Speaker Stages

Rick Steves, Travel Writer, Host of Rick Steves Europe, and Travel with Rick Steves

Rick shares lessons from a lifetime of travel so you can learn from his experience and travel smarter. With his entertaining, information-packed talk you’ll learn the essential skills for smart travel from itinerary planning to venturing off the beaten path. Get Rick’s pro tips on packing light, escaping the crowds, saving money, maximizing your cultural experiences, and bringing home the best souvenir: a passion for building bridges rather than walls.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Moderator: Carolyn Pinkney, owner/CEO at Pinkney Travel Group, Wanderful Baltimore Hub Leader
Panelist: Shenise Foster, Owner & Content Creator, Wanderful DC Hub Leader

Solo travel isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement empowering travelers to explore the world on their own terms. Join Wanderful, the global community of women travelers (sheswanderful.com), and a panel of seasoned solo travel experts and creators for an inspiring and practical conversation. We’ll dive into the newest solo travel trends, from emerging destinations and digital safety to mindset shifts and tech that’s changing how we explore. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, insider tips, and a curated list of our must-have tools to help you plan your next adventure with confidence and joy.

This session is open to all genders, all ages, and all travel backgrounds!

Donna Nightingale, Event Specialist, 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™.

Angel Castellanos, World Travel Expert, Journalist & TV Host, YouTube Channel The Tour Guy

TBA

Samantha Brown, Emmy Award-Winning Host, Samantha Brown’s Places to Love

Advice, Tips and Tricks that I have learned traveling for over a quarter of a century.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Scott Mayerowitz, Reward Points Expert & Strategist, GlobeTrotScott Strategies

Join Scott as he shares tips from his years as a travel expert and frequent traveler. Learn how to maximize frequent flier and hotel loyalty programs. Follow his hacks for finding the best airfare and learn how to vet a hotel to make sure it is up to your standards. Discover ways to avoid being stranded during flight delays. And for those of you worried about airlines losing your luggage: find out the three simple steps you can take to protect your suitcase.

Kristin Erz and Tim Amm, Directors of Expedition Sales, Silversea Expeditions

Journey to the planet’s most remote and breathtaking destinations, from Antarctica to the Galápagos, with Silversea Expeditions. Discover how luxury and adventure come together for an experience unlike any other.

Jen Ruiz, Creator, Jen on a Jet Plane

Step beyond tourist hotspots and learn how to connect deeply with local communities through food, traditions, and everyday life, transforming your travels into meaningful cultural exchanges.

TBA

Rick Steves, Travel Writer, Host of Rick Steves Europe, and Travel with Rick Steves

Rick shares lessons from a lifetime of travel so you can learn from his experience and travel smarter. With his entertaining, information-packed talk you’ll learn the essential skills for smart travel from itinerary planning to venturing off the beaten path. Get Rick’s pro tips on packing light, escaping the crowds, saving money, maximizing your cultural experiences, and bringing home the best souvenir: a passion for building bridges rather than walls.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Jennifer Broome, Multimedia Travel and Environmental Journalist

Go beyond the parks and visit some of the other units of the National Park Service. Visited 264 of the 433 units and will be going to all of them.

Guarav Ramnarayanan, CEO, Safari Crafters

Discover the truth behind media-shaped common misconceptions about planning a safari and traveling in India. We’ll bust the biggest myths, explore what’s fact versus fiction, and uncover how India’s vibrant chaos, culture, wildlife and charm make it one of the most rewarding safari and adventure destinations on earth.

Rick Steves, Travel Writer, Host of Rick Steves Europe, and Travel with Rick Steves

Rick shares lessons from a lifetime of travel so you can learn from his experience and travel smarter. With his entertaining, information-packed talk you’ll learn the essential skills for smart travel from itinerary planning to venturing off the beaten path. Get Rick’s pro tips on packing light, escaping the crowds, saving money, maximizing your cultural experiences, and bringing home the best souvenir: a passion for building bridges rather than walls.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Angel Castellanos, World Travel Expert, Journalist & TV Host, YouTube Channel The Tour Guy

TBA

TBA

Scott Mayerowitz, Reward Points Expert & Strategist, GlobeTrotScott Strategies

Join Scott as he shares tips from his years as a travel expert and frequent traveler. Learn how to maximize frequent flier and hotel loyalty programs. Follow his hacks for finding the best airfare and learn how to vet a hotel to make sure it is up to your standards. Discover ways to avoid being stranded during flight delays. And for those of you worried about airlines losing your luggage: find out the three simple steps you can take to protect your suitcase.

Samantha Brown, Emmy Award-Winning Host, Samantha Brown’s Places to Love

Advice, Tips and Tricks that I have learned traveling for over a quarter of a century.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Laura Powell, Founder, Tourism Well Defined

Slow Travel, Agritourism, Cool-cations and Longevity programs are just a few of the wellness experiences you’ll be hearing more about in the coming year. This session will explain the art and the science behind the trends, along with offering up a plethora of suggestions for affordable wellness getaways.