter and Producer and CBS News Travel Editor
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
RVing & Glamping: The Perfect Road Trip Combination
Mike & Anne Howard, The World’s Longest Honeymooners, Founders of HoneyTrek, and National Geographic Authors & Photographers
Mike & Anne have been traveling the world full-time for the last nine years—even when Covid slammed on the breaks, they kept rolling. Road tripping around 31 states and 7 countries since March 2020, Mike & Anne know what it’s like to travel in this new landscape. What are two of their secrets to staying safe and having fun against the odds? Glamping and RVing!
These two vacation styles allow travelers to immerse themselves in the outdoors without giving up creature comforts. An RV offers transportation, lodging, and meals on the fly, while glamping helps break up long journeys and small-space living with a bit of luxury and immersive experiences. This combination gave them the stamina for a two-year road trip as they researched properties for their book Comfortably Wild: The Best Glamping Destinations in North America, and a lifetime of epic adventures. Learn their top RV travel tips and how glamping can enhance any trip. Discover their favorite destinations, travel hacks, money-saving tricks, invaluable resources, and how to experience the best of the outdoors.
Book Signing to Follow
2:15 pm – 2:45 pm
Destination Theater
The Islands of Tahiti: Paradise on Earth
Kristin Carlson, Managing Director, Tahiti Tourisme United States
Immersed in a world of majestic mountain peaks, turquoise waters, and white-sand beaches, visitors to our islands create memories through authentic experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For centuries, the Tahitian people have referred to this as “Mana”. Mana is a life force and spirit that surrounds and connects all living things. You can see it. Touch it. Taste it. Feel it. And from the moment you arrive, you will understand why we say our islands are Embraced by Mana.
3:15 pm – 3:45 pm
Destination Theater
Alaska, Fantastic in Every Season
Dawn Campbell, Tourism Sales Manager, Visit Anchorage
Local experts from Anchorage, Alaska share tips on what makes Anchorage a great year-round travel destination! Learn about Aurora viewing, winter adventure tours, and new summer adventure as well! Make this year… ALASKA!
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Travel Theater
A Return to Travel
Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director of The Frommer’s Guides and Publisher of Frommers.com
The world is as exciting as ever, but major destinations have changed in many ways over the course of the pandemic. Frommer will discuss how to plan the most appealing vacations for this unusual moment, covering everything from insurance issues to airfares and accommodations, from cultural shifts to modes of travel (tours, cruises, experiential attractions and more). And with pricing all over the map right now, she’ll also help you find the best values, whether you’re vacationing in the lap of luxury, roughing it, or doing something in between.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
3:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Transformative Travel: Become “Enlightened” Through Your Travel Experiences
Renee Blodgett, We Blog the World and
Anthony Compagnone, Blue Soul Travel
Join Renee Blodgett and Anthony Compagnone as they share how to more deeply connect to a destination’s culture and the people — their language, unique customs, food, drink and music. Explore how the sacredness of a place can show you how it, and we are all interconnected.
4:15 pm – 4:45 pm
Destination Theater
ASEAN Travel Hacks: Exploring Exotic Indonesia
Abdul Razak (Zaki), Founder and CEO of TREVI
Indonesia offers a wide range of unique tourism options where travelers can immerse themselves in the rich culture and experience the untouched natural beauty that this diverse country has to offer. Join the unstoppable journey of Zaki with his mindful experiences of exploring Indonesia. He’ll explain how to be a smart traveler by being logical with your Travel Plans, Expenses, and Personal preferences. Enjoy every bit of Culture, Culinary, and Adventure on the Session Itinerary. Zaki will truly unleash your experiences to bring the best out of yourself when it comes to traveling.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Travel Theater
A Special Report from the Master Road Warrior: The Brave New World of Smart Travel, Where You Can Go and Where You MUST Go in the Next Year
Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter and Producer and CBS News Travel Editor
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Destination Theater
The Islands of Tahiti: Paradise on Earth
Kristin Carlson, Managing Director, Tahiti Tourisme United States
Immersed in a world of majestic mountain peaks, turquoise waters, and white-sand beaches, visitors to our islands create memories through authentic experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For centuries, the Tahitian people have referred to this as “Mana”. Mana is a life force and spirit that surrounds and connects all living things. You can see it. Touch it. Taste it. Feel it. And from the moment you arrive, you will understand why we say our islands are Embraced by Mana.
11:30 pm – 12:15 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
RVing & Glamping: The Perfect Road Trip Combination
Mike & Anne Howard, The World’s Longest Honeymooners, Founders of HoneyTrek, and National Geographic Authors & Photographers
Mike & Anne have been traveling the world full-time for the last nine years—even when Covid slammed on the breaks, they kept rolling. Road tripping around 31 states and 7 countries since March 2020, Mike & Anne know what it’s like to travel in this new landscape. What are two of their secrets to staying safe and having fun against the odds? Glamping and RVing!
These two vacation styles allow travelers to immerse themselves in the outdoors without giving up creature comforts. An RV offers transportation, lodging, and meals on the fly, while glamping helps break up long journeys and small-space living with a bit of luxury and immersive experiences. This combination gave them the stamina for a two-year road trip as they researched properties for their book Comfortably Wild: The Best Glamping Destinations in North America, and a lifetime of epic adventures. Learn their top RV travel tips and how glamping can enhance any trip. Discover their favorite destinations, travel hacks, money-saving tricks, invaluable resources, and how to experience the best of the outdoors.
Book Signing to Follow
12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
Destination Theater
French Wine & Cheese? Yes Please!
Kim Dickey, Marketing Manager, French Canal Boat
Do you love the idea of spending a week in France immersed in the best of French food, wine and culture? How about with just a few of your closest friends and none of the crowds? Are you looking for something unique and active with the perfect mix of down time and excursions? Do you want to unplug from your daily life and enjoy the simple pleasures of sipping champagne as you cruise through some of the most beautiful scenery in France? Or…. would you prefer to take a leisurely bike ride along the historic towpaths and through quaint country villages? If this sounds like you, we invite you to join us as we introduce you to the little-known world of luxury of barge cruising in France!
12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Take Your Dream Vacation to the Next Level with Private Tours
Julian Douglas, Travel Writer, Photographer, and Experienced Curator, Listen, Journey, Savor
Whether you’re looking to explore ancient sights and museums or eat your way across the Italian countryside in a Ferrari, Julian will share how he’s learned to fully maximize what Private Tours have to offer. Your trip really is just that, “your trip.” Do the things you’ve always dreamed of doing, have once in a lifetime experiences, and check off that Bucket List. 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 will make it happen.
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Travel Theater
Adventure Awaits! Turn any vacation into the journey of a lifetime
Josh Gates, Explorer, Host of Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown
As the host of Discovery Channel’s smash-hit series Expedition Unknown, explorer Josh Gates travels around the world and off the map to find the truth behind iconic legends and thrilling archaeological mysteries. Join Josh in-person for an exclusive talk about his most daring expeditions as well as real-world advice on how to embrace the unknown and transform your next vacation into an epic journey. Whether you’re looking to climb a mountain or kick back on an all-inclusive cruise, Josh shares practical tips from his travels to help shift your next vacation into another gear.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
1:45 pm – 2:15 pm
Destination Theater
Alaska, Fantastic in Every Season
Dawn Campbell, Tourism Sales Manager, Visit Anchorage
Local experts from Anchorage, Alaska share tips on what makes Anchorage a great year-round travel destination! Learn about Aurora viewing, winter adventure tours, and new summer adventure as well! Make this year… ALASKA!
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Tech Tips for Smarter Travel
Angel Castellanos, World Travel Expert, Writer/TV Host AngelsTravelLounge.com
Technology has become even more important for travel these days. 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 certainly 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
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Destination Theater
Cortez Catamaran Adventures – Sailing in the Footsteps of Steinbeck
Tim Hatler, Owner, Ocean Adventure Resort Palapas Ventana
It’s time to write your own chapter in Steinbeck’s Log from the Sea of Cortez!! Join Captain Tim to hear about the many wonders of the Sea of Cortez. 45-foot sailing catamaran yachts are the perfect vessel for an adventure with your small group of 8 family or friends and a great way to travel safely in your pod. There is no better destination than the Sea of Cortez in Baja to island-hop, sail, SUP, hike, snorkel, scuba, fish, and explore nature while we interact with dolphins whales, and more!!
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Travel Theater
Traveling Savvy Into 2022: Everything Will Be Different from Vaccination Passports to Cruise Ship Routes, Big Changes are Coming to the Travel Post-Pandemic Travel World
Rudy Maxa, Travel Journalist & Broadcaster
Autograph Signing Immediately Following