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, Peter Greenberg, Cheryl Strayed, 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.
Saturday, March 23
10:15 am – 11:45 am
Travel Theater
European Travel Skills
Rick Steves, Travel Writer, Host of Rick Steves’ Europe and Travel with Rick Steves
Join travel expert Rick Steves as he shares the latest in smart European travel. In this entertaining, information-packed slideshow lecture, he’ll explain how to travel smoothly and affordably by stretching your travel dollar, eating and sleeping well, avoiding crowds, and packing smartly. Freshly back from four months in Europe, Rick reveals exactly how you can enjoy maximum travel thrills for every mile, minute, and euro on your next European adventure.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
10:15 am – 10:30 am
Savvy Traveler Theater
Visit East Asia: Japan, Korea, & China
Ms. Kay Allen, Japan National Tourism Organization
Soyeon Jin, Marketing Assistant, Korea Tourism Organization
Evan Chan, Marketing Manager, China National Tourist Office
Join the tourism offices of Japan, Korea, and China for an informational seminar on the highlights of these great travel destinations. Come learn about the exceptional food, historical & modern cultures, unique activities, beautiful natural landscapes, and the abundance of attractions that are bringing an exponential number of travelers to these East Asian countries! All three tourism offices are indispensable resources for travel trade professionals, meeting planners, and travelers. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to get tips on the ultimate must-see’s and must do’s!
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Destination Theater
What is Outer Mongolia Anyway?
Badral Yondon, CEO, Mongolia Quest
Few people might remember that the great Gengis Khan was a Mongolian and one of the greatest deserts of the world – Gobi is part of Mongolia! Some might have heard the expression: “getting lost in outer Mongolia”, but what is Mongolia and where it stands in terms of tourism these days? Join us for an introduction of Mongolia – land of Eagle hunters, ancient Nomads and Horses (with brief overview of history and culture). Tour opportunities – cultural journeys and active adventures (how to get there? and what to do once in Mongolia). And what Mongolia Quest has to offer – educational, highly customized tours to Mongolia and beyond.
10:45 am – 11:30 am
Savvy Traveler Theater
Travel Trade Secrets to Travel Like The Experts Do
Johnny Jet, Editor-In-Chief, JohnnyJet.com
Join me to learn how to maximize your rewards and credit cards points coupled with savvy travel tips, apps and web sites to travel smarter, cheaper and more comfortably.
11:15 am – 11:45 am
Destination Theater
Magical Masai Mara. The Wildlife. The People. The Experience.
Gerry van der Walt, Co- Founder of Wild Eye, International Tour & Expedition Leader, Public Speaker, Nature & Travel Photographer
The Masai Mara has not only been voted the best game reserve in Africa by the World Travel Awards but also plays host to the greatest wildlife spectacle in the world – the great wildebeest migration.
However, there is a whole lot more to Kenya and an authentic Mara experience than just the incredible wildlife and never-ending landscapes.
In this interactive presentation Gerry van der Walt will, through video content and beautiful photography, share some Mara magic with you as he explores the people, the culture, the wildlife and the amazing bucket list experience that is a safari to the greatest game reserve in the world.
If you’ve ever wanted to find out more about wildlife in Kenya, the great migration, the Maasai culture, safaris in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem or being a part of an authentic camping experience, this is a presentation you do not want to miss.
11:45 pm – 12:30 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
99 Ways to Cut Your Travel Costs – Without Skimping
Russell Hannon, Ultra-Economical Travel Expert, Break the Travel Barrier
Known for wowing TV and radio audiences with untold budget travel tips, Ultra-Economical Travel Expert Russell Hannon from breakthetravelbarrier.com offers 99 ways to quickly and easily find the best and least expensive travel 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.
12:00 Noon – 12:30 pm
Destination Theater
Discover the Best of the Caribbean with MSC Cruises
Rosalie De Los Hoyos, Business Development, MSC Cruises
Want to know what the highest rated excursions and the most amazing islands are in the Caribbean? Come learn about the steepest zip line in St Maarten, 1950s car tours in Havana, rainforest tours in Puerto Rico and much more. You’ll discover how you can enjoy 4 different Caribbean islands in a week on an MSC cruise.
Come see why MSC Cruises has the world’s most beautiful ships and the most exciting itineraries to experience the best destinations in the Caribbean and around the world.
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Travel Theater
A Wild Life
Cheryl Strayed, Author of the New York Times Bestselling Memoir “Wild”
In her memoir Wild Cheryl Strayed describes the sometimes harrowing, other times hilarious stories behind her solo wilderness trek on the Pacific Crest Trail and the personal journey that led her there. In this talk, Strayed will discuss what she learned about how we bear the unbearable, how we move from grief and anger to acceptance, and how we keep walking even when it seems impossible to stand.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
12:45 pm – 1:15 pm
Destination Theater
3 Places That Should Be on Your Arizona Bucket List
Chris Anderson, Multi Day Guide Manager, Arizona Outback Adventures (AOA)
This class is for outdoor enthusiasts who are always on the lookout for a new place to get off the beaten path, take a hike, or pitch a tent. Join a professional guide from Arizona Outback Adventures who will provide the scoop on visiting three lesser-traveled gems in the Grand Canyon State:
- Aravaipa Canyon
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
12:45 pm – 1:30 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
European River Cruises
Patricia Schultz, Bestselling author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and 1,000 Places to See in The USA & Canada Before You Die
Discovering Europe’s many scenic and history-rich waterways by river boat is one of today’s most comfortable and enjoyable ways to travel. Patricia explores the pros and cons and how it compares to ocean cruising, what you need to know and the questions you need to ask before booking, while sharing some of her own favorite river itineraries in Europe – as well as a few beyond.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Destination Theater
Your Own Italy: Private Travel Perfected
Carmen Carbonell, President, Your Own Italy
For those who want to experience the real Italy, join me as I share my love for Italy, with the heart and soul of the culture and its people. Your Own Italy focuses on living like a local with accommodations in small boutique hotels, apartments in historic centers and villas in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. You’ll travel off-the-beaten path with local guides, indulge in wine tasting and local cuisine in family owned villas, embark on walking city food tours, enjoy hands-on cooking classes and cultural experiences like village festivals throughout Italy. All private – just for you – and customized to fit your dreams and your budget!
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
The Ultimate Packing & Travel Tips for the Best Trip of Your Life
Angel Castellanos, World Traveler, Travel Expert, Writer, AngelsTravelLounge.com
Make your next trip, the next best trip of your life and “Travel Like a Pro”! Angel Castellanos, The Travel Ambassador, delivers his popular and energetic talk on packing tips & savvy travel skills drawing from his experience as a full time professional traveler. This highly informative presentation is packed with the most up to date savvy travel tips and inspirational stories from all over the world to help travelers travel smarter, better and cheaper. Angel will deliver the best travel tips on packing smart, safety, de-stressing the airport experience, saving money, sightseeing hacks, traveling with technology and much more! 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! www.AngelsTravelLounge.com
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Travel Theater
Beating the Airlines, Hotels and Cruise Lines at Their Own Game, Playing by Their Rules.
Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter and Producer and CBS News Travel Editor
How to be a true road warrior at the hottest destinations for 2019.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
2:15 pm – 2:45 pm
Destination Theater
Adventure in the National Parks
Anne Marie Brown, Author of Moon Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Moon Travel Guides
Jenna Blough, Author of Moon Death Valley National Park, Moon Travel Guides
National Parks: America’s treasure. From misty mountains to coastal redwoods (and islands beyond!), there’s a park and an adventure out there for everyone. Come join our travel experts as they share their favorite outdoor adventures, how to plan unforgettable trips to US parks, and offer advice and tips on scenic driving routes, road tripping multiple parks, finding top outdoor activities, and more.
2:45 pm – 3:30 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Know Before You Go!
Rachel Arndt, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Passport Services, U.S. Department of State
The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Passport Services at the U.S. Department of State offers important safety and security tips for U.S. citizens interested in traveling and living abroad. Our mission at the Department of State is to give you reliable, up-to-date safety and security information before and during your trip. If an emergency happens overseas, know that we’ll be here, ready to help. Join us to learn how to travel safe, travel smart, and travel well.
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Destination Theater
A Journey through Switzerland
Mirko Capodanno, District Manager Western USA, Switzerland Tourism
A vacation in Switzerland will make you happy. Learn everything about the small Alpine country in the heart of Europe with its four languages and cultures, how to best explore its spectacular natural environment, how to enjoy its historic towns, and travel around with one of the best public transportations systems in the world. Switzerland is closer than you might think!
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Travel Theater
Broadening Your Global Perspective Through Travel
Rick Steves, Travel Writer, Host of Rick Steves’ Europe and Travel with Rick Steves
Acclaimed travel expert, Rick Steves believes there’s more to travel than good-value hotels, great art, and tasty cuisine. Americans who “travel as a political act” can have the time of their lives and come home smarter with a better understanding of the interconnectedness of today’s world. In this provocative slideshow lecture, Rick demonstrates how travel can be truly transformational. Drawing from lessons he’s learned while exploring Europe, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East, Rick shares that by traveling thoughtfully you can take home the greatest souvenir: a broader perspective.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
3:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Destination Theater
Alaska Myth Busting: Uncover the Truth About an Alaska Vacation
Tia Froehle, Tourism Development and Sales Manager, Visit Anchorage
Local experts from Anchorage, Alaska bust popular myths and legends of Alaska while highlighting the hidden gems and can’t-miss experiences in Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska. Come learn what your Alaska adventure will be.
3:45 pm – 4:30 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Surviving Life on the Go: Taking Risks, Finding Opportunity, and Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Adam Klein, Winner of CBS’ Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X
Adam Klein was ten years old when he first made the screen name “SoleSurvivorAdam”. 15 years later, that manifestation became reality. Join the winner of Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X as he shares his perspectives on going after your dreams, finding fulfillment through adventure and service to others, and seeking opportunities to leave a lasting legacy.
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Destination Theater
Adventure Canada – The Best in Small-Ship Expedition Cruise
Martin Aldrich, Business Development Manager, Expedition Team, Expedition Support, Adventure Canada
Explore the Northwest Passage and Beyond: incredible culture, majestic wildlife, and jaw-dropping landscapes—all experienced from the comfort of an ice-class expedition vessel.
Sunday, March 24
11:15 am – 11:45 am
Destination Theater
Adventure in the National Parks
Becky Lomax, Author of Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 59 Parks, Moon Travel Guides
Anne Marie Brown, Author of Moon Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Moon Travel Guides
Jenna Blough, Author of Moon Death Valley National Park, Moon Travel Guides
National Parks: America’s treasure. From misty mountains to coastal redwoods (and islands beyond!), there’s a park and an adventure out there for everyone. Come join our travel experts as they share their favorite outdoor adventures, how to plan unforgettable trips to US parks, and offer advice and tips on scenic driving routes, road tripping multiple parks, finding top outdoor activities, and more.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Travel Theater
A Wild Life
Cheryl Strayed, Author of the New York Times Bestselling Memoir “Wild”
In her memoir Wild Cheryl Strayed describes the sometimes harrowing, other times hilarious stories behind her solo wilderness trek on the Pacific Crest Trail and the personal journey that led her there. In this talk, Strayed will discuss what she learned about how we bear the unbearable, how we move from grief and anger to acceptance, and how we keep walking even when it seems impossible to stand.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
99 Ways to Cut Your Travel Costs – Without Skimping
Russell Hannon, Ultra-Economical Travel Expert, Break the Travel Barrier
Known for wowing TV and radio audiences with untold budget travel tips, Ultra-Economical Travel Expert Russell Hannon from breakthetravelbarrier.com offers 99 ways to quickly and easily find the best and least expensive travel 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.
12:00 Noon – 12:30 pm
Destination Theater
3 Places That Should Be on Your Arizona Bucket List
Chris Anderson, Multi Day Guide Manager, Arizona Outback Adventures (AOA)
This class is for outdoor enthusiasts who are always on the lookout for a new place to get off the beaten path, take a hike, or pitch a tent. Join a professional guide from Arizona Outback Adventures who will provide the scoop on visiting three lesser-traveled gems in the Grand Canyon State:
- Aravaipa Canyon
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
12:45 pm – 1:15 pm
Destination Theater
Yosemite Now: How to Find Your Yosemite Moment
Therese Williams, Director of Public Relations and Sales, Visit Yosemite Madera County of Tourism
Teri Marshall, Director of Marketing, Rush Creek Lodge and Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite
Meet some friendly and knowledgeable Yosemite experts who are excited to help you find your ideal Yosemite moment. For everything from wilderness adventures to luxury spa services, they’ll help you navigate the changing landscape and share insider tips on how to avoid crowds, find the best deals, and have authentic experiences that will leave you inspired and rejuvenated.
12:45 pm – 1:30 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Traveling Smart with Technology
Angel Castellanos, World Traveler, Travel Expert, Writer, AngelsTravelLounge.com
Learn about the best travel technology, travel apps and how-to-use your device abroad from full time traveler Angel Castellanos. 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 easy 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 and easier. 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
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
Travel Theater
Europe and its Many Don’t-Miss Treasures from Paris to Dubrovnik
Patricia Schultz, Bestselling Author, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and 1,000 Places to See in The USA & Canada Before You Die
The author of the best-selling travel bible, 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, leads us through the highlights of Europe – from its world-class cities like Vienna and St. Petersburg, to lesser known gems like Kinsale in Ireland’s County Cork and Slovenia’s coastal town of Piran on the Adriatic Sea.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Destination Theater
Nevada: Go Home with More Stories Than Souvenirs
Teri Laursen, Director Sales and Industry Partners, Division of Tourism, Travel Nevada
Nevada is a land of dramatic contrasts that beckons adventurers to breathtaking landscapes of rugged mountains, rivers, parks and lakes in the scenic high desert, and dazzles visitors with exciting resorts, elegant dining, world-class shopping, big-name entertainment, professional sports and cultural experiences in 24-hour cities Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas. From neon to nature, we’ll explore the world of adventure in Nevada enticing you to “Go Home with More Stories Than Souvenirs”. Discover Nevada’s many things to do, places to go and places to stay.
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Travel Trade Secrets to Travel Like The Experts Do
Johnny Jet, Editor-In-Chief, JohnnyJet.com
Join me to learn how to maximize your rewards and credit cards points coupled with savvy travel tips, apps and web sites to travel smarter, cheaper and more comfortably.
2:15 pm – 2:45 pm
Destination Theater
Himalaya: Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet
Nathalie Gauthier, North American Manager, World Expeditions
Be inspired by the opportunities that await you in the Himalaya region. Adventure travel expert, Nathalie Gauthier, shares with you the most spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and unique attractions of the different regions of Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. Get an in-depth understanding of sustainable active adventure in the Himalaya, learn what to expect on a trek at altitude, discover the all-inclusive value of our adventures, and more.
2:45 pm – 3:30 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
African Safari Travel – The Good, The Bad and the Interesting
Gerry van der Walt, Co-Founder of Wild Eye, International Tour & Expedition Leader, Public Speaker, Nature & Travel Photographer
Africa is without a doubt one of the world’s most diverse wildlife and nature destinations but there are still many myths and misconceptions around traveling to this beautiful continent. Generalizations and assumptions around African safari travel are rife and perpetuated by both the media and popular culture. With so many fallacies about African safari travel, it’s often hard to get a true and honest insights into a place that is as complex as it is beautiful. In this fun and entertaining presentation Gerry van der Walt will share the good, the bad and the interesting aspects of traveling to Africa for a safari by exploring aspects like accommodation, dining, travel and transfers as well as general safety considerations. If you’ve never thought about traveling to Africa for a safari this presentation might change your mind. If you’ve ever thought about traveling to Africa for a safari this presentation will help you to plan and prepare for the trip of a lifetime.
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Travel Theater
Beating the Airlines, Hotels and Cruise Lines at Their Own Game, Playing by Their Rules.
Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter and Producer and CBS News Travel Editor
How to be a true road warrior at the hottest destinations for 2019.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Destination Theater
The Coming Renaissance of Polar Cruising – Antarctica, the Arctic and the North Pole
Steve Wellmeier, Managing Director. Poseidon Expeditions USA
The next few years will see a marked increase in the number of new companies and new ships entering the polar expedition cruise market segment. What does it mean for the prospective traveler in terms of cruise rates as well as the range of accommodations, service and overall experience? And what new polar itineraries will be available to the adventurous traveler? 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 any other questions you might have about polar cruising.